What is Local SEO and Why Your Business Needs It

If you’re a business owner looking to make a splash in your local community, you’ve probably heard the term “local SEO” thrown around. But what exactly is it, and why should you care? In this post, we’re going to break it down for you and show you why local SEO should be a top priority for your business. Let’s dive in!

What is Local SEO?

Local SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is the practice of optimising your online presence to attract more customers from relevant local searches. In other words, it’s all about making sure that people in your area can find your business easily when they search for products or services like yours.

 

While traditional SEO focuses on improving your website’s visibility on a global scale, local SEO is all about targeting customers in a specific geographical area. It’s like the difference between casting a wide net and using a laser-focused approach to reach your ideal customers.

Benefits of Local SEO for Businesses 

Need some convincing to get started with local SEO? Read on!

Increased Visibility in Local Search Results

By investing in local SEO, your business can show up in the top spots of local search results on platforms like Google and Bing. This means more visibility, more clicks, and ultimately, more customers walking through your doors. When users search for products or services in their area, they are more likely to click on the top results, which translates into increased foot traffic and sales for your business.

 

To maximise your visibility in local search results, it’s crucial to ensure your business information is accurate, complete, and engaging. This includes updating your Google My Business and Apple Business Connect Profile Listings, as well as other online directories and review sites. By maintaining a consistent and up-to-date online presence, you make it easier for potential customers to find and contact your business.

 

An optimised local SEO strategy can help your business stand out from competitors and establish your brand as a trusted and reliable option in your community. As a result, you’re not only increasing visibility but also building a strong reputation that encourages customers to choose your business over others. In a world where local searches are becoming increasingly popular, prioritising local SEO is essential for capturing the attention of potential customers and driving business growth.

Attracting Local Customers

People tend to trust local businesses more than large corporations, so focusing on local SEO helps you tap into that community vibe. By appearing in local search results, you’ll be able to attract customers who are actively looking for businesses like yours in their area. In fact, 97% of customers search for a local business on the internet, and 73% of customers trust local industries with positive online reviews.

 

When you successfully attract local customers, you create opportunities to provide personalised experiences, which can lead to long-term relationships with your core audience. These strong connections not only increase customer loyalty but also contribute to retaining more customers in the long run. Happy customers are more likely to share their positive experiences with family and friends, which can indirectly help you attract even more customers while retaining your existing clientele.

 

Targeting local customers also means you can tailor your marketing efforts to address the specific needs and preferences of your community. This allows you to better resonate with your audience and foster a sense of belonging, further strengthening the bond between your business and its customers. In summary, attracting local customers through local SEO and targeted marketing efforts not only boosts your business’s visibility but also helps you establish deep-rooted connections within your community, leading to long-lasting success.

Key Local SEO Strategies 

Here are some common practices to follow when doing local SEO:

Optimising Google My Business Listing

One of the first steps in local SEO is setting up and optimising your Google My Business (GMB) listing. This includes adding accurate business information, choosing the right categories, and adding high-quality photos. To make your GMB listing as effective as possible, ensure that your business information is complete, up-to-date, and engaging.

 

When selecting a business category, be as precise as possible to accurately convey what your business is about. With thousands of categories to choose from, a specific category alongside your listing signals what customers can expect when they click on your profile.

 

As for photos, your cover photo is particularly important as it represents your business on Google. To give it the best chance of being used by Google, make sure it has the right dimensions and looks good in both landscape and portrait orientations. If you have a storefront, Google prefers a picture of the front of your store, ideally as a close-up shot. Additionally, consider adding more high-quality images of your products, services, and team to give potential customers a better idea of what to expect from your business.

 

You should also make sure to actively manage your GMB listing by responding to customer reviews and updating your information as needed. By doing so, you’ll maintain a strong online presence and continue to attract local customers through your optimised Google My Business listing.

Local Keyword Research

Finding the right keywords is crucial for local SEO success. Be sure to focus on keywords that include your location and target audience, like “best pizza in Melbourne” or “Perth plumber.”

 

To identify these local keywords, you can use tools such as Google Keyword Planner, which allows you to get search volume and forecasts for specific areas.

 

Begin by identifying your core term, which represents the ‘what’ of your business. For example, if you are a local hair salon, your core terms might be “hairdresser”, “haircut”, or “hairstylist”. Once you have your core term, you can combine it with your location and other relevant terms to create location-specific keywords.

 

Another way to find local-based keywords is by using Google search results themselves. Type in your main keyword and scroll down to the bottom of the page, where you will find a section called ‘related searches’. This can provide valuable insight into potential keywords that are relevant to your business and location.

 

Additionally, consider using long-tail keywords, which are longer and more specific keyword phrases that cater to a niche audience. These can be particularly helpful for smaller businesses, as they are typically less competitive and can help you rank higher in local search results.

Encouraging Customer Reviews

 

Reviews play a significant role in local SEO. Encourage your customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google and Yelp, and be sure to respond to both positive and negative feedback. To motivate customers to share their experiences, make it as easy as possible for them to leave reviews. This can be achieved by providing direct links to review platforms in your email communication, on your website, and on social media.

 

Waiting for the right time is crucial when asking for feedback. Consider sending review requests after a positive interaction with your customer, such as after they’ve made a purchase or received outstanding customer service. This increases the likelihood of receiving a positive review.

 

You can also craft personalised email messages with a conversational tone to build a relationship with your customers and remind them that their reviews will help people like them make informed decisions. This can appeal to their sense of empathy and encourage them to leave a review.

 

Be careful not to overdo it and put your customers in an uncomfortable position, though. At the end of the day, it’s the customer’s choice to leave a review or not. 

Building Local Citations and Backlinks

A local citation is any mention of your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) on the web. Many SEO experts believe that local citations are a key ranking factor for local SEO.  Citations can appear in various places, such as business directories, social networks, and websites, where someone might be looking for information about local businesses. Make sure your NAP information is consistent across all platforms, and actively work on building backlinks from reputable local sources.

 

Remember that consistency is key when building local citations. Ensuring your NAP information is accurate and uniform across all platforms helps search engines validate your business information and improves your local search rankings. By actively building local citations and backlinks from reputable sources, you can enhance your local SEO performance and increase your online visibility.

Take Your SEO To The Next Level Today

Before diving into local SEO, it’s essential to assess your current local SEO performance. Identify areas where you’re doing well and areas that need improvement. The good news is that you don’t have to do it alone! 

 

Budget SEO is a cost-effective marketing agency, committed to helping businesses like yours succeed in the competitive online landscape. When working with us, you can expect concise and engaging SEO-friendly content that adhere to best practices, including local SEO where applicable. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the necessary support and expertise to improve your website’s SEO performance.

 

Contact us today!