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What’s the need of Local SEO?

by | Apr 12, 2021 | Uncategorized

What’s the need of Local SEO?

Are you wondering why your website didn’t show up in the search result, even after applying all the trending SEO practices? Maybe you have been missing out on local SEO. The benefits of local SEO are underrated. Wondering what is the difference between SEO and Local SEO? Don’t worry, I will help you sail through the difficulties of understanding the differences and benefits as well.

Local SEO in building up your brand image in the community and nearby places.
Whenever you search for something online, numerous results pop up. Among these some are paid, some are globally SEO optimized and some are exclusive to your current location. Analytics show that 46% of Google search results have local intent.

If you’re still stuck up on a traditional storefront, then it’s time for you to go online. Check out the things to consider before making a website and cope up with your competitors.

Digital Marketing is the practice of using the most widespread medium, the internet, for advertising and awareness purposes. It uses online channels like websites, search engines, ads, social media, email, and mobile apps to endorse products and services.

Let’s have a look at the following points to get a clear idea about the subject.

  • What is local SEO?
  • Which businesses benefit from local SEO?
  • How local SEO works?
  • How to get started with local SEO?

What is Local SEO?

Local SEO is the process of showcasing your business in the locality. In this, we make use of optimizations to keep your business in the topmost position of local listings, so that maximum people from your locality can find & reach your business easily.

Local SEO is a part of global SEO. It uses optimizations and digital marketing techniques in order to rank locally instead of globally. You will require a different set of regulations to make sure you stand out among other businesses in your place.

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Who can benefit from local SEO?

Businesses that fulfill daily needs can get more exposure through local SEO. Once in a while, we need to go to the Doctor, contact a lawyer, call a plumber, order food online or clean the garden. We are more likely to contact a service that is nearby our house and seems genuine to us. Here, local SEO comes into consideration.

Small businesses are built for local SEO. Whether you are a home baker, boutique or artist, having optimized social media profiles and business listings are your way to the spotlight.

Also, take a look into the possibilities that get unlocked when you turn into e-commerce. Learn about the best practices for creating an e-commerce website.

How Local SEO works?

Whenever a person searches for something, the search engine looks for thousands of websites to provide a relevant result. While fishing out the results, the search engine tests the following factors:

  • Location of the person searching
    The usual format of searching for something is [service]+[location]. For example, “movie theatres new york” will yield the list of all the movie theatres in and around New York
  • NAP citations
    After finding out your desired result, you need to reach them. If the name, address, and phone number (NAP) is clearly mentioned, it becomes easier for customers to contact.
  • Google My Business listing
    When you identify yourself as a business owner, search engines are able to show you to the concerned viewers. Creating a Google My Business account with well-updated pictures, reviews, working hours, etc. answers most of the queries of customers.
  • Keywords used in-app or on the website
    Globally used keywords are different from locally used keywords. When you are optimizing for local SEO, you need to research keywords that perform well for a specific location.
  • Positive online reviews
    You should know that people feel valued when their words are heard. Responding to comments, asking customers for their inputs, and solving queries will create a good reputation for your business.
  • Keywords used in online reviews
    Keywords used in online reviews determine the rank of your business in the locality. Local SEO keywords can improve the quality of the reviews.
  • Number of “check-ins” at that location
    It’s human nature to trust something where many people confide. When we see many people checking in on a business, we are convinced that it is genuine. Search engines also work similarly and boost the frequently checked-in businesses.
  • Social media engagement
    In order to grow yourself in the locality, you need to interact. Joining local social media groups and creating awareness about your business will make sure people know who you are.
  • Google Maps star rating for the business
    Google’s algorithm pushes those results forward that have a maximum number of positive reviews and ratings. When customers put their opinion online, this affects the brand image in the locality.

This is what local SEO means and how it benefits your business. But in order to apply this to your business, you need to be aware of how to use it.

Step-by-step guide to forming a local SEO strategy

  • Making use of Google My Business
    • This is the most beneficial idea that you can do for your local business.

    To make yourself recognized among the fellow businesses, you need to set up a Google My Business account. Once you verify your business’ authenticity, Google will be pushing your business higher on the search results page.

