Almost 60% of all online searches are now done using a mobile device. People are browsing while on the move, meaning they want results that solve problems instantly. But do you know how SEO can answer that problem and convert it into leads for your business?
By working on local SEO, you can greatly increase traffic and conversions for your organization. Read on as we answer the question “What is Local SEO?”.
What Is Local SEO?
Many searches are now done through a mobile device, which often uses location software to tell search engines where the user is. In addition to this, major engines like Google are increasingly turning to methods in which they suggest local businesses, to make queries more relevant. This means you have a much easier chance of attracting traffic and customers from your local area.
Imagine you open a burger restaurant. Without local SEO, when people search for burger restaurants, they are likely to get national brands. McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Five Guys, and every other major retailer will show up higher than you because they are more established.
With local SEO, burger eateries in the immediate vicinity of the searcher would be suggested. This makes them much more likely to get web traffic and customers. From restaurants to florists, all types of businesses can reap the rewards of local SEO.
Google My Business
Google My Business (GMB) is essential to any local campaign. It is free to set up and is used to list your business in specific searches on Google for local organizations.
To get the best results, make sure it includes all your details. These can be opening hours, the location, services, contact details, and your website address. You should also invest in some high-quality images to upload to the page.
Your aim should be to appear in the Google Three Pack. These are the top three local searches for a term shown in Google My Business. Being included here can drive serious traffic to your site.
Organic Search Results
As well as GMB, you should also be aiming to turn up in standard search results. This is when people type in the traditional search box and see results that are not GMB. It helps as people will also be searching using engines other than Google, which you should also aim to get traffic for.
Benefits of Local SEO
The main benefit of hiring SEO companies to optimize your local SEO is the added traffic it will bring to your website. However, there are many other pluses.
It is Cost-Effective
Unlike major advertising campaigns, local SEO is cheap. It takes very little to set up and once in place, carries on doing its job. It is not like a marketing campaign that stops once the funds do.
All you need to do is devote a little time to stay on top of updating your local SEO. This can include responding to reviews, building backlinks, and replacing images.
People Want Local Business
In the past few years, a movement has taken place in which people want to support local businesses. Many people would rather buy from a local business and support their area than go to a larger, national, or global retailer. This means people are out there looking for you.
All you need to do is let the public know where you are and that you are operating. As word of mouth grows as well, so will the reputation and reviews on the search engine, increasing your online presence.
Lets You Be Competitive
If you are not working on it, then your competitors will be doing local SEO marketing. This means they are in front of you, building stronger brand awareness and taking traffic that could be yours. It does not matter how good your service or products are if no one knows you are there, but see the competition at every turn.
Brings New Custom
Local SEO will establish you with people in the local area. If you are lucky, they may become steadfast, loyal customers creating a regular returning customer base. However, you can make extra profit by snagging people who are visiting the area as well.
They could be tourists or people who have just moved to the location. Perhaps they will be looking for certain services and places to go. By getting in front of them, you will be the first to provide what they want, making them more likely to form a relationship with your brand and return later.
What Are the Main Ranking Factors?
There are three factors that will be more likely to make you rank on local searches. They are actually quite simple but can take a little work to get right.
The first is how relevant to the business your search is. You can improve this by making sure your listings are detailed with all the correct information. The more details you have, the more likely a match is to be made.
Distance is the next but is something you can do very little about. It is based on how far the searcher is from you. If the search engine has no data on where they are, they will make an approximate guess based upon what they already know.
The final factor is the SEO rank of your business itself. This will be based on a number of variables, such as how many backlinks you have from other sources on the web. This is why it is important to get yourself promoted online, and a quality SEO marketing company should be able to help you with this.
Finding Quality SEO Assistance
Now you can answer the question “What is local SEO?” then you need to get started. Your competitors will probably already be doing it. If you are unsure how to begin, hire an excellent SEO marketing firm to help you out.
TFG Media should be your first stop for SEO services. We specialize in collecting small businesses to the world. Contact us for SEO assistance, web design, and all your internet marketing needs.
