Importance of Local SEO for small business

Everyone knows what SEO means – optimizing your web pages to rank higher on Google. But, unfortunately, many people don’t understand what the term “local SEO” stands for.  Everyone knows about SEO but when we add “local” to the mix, does the definition stay the same?If you are confused, then this article is for you. 

What is local SEO actually?

To understand the meaning of the word “local SEO”, let’s create a hypothetical scenario that we believe is familiar to most of us. Now open a separate tab in your web browser and search for the phrase “SEO service provider”. You can see Google has shown results within the SEO providers area where you are searching. If you move to another state or country or use a VPN and do the same search, the results you get are probably different. Now, what is happening here? Isn’t it surprising?

Actually, what happening is, to provide the best answer to people’s questions, Google has decided to consider the location of the searcher, so that it is visible to searchers residing in the area around you. But there is one more thing that needs to be mentioned. From the hypothetical scenario described above, do you think Google has shown you all the SEO service providers who are in that area? Not at all! Google has shown you only those SEO service providers who thought it appropriate to optimize their sites for local SEO and perhaps those who have activated their Google My Business Listing accounts. Google recently claimed that 46% of all searches on their platform are location-based searches, with searchers using the phrases “around me,” “near me,” etc. 

The benefits of local SEO

Helps to promote local products and services to local customers. It helps with maps, directories, social media, and local searches. It helps you sell to people who don’t know your business exists. It ranks your SERPs and lifts you above the local competition. It achieves maximum conversion levels across all local ad channels. This gives you a chance to beat your local competitors. 

So, should we consider local SEO optimization?

One of the most frequently asked questions on the lips of most business owners is whether their business requires local SEO or not. And the simple answer is: Yes, your business needs local SEO if you want to stand ahead in the local market. But for the benefit of those who may still be in doubt, we have prepared a list of business areas that we believe are most needed for local SEO.

• A small business entrepreneur
• Business based on service.
• Business focused on the local audience
• A franchise/ franchise owner
• Have branches scattered in many parts of the country. 

 How to set up a local SEO? Do we need experts?

As much as we all think that SEO is a sport that anyone can dive into, there are some aspects of it that are only for expert heads. Local SEO is one of them. In fact, to properly optimize your website for local intent, you may need to start working from the website development phase to the SEO optimization phase. Therefore, to accomplish all of this, you will definitely need to hire an expert web developer. But in case, If you can’t or don’t want to hire an expert, here are some tips you can follow: 

1. Activate Google My Business account

First and foremost, access Google to activate your Google My Business account. Once approved, your business will appear on Google search pages. And anytime someone does a location-specific search, your site will be listed in the result.

2. Create location-specific content or blogs

To help the Internet connect your business to a given location, start creating content that discusses the topic of that area. However, this is not to say that you have to change the topic of your site and only focus on people of one denomination. What we mean is that you should take advantage of the power of blogging and as many people as location-unspecified

3. Appear in local blogs and magazines

Each city or town has a blog or magazine that is dedicated to discussing the events in the city. Get to know yours and start publishing content related to your business on its platform. However, be aware that some of them may not be willing to accept your posts.

4. Create a quote/citation

A quote/citation is any reference to your company name on the web. With a detailed quote about your internet business, search engines will be able to determine your location and deliver it as one of the best results.

5. Get reviews and comments

Encourage your site visitors to leave comments about you. This will help improve your Google My Business reputation because more than 90% of consumers read reviews online on several popular online review sites (Yelp, Google Maps, and TripAdvisor)before deciding whether to sponsor a business.