Boost Your Local SEO in 2020 with Mimic Digital Marketing Agency

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Importance of Local SEO
3. Step 1: Setting Up Your Google My Business Account
4. Step 2: Gathering Online Reviews
5. Step 3: Keyword Research by Location
6. Step 4: Including Local Citations or NAP
7. Step 5: Getting Your Business on Social Media
8. Step 6: Local Directory Submissions
9. Conclusion
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Article

The Importance of Local SEO

In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for businesses. And for local businesses, this is especially important. Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) plays a vital role in attracting potential buyers in your local area and driving them to your doorstep. Imagine how beneficial it would be to have your buyers stop by your office or store and make a purchase right away. Well, with local SEO, that is exactly what you can achieve.

Think of local SEO as a big billboard in your city or neighborhood, advertising your business to anyone searching for local products or services. And the numbers don't lie – 50 percent of those who perform a local search via mobile will visit the physical store within the day. Understanding consumer behavior when it comes to local search is crucial in developing a local SEO strategy that works. So let's dive into the steps you need to take to improve your local search rankings and reap the benefits.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Google My Business Account

The first step in your local SEO journey is to set up your Google My Business account. This involves creating a Google My Business listing on your account and verifying it. It's important to note that local SEO is mobile-driven, as 57 percent of all U.S. online traffic now comes from smartphones and tablets. With more than half of the audience trying to find businesses using their smartphones, it's vital to have a website that is mobile-friendly and provides a seamless user experience. In fact, Google implemented mobile-first indexing in 2018, which means that your site's mobile responsiveness can influence your placement and ranking in Google search results.

Step 2: Gathering Online Reviews

Reviews have become a powerful tool in the online marketplace. Just think about the last time you made a purchase on Amazon – did you simply place your order or did you read through the reviews first? The same principle applies to local businesses. Online reviews on your Google My Business listing can have a significant impact on your search rankings. The more genuine reviews you have from real customers, the higher your customer engagement. Positive online reviews not only influence buying decisions but also serve as referrals, testimonials, and word-of-mouth marketing. In fact, 90 percent of customers say that online reviews help them make purchasing decisions. So encourage your customers to leave reviews and build a positive online reputation.

Step 3: Keyword Research by Location

Keyword research is a vital step in any SEO strategy, and for local businesses, it is even more important to focus on location-specific keywords. For example, if you run an automotive shop in Charleston, you would want to target keywords like "automotive shops near me," "car repair in Charleston," or "where can I get my car fixed in Charleston." These types of keywords combine the service you offer with the location you serve. By understanding what keywords potential customers are searching for, you can optimize your website and content to match their search intent. Conduct keyword research using tools like Google Suggest or Craigslist to find relevant keywords for your business and location.

Step 4: Including Local Citations or NAP

When it comes to local SEO, local citations play a crucial role. Local citations are online mentions of your business that display your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP). The key here is consistency. Your NAP information must be the same across all sites where your business is mentioned. This means you should avoid jumbling the sequence of your street address and ensure that your business name stays consistent. Local citations not only help verify the data that Google has for your business but also avoid confusing potential customers. Inconsistent or faulty map information can mislead Google and your audience, impacting your local search rankings.

Step 5: Getting Your Business on Social Media

In today's connected world, social media has become an integral part of our lives. And for businesses, it offers a fantastic opportunity to engage with existing customers, reach new audiences, and increase brand visibility. When your brand is present on social media channels, it becomes easier for customers to find you, even when they're not directly searching on Google. Social platforms allow for added customer engagement because, let's face it – customers won't be checking your website 24/7. However, if they follow you on Facebook or Instagram, there's a high chance that your posts will appear in their news feeds. So make sure to create social media accounts for your business, post relevant content, interact with your audience, and drive more traffic to your website.

Step 6: Local Directory Submissions

To round out your local SEO efforts, it's crucial to submit your business to the top local directories in your area. These directories increase your online visibility and help potential customers find your business when they search for local services or products. Popular directories include Yelp, Yellow Pages, Citysearch, Yahoo Local, SFGate, YouTube, Superpages, and the Better Business Bureau. Finding the best local directories for your area is as easy as visiting a reputable SEO resource like moz.com and searching for directories specific to your city.

Conclusion

In conclusion, local SEO is a powerful strategy for increasing your business's visibility in your local area. By following the steps outlined in this article – setting up your Google My Business account, gathering online reviews, conducting location-specific keyword research, including local citations, leveraging social media, and submitting your business to local directories – you can improve your search rankings and attract more potential buyers to your doorstep. Remember, local SEO is all about connecting with your local audience, so put in the effort, optimize your online presence, and watch your business thrive.

Highlights

• Local SEO is crucial for attracting potential buyers in your local area.
• Setting up a Google My Business account is the first step in local SEO.
• Online reviews have a significant impact on search rankings.
• Location-specific keyword research helps optimize your content.
• Consistent Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) information is essential for local citations.
• Social media presence enhances customer engagement and brand visibility.
• Submitting your business to local directories increases online visibility.

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to see results from local SEO efforts? A: The timeframe for seeing results from local SEO efforts varies depending on various factors such as the competitiveness of your industry, the quality of your website, and the consistency of your SEO efforts. Generally, it takes several months to start seeing noticeable improvements in search rankings.

Q: Can I do local SEO without a physical storefront? A: Yes, even if you don't have a physical storefront, local SEO is still applicable. You can focus on targeting specific locations or areas where your target audience resides or frequently searches for services or products similar to what you offer.

Q: Does local SEO only apply to small businesses? A: No, local SEO is beneficial for businesses of all sizes. Small, medium, and large businesses can all benefit from improving their local search rankings and attracting more customers in their local area.

Q: How often should I gather online reviews for my business? A: It is recommended to continuously encourage customers to leave reviews for your business. Regularly gathering online reviews not only helps improve your search rankings but also provides valuable social proof for potential customers.

Q: Are social media platforms the only way to engage with customers online? A: While social media platforms are a popular and effective way to engage with customers, they are not the only option. Other channels such as email marketing, live chat on your website, or even blogging can also provide opportunities for customer engagement and interaction.