It's official. In the post-Covid world of Zoom calls and online shopping, the old adage, "location, location, location" has been replaced with "Google Maps, Google Maps, Goo"- Well, you get the idea. Implementing Local SEO strategy is the key to getting seen when potential customers search your area for a service similar to yours.
Why local seo matters
Local SEO helps you attract people searching for services right in your area. If someone types “best coffee shop near me” or “plumber Portland” into Google, you want your business to be at the top of their search results. Appearing in local search can lead to increased foot traffic, more phone calls, and a higher chance of making sales. Paying attention to your local SEO can also level the playing field and help you compete with larger companies whose focus might not be on local searches.
1. optimize your google my business profile
- Claim and verify your business listing.
- Complete your profile by including your name, address, phone number, website, and hours of operation.
- Upload engaging photos of your business, products, and services. Good visuals can draw more customers and make your listing more appealing.
2. reviews and reputation management
- Positive reviews enhance your credibility and improve local rankings, so be sure to ask satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google and other platforms to begin cultivating an online reputation!
- Respond to feedback, whether it's positive or negative. This shows you value their input and are committed to excellent service.
3. use local keywords
- Use keywords with your city or neighborhood in your website content, meta descriptions, and titles. For instance, if you run a bakery in Portland, use phrases like “Portland bakery” or “scratch bakery in Portland.”
- Create content that is relevant in your community. Share blog posts, articles, or event listings that resonate with your audience.
4. build local citations
- List your business in local directories with consistent information (name, address, phone number). This helps Google understand your location and boosts your local search rankings. Make sure to explore every resource, including industry-specific listings and directories.
- Influencers with a large number of followers on social media can help you get external backlinks (links to your business site) by directing their followers to your business if they think it's a valuable service. Invite a foodie with a large audience to your restaurant for a free meal and several cocktails- they'll not only hype you up on social media, they'll bring their friends and create an exciting atmosphere.
- Pinpoint your local publications (magazines, newspapers, community flyers) and reach out to them about promoting your business. This is especially helpful for receiving backlinks to your site and increasing your online visibility.
5. track your Seo progress
- Monitor rankings with tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to see how your site performs in local searches.
- Check Google My Business insights to understand how customers are finding and interacting with your business.
Curious about hiring an expert to help with local SEO? You're in the right place!
At APC, we pride ourselves not only on our gorgeous custom designs, but on our rock-solid foundation of web development and SEO principles to set you up for success.
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