The first question is whether local SEO is relevant for your business. If you have a physical store or offer certain products or services within a specific region, it's definitely important to go through the following checklist.
1. The website
First and foremost, it's crucial that your website has a solid foundation. Here are some elements to pay attention to:
- Responsive web design: Ensure your website is optimized for mobile devices. Many 'local' searches are conducted via phone. When people visit your website, the design should be responsive.
- Page speed: For both user experience and search engine optimization, it's important that your website loads quickly. You don't want visitors to leave due to a slow website, and Google may view you as less relevant.
- URL structure: The URL structure is crucial for user experience. Make sure your website is easy to navigate.
- Internal links: Linking to relevant pages on your website helps visitors find what they are looking for more quickly.
2. Optimize Google My Business
If you haven't claimed your business on Google My Business yet, do that first. Then, make sure to verify your business profile. Now you can add and optimize your business information. Add current information, business hours or availability, contact details, and address information. You also have the option to add photos that give a glimpse of your organization or the service you offer. Don’t forget to add the correct business categories, as these influence your local search results.
3. Manage reviews
Managing your reviews is essential when it comes to local optimization. Nearly 90% of people read reviews about local businesses. Google aims to provide searchers with relevant information, and having positive reviews for your business can improve your ranking. Additionally, specific keywords in reviews that are relevant to your business or frequently mentioned can improve your performance in local search results.
How to get more Google reviews?
There are various ways to get more Google reviews:
- Ask your satisfied customers to leave a review or send out surveys.
- Place a link to your Google Business Profile on your website.
- Add a link to your Google Business Profile in emails to satisfied customers.
4. Local keywords
Keywords are used by people to find information on search engines. Using specific keywords as part of your local SEO strategy increases your chances of being found for those particular keywords. Conduct keyword research to analyze relevant words that are most frequently found in your location related to your business or service. With this keyword list, you can optimize your website and Google Business Profile. Think about landing pages, blog posts, meta titles, and descriptions, etc.
Tip: Long-tail keywords consist of longer, more specific phrases that people use to find businesses. Long-tail keywords often have lower search volumes but are highly relevant for those specifically searching.
5. Consider a blog or FAQ page
Expertise, authority, trustworthiness (EAT), and experience contribute to the value of the content on your website. Google pays attention to these criteria, so regularly publishing blog posts can positively impact your ranking.
If you don’t have enough time to maintain a blog, then an FAQ page might be an option for you. On this page, answer questions that contain frequently searched keywords. It provides relevant and valuable information.
Tip: If you’re adding blog articles, create as much valuable content as possible for your local audience. Describe events organized in your region, news, and interesting facts.
6. Local link building
The advantage of link building is that Google receives signals from other sites indicating that your website is authoritative and trustworthy. This gives a significant boost to your visibility.
Examples of local link building:
- Guest blogs: Are there bloggers or influencers in your area? Have them write a blog post about your product or service, including a link to your website.
- Local events: Participating in or sponsoring local events increases brand awareness and can be used for link building. Many companies will mention your business.
- Collaborations with local businesses: Are there opportunities in your area to collaborate with businesses relevant to your product or service? Ensure there’s a link to your website.
Conclusion
By paying attention to these six points and following a consistent local SEO strategy, you increase your business's online visibility and position in the local market. Keep optimizing your SEO to stay top-of-mind.
