The Benefits of Local SEO
Local SEO allows small businesses to rank higher in local searches on search engine results pages by optimizing websites and online business listings with keywords for localized searches.
An essential aspect of local SEO is creating NAP (name, address and phone number) citations and managing reviews on popular local sites like Yelp and TripAdvisor. The more active a company is on these platforms, the better.
Increased Traffic
Utilizing local SEO is an excellent way to target searchers more directly; for example, when brides-to-be search for a bridal boutique Charlotte North Carolina, optimizing your GMB listing will appear in her search results and make it easier for them to locate you.
Moz’s 2017 Local Search Ranking Factors study indicates that this strategy can also assist with organic search ranking. Link signals and NAP (name, address, phone number) citations were the top two influencers on both local pack search results as well as organic results for localized searches.
Online reviews play an integral role in local search rankings, so encouraging customers to leave reviews about you online can do wonders for your reputation and visibility, especially if you respond promptly and thoughtfully to any negative feedback received. Doing this also boosts search rankings and increases qualified traffic coming directly to your website or storefront, potentially leading to contact form submissions, phone calls, subscriptions or sales.
Increased Conversions
Local SEO is more than just increasing traffic; it’s about turning that traffic into paying customers and loyal followers of your business. By optimizing your website for local search, it becomes easier for potential buyers and hirers of services or products to find you more quickly – whether they need them now, later, or just want more information.
Google prioritizes relevance and proximity when it comes to converting customers. By employing local SEO strategies, you can ensure your business appears first in search results for related queries. When consumers see you at the top of search results they are more likely to trust that you will deliver as promised; making local SEO an invaluable strategy for service-based businesses, franchises, or e-commerce sites with local intent.
Increased Customer Loyalty
One of the key advantages of local SEO is building brand loyalty. This is possible thanks to local searches generating highly qualified traffic; customers who are ready and willing to purchase your product or service. Furthermore, customers tend to trust small local businesses more than large national brands.
That is why it is vitally important for businesses to focus on building positive online reviews. Achieved through signage, email follow-ups or customer incentives such as incentive offers can increase positive customer reviews that boost Google Business Profile’s feedback score and outrank competitors, especially larger firms. By encouraging satisfied customers to leave reviews via signage or timely follow-ups you can increase Google Business Profile’s feedback score and outrank competitors more effectively.
Google 3-pack listings can add instant credibility and visibility for your business, since people who click on them are more likely to visit your store or website after clicking it. But this isn’t guaranteed – always conduct research before investing in local SEO strategies.
Increased Brand Awareness
Consumers typically turn to reviews and ratings when searching for local services such as hairdressing, costume stores or plumbers. When your business manages its listings so customers leave authentic reviews on platforms such as Google Maps, Yelp or Amazon Echo this can give your reputational boost in target areas.
Local SEO works similarly to “normal” search engine optimization in that the more you optimize your website and online business profiles, the higher you’ll rank in search results. With local SEO, however, its added benefit lies in creating more direct calls, leads and sales from people searching for businesses like yours within a specific geographic location.
Consumers increasingly favor supporting locally-owned, independent businesses over larger national chains, making it all the more imperative that your local marketing strategy and tactics help expand and strengthen your business.