Why is local SEO so important?
It should be clear already that local SEO can play an important part in your whole marketing strategy.
Between 2017 and 2019, Google reported a 900 per cent increase in searches that included the phrase “near me today/tonight”.
Recognising this, it started providing more results for geographically-related searches.
These are based on three key factors:
1) Proximity
How close is your business to the person who is currently searching for what you offer? The nearer you are, the more likely you are to feature.
2) Relevance
Do you offer precisely what they are looking for?
If someone searches for a window cleaner, they don’t want to be presented with results for local window suppliers and fitters.
3) Prominence
Is your business established and well-respected?
Has it given Google enough signals to convince the algorithms that it’s a trusted and genuine company that it should feature highly?
If you can get all of these in place, then you’re well on your way to featuring highly in local search results.
Getting them right is where your local SEO comes in.
What does local SEO involve?
Local SEO is tailored to your business and local area. It will include several components and, like all SEO, will be ongoing and forms a part of an overall strategy.
These components include:
Google My Business
You’ll need to ensure that your contact details are the same across all online directories.
Any discrepancies, you risk confusing Google and making it harder for them to feature you.
Good on-page signals
Your website will need to have the information your customers are searching for. This will include your location, what you offer and your contact details.
These details will also need to match your Google My Business listing.
Local citations & backlinks
Citations is where a third-party website with local reach provides your business contact details. It doesn’t necessarily have to provide a backlink.
Backlinks from other local businesses and information websites are an important part of an effective local SEO service.
Local content
If you’re blogging, or creating other forms of content, then give it a local flavour.
Not only will this create interesting and shareable content that attracts visitors to your website, it will also satisfy Google’s algorithms and help you feature more highly in search results.
Online reviews
Positive reviews from satisfied customers can do wonders for your business.
Not only do they provide reassurance to anyone who is considering using your service, they also help to convince Google that you are a reputable business.
Aqueous Digital can help you with your local SEO
Even when your business is closed, local SEO can work for you.
Aqueous Digital will help you to master local SEO services, drive traffic to your website, and grow your business.
Get in touch today to find out more. hello@aqueous-digital.co.uk 0800 285 1424
Further reading on SEO
Aqueous Digital’s Guide to the Top 501 SEO and Digital Marketing Terms
Aqueous Digital’s Ultimate Guide to the cost of SEO in the UK
How long does SEO take to work?
What is Technical SEO?
What is Local SEO?
SEO vs PPC
Link building and outreach
What are the most important SEO ranking factors?