Three Ways to Boost Your Local Search Marketing Today!

Local search marketing is essential for businesses of every size, because almost four out of five consumers use search engines to find local information, and half of those searchers visit a store within a day. If your business isn’t optimized for local search, you’re missing potential customers and losing sales. Here are three ways to improve your local SEO today.

Get Quality Inbound Links and Optimize Your Profiles

Start by increasing the number of quality inbound links to your website. Optimizing your Google My Business and Google+ profiles is critical, and you should include relevant keywords in your business description. Pay close attention to your NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number), because consistent NAP information matters for local searches. Other local search marketing resources include Yelp, Angie’s List, Merchant Circle, Manta, and Foursquare. Make sure your NAP stays consistent across every listing.

Optimize Your Website for Local Search

A website that loads quickly, has an easy-to-use layout, and contains high-quality content is what local search needs. Keep the site malware-free and easy to navigate, and apply standard SEO practices throughout. Local search marketing should also fit into your overall digital marketing strategy so you gain more exposure online. Once these basics are in place, your organic search visibility will improve.

Create Localized Content and Accurate Listings

Localized content helps your site show up in local searches. A well-developed local strategy means optimizing your page title, URL, header, and content, and using long-tail keyword variations in titles and meta descriptions. Beyond on-page work, you also need consistent and accurate information on local directories, because inaccurate listings can hurt your local search ranking. Update the basics regularly, include your location on every page, and add a Google map so customers can find you.

Local search marketing isn’t only for small businesses. Larger companies also benefit when more people learn about their products and services, because stronger local visibility builds credibility and reputation in the neighborhood. Local customers are also more likely to share what they find, which expands your reach.

FAQ

Why is local search marketing important?

Almost four out of five consumers use search engines to find local information, and half of those searchers go to a store within a day, so businesses that aren’t optimized for local search miss potential customers.

What are the main steps to boost local search marketing?

Build quality inbound links, keep your business profiles optimized with consistent NAP information across directories, and optimize your website with localized content, fast load times, and accurate listings.

Where should business listings be managed for local SEO?

Key places include Google My Business, Google+, Yelp, Angie’s List, Merchant Circle, Manta, and Foursquare, with consistent NAP information across all of them.

Related coverage

• How to Use Local Search Marketing to Increase Conversions
• Boost Your Business with Effective SEO Strategies