Devising an SEO strategy that targets local audiences is another game entirely. When optimising a website for local searches, an SEO campaign becomes more complicated but when it’s done right, it’s a highly effective form of online marketing that allows local businesses to promote their services to local customers who are actually looking for them on the search engines.
Interestingly, recent research highlighted that 64% of local customers use online search engines to find local businesses that are in their vicinity, 4/5 consumers use search engines to find local information and local searches lead to more transactions than non- local searches. It’s obvious that the local market is one that businesses need to tap into if they really want to drive sales. Here are 3 local SEO tips that will do just that.
1. Create Locally-focused Content
We all know that content is one of the most decisive factors when it comes to ranking highly on Google and it remains true when it comes to local SEO. To really give your website a boost when it comes to local searches, you need to be creating engaging, top quality content that is localised. This means content that focuses on the interests or condition of your particular area and educates the readers on area-related issues, problems or desires. For example, this content could focus on the benefits of using local services rather than remote services or perhaps explore a topical issue that’s impacted the local area. Local audiences love locally-focused content and if your content can speak about your community and it’s unique quality then you’ll connect with this audience.
2. Make Sure You’re Putting Your Location On Maps
For local businesses it’s important to make sure you’re present on Google Maps because if people can’t source you on Google then they won’t find you. Google Maps is the most commonly used method of locating businesses yet so many of them are yet to claim map listings through Google My Business. It’s easy to do and all you have to do is make sure that your name, address and phone number are consistent on all platforms on the internet. It’s important to use all the other maps like Yelp, Yahoo Business, Bing, Freeindex, Thomson Local, Super Pages, Yellow Pages and Facebook.
3. Build Local Links
Link building is one of the most influential factors when it comes to SEO but not all links have equal value. With some research, you can make a locally-focused backlink strategy. Look for websites run by organisations in your city; many of these local websites have ‘local directories’ on them and a lot of the time a simple email request to the admin is all you need to do to be added. You can also find valuable local backlinks with local clubs or business groups. These links are worthwhile because they’ll help demonstrate how connected and involved you are with the community. It’s important to remember to only build links with websites you want to be associated with and make sure that the links are relevant to your business.
Implementing these SEO tips will drive more localised traffic to your business but we understand that executing them can be challenging if you’re not an SEO practitioner. As a local Manchester-based SEO agency ourselves, we love building relationships with local clients and supporting their businesses with our SEO services. Get in touch with us if you want to capitalise on the local market and want experts to handle your local SEO.