Local SEO is a significant part of digital marketing. It’s important because you can use it to leverage your business. However, many business owners do not understand why local SEO is important, what it is, and how you can use it for their benefit.
This article will help to explain the world of local search engine optimization and how you can use it to boost your business’ sales. With the essential knowledge of SEO, you will understand why local SEO is vital in online marketing and even use it to create an effective marketing strategy.
With a well-planned local SEO solution, you will be able to boost your sales, engage with your audience, retain more customers, and ultimately grow your business.
What Is Local SEO?
Local search engine optimization is a type of SEO that is more focused on improving local businesses. It makes the local and unpopular businesses visible in search engine results. When you search for a specific product or service on Google, you will notice that the results are usually the companies near you. The search engine does this because they know there are certain limitations when searching.
When you use local SEO for your business, it can create more visibility in local searches and will send recommendations to potential customers in your area.
Why Is Local SEO Important
If you are not familiar with local search engine optimization, you must be wondering why local SEO is essential. The majority of all Google searches today are local. When a user searches for something, Google always shows the local businesses nearby first. This is important for you because there has been a reported 900% increase in searches involving the words “near me” since 2017.
To meet user’s needs, Google improved its search results for geographically specific searches based on proximity, prominence, and relevance. This specification means that if your local business is near someone searching for products and services related to what you offer, your business is likely one of the first ones they will see.
Benefits of Local SEO
Aside from visibility in Google search results, here are some of the benefits of investing in local search engine optimization:
- Cost-Effective Marketing Solution: Constantly updating your business information in online directories takes time, effort, and money. Simply setting up local business listings with platforms such as Google My Business will boost your local SEO.
- Will Make it Easier For the Customers to Find You: Studies show that most consumers who look for local businesses will visit a store within five miles of their location. If Google Maps or Google My Business lists your business, there is more chance for new leads.
- Reach Customers Who Are Sure Buyers: Did you know that 80% of local searches made on mobile devices lead to sales? This is because local SEO puts your business in the spotlight at the right moment, making it visible to customers who are ready to purchase.
How Can Your Small Business Use Local SEO?
The measures you have to take to boost your business’ visibility are a lot simpler than you imagine. Here are some of the ways to improve your local SEO:
- Create consistent local citations: Local citations are crucial for your business. Information such as business name, your address, and phone numbers must show consistently. If your information keeps changing, it will be hard for your customers to reach out and inquire about your service. Also, consistent information will let the search engine know that your information is legitimate and trustworthy.
- List your business in local directories: Setting up your local business in listings such as Google My Business, Yelp, and Facebook will make it easier for search engines to locate and verify your business.
- Respond to good and bad reviews: Taking the time to engage and respond to your online reviews will show the customers how much you care about the service you provide and trust you more. When the customers trust you, this will send a good signal to the search engine and improve your rank in local search.
There are so many ways you can improve your local SEO; some can happen at home, some require the help of a local SEO expert. Suppose you want to improve your local SEO, and boost your visibility and gain more revenue. In that case, Advanced Digital Media Services provides effective local SEO solutions that will help you reach the goals of your local business. Establish your online presence and gain new customers with our help; contact us now!