    You need to include pictures, videos, posts, location, and contact information on the My Business page. These practices assure the customers that you are a genuine brand. Staying active by posting on-going events and offers of your business is beneficial.

    Remember that your customers are important. Encourage them to review your business. Respond to positive and negative reviews courteously. The customer inputs form the base of your authenticity.

  • Utilize local keywords for SEO
    • When you use location-specific phrases in the content of your website or social media posts you are listing yourself in the location-specific results. Whenever someone searches for something in the target location, your business is most likely to pop up.

    It is better to add variations of a keyword to justify any human error. For example, if you own a bakery in California, then your desired keywords must include “bakery in California”, “bakeries in California”, “baking in California”.

    If you own a small business and are unable to find enough local SEO keywords then you can focus on a larger area. We assume you own a boutique in Salisbury. So, in order to make your way to the Google location-based search results, you need to make use of keywords like “boutique in Delaware” besides “boutique in Salisbury”.

  • Proper local citations (NAP)
    • What makes the customers turn up to you? It’s the information. The name, address, and phone number popularly referred to as NAP is the route that takes the audience to become the customers.

    Citation is simply the mention of your business online. It can be done in two ways – structured and unstructured way. Structured citations are the direct information about your business presented in business directories, social media pages, etc. While unstructured citations are the mention of your business in blog posts or newspaper websites or any relevant place where your business is linked.

  • On-page SEO
    • You must be aware that SEO means optimizing the website in such a way that search engines know exactly what your website is about. Similarly, local SEO is a part of SEO. So, your website should be containing the relevant keywords in the title, H1 tags, H2 tags, H3 tags, and URL. Apart from that, the meta description of your website must be short but informative and your site URL must be unique.

    To know more about how to make your business stand out, read Why do we need Digital Marketing strategy in 2021?

  • Building effective links
    • In most search engine algorithms, backlinking plays an important role. Establishing relationships among different web pages can be termed backlinking. When some webpage mentions your business or vice versa, a backlink is created that redirects the audience to your business. Building up high-quality backlinks will let your business be more visible. Whenever some website mentions your business, it counts as a vote. The greater number of votes means greater ranking in search results.

    Another way of building links is by contributing to popular pages. Look for social media groups in your target location. Engage in the groups by replying to comments, posting information about your business. You can also come into the spotlight by guest blogging. Putting your inputs in popular blogs and social sites would help you form positive links.

    Case Study

    Let’s consider Altitude Trampoline Park situated in Salisbury MD, USA. It is one of the renowned entertainment locations and holds value among its visitors.

    Whenever someone searches for trampoline parks in Salisbury, Altitude Trampoline Park shows up in the rightmost corner of the place. This is the most relevant location-based result given by the Google search engine.

    If we look closely into the details, we will get to know the formula of an effective local SEO strategy.

    The things to be noticed in the Google My Business search result are:

    • The name of the business, location, working hours, and contact details are clearly mentioned on the Google My Business page.
    • The call-to-action button is present. It makes it possible to make a call directly with a click of that button.
    • Customer reviews and ratings are present to prove the authenticity. This page has an impressive 4.4-star rating and more than 300 customer reviews.
    • Social media pages are up-to-date. This business posts the latest deals and ongoing events to build up curiosity among customers.
    • It appears in the local listings. For example, Altitude Trampoline Park appears in the blog posts of “10 best trampoline parks in Salisbury, MD” and is also listed on travel websites like Tripadvisor.
    • The category of the business is specified clearly as Celebration, Entertainment, and Amusement center. This educates the search engine about the business.

    SEO is not a plug-and-play device. It is a complex thing and cannot be mastered overnight. But after following the steps and organically attracting traffic to your business, you can be assured about the success of your business.

    If you are looking for assistance in order to bring your business into the spotlight then you can consider teaming up with Corehitech Solutions. We help you with local and global SEO through our experience and expertise. Besides that, our specialty is creating stunning apps and websites for your business and fool-proof promotion through digital marketing.

    If you’re just starting your business, we can provide you with guidance. Our product development team and startup consultancy would be supporting you along the way of your ascend.