Get the Most From Your Local SEO

Local-SEO-Guide

If you’re like most business owners, you want to get the most out of your organic SEO. You know that ranking high in local search results can drive traffic, bringing more customers and more sales, but what is the best way to achieve this? And how can you be sure that you’re doing everything possible to optimize your web presence for local search results?

The good news is that there are several things that Excel on the Web can do to help their customers around Apex, North Carolina increase their website traffic. In this article, we’ll share some top tips for getting the most out of your internet marketing efforts.

What is Local Search Engine Optimization?

Local SEO is a form of online digital marketing that focuses on preparing your online presence for improved visibility in local results in the search engines. When people search for local businesses online, they typically use platforms like Google Maps or Bing Places.

Local SEO improves your chances of being found when people search for local businesses in your area. It’s different from traditional SEO, which focuses on optimizing your website for generic (national) keywords.

Why is Local Search Engine Optimization Important?

Local SEO is crucial because it can help you attract more local customers and clients. If your website ranks high in local search results, people in your area are more likely to find you when searching for businesses like yours. And suppose you have a strong online presence on local directories and mapping sites. In that case, potential customers will be able to find your address, phone number, and other important information about your business.

Set Up Your Google My Business Page

One of the most important things you can do to improve your local SEO is to set up a Google My Business page. This free tool from Google allows you to manage your business information on Google Maps and search results. It’s essential for local businesses, as it helps customers find you quickly and gives them all the information they need about your business.

To set up a Google My Business page, you’ll need to create a Google account (if you don’t already have one). Then, go to business.google.com and click “Start Now.” Enter your business information and follow the prompts. Be sure to fill out all the data accurately and completely, and add high-quality photos of your business.

Once your page is created, take some time to optimize it. Add keywords that describe your business and services in the “Description” field. These keywords will help customers find your business when they perform a local search.

Claim Your Business Listings

In addition to setting up a Google My Business page, you should also claim your business listings on other local directories. This helps to ensure that your business information is accurate and consistent across the web, improving your local SEO. Plus, it allows you to control how your business appears in local search results.

You can claim several local directories, including Yelp, Bing Places, and Apple Maps. To find more local guides, do a quick Google search for “local directories” + your city or state.

When claiming your business listings, fill out all the information accurately and completely. Include keywords in your business description to help customers find you in local search results. And add high-quality photos of your business to make your listing stand out.

Optimize Your Website for Local Searches

After setting up a Google My Business page and claiming your business listings, you’ll also want to optimize your website for local search results. This means including local keywords on your website and ensuring your NAP (name, address, and phone number) is consistent across your site.

To find local keywords to target, use the Google Keyword Planner. Enter a local keyword, such as “plumber” + your city. This will give you a list of related keywords you can target on your website.

Be sure to use local keywords throughout your website, including your page titles, meta descriptions, and image alt tags. You should also include your NAP information on every page of your site. And if you have a blog, be sure to localize your blog posts by including local keywords and links to local businesses and attractions.

Get Reviews From Customers

One of the best ways to improve your local SEO is to get reviews from customers. These reviews act as social proof and help build trust with potential customers. They also show Google that your business is relevant and popular, which can help to improve your local rankings.

To get reviews from customers, you can ask them to leave a review on your Google My Business page. You can also encourage customers to leave reviews on local directories and review sites, such as Yelp and Angie’s List.

When asking for reviews, be sure to make it easy for customers by providing links or instructions on where to leave a review. And be sure to thank customers who take the time to leave a review.

Update Your Social Media

Social media marketing is a great way to connect with your customers and increase your online visibility. It allows you to build relationships with customers, share your brand story, and promote your products and services.

When using social media for your local business, be sure to target local customers. Use local keywords in your social media posts, and mention your city or state in the post. This will help local customers find your business online. For example, if you wanted to advertise your local SEO agency, you might talk about Apex NC internet marketing.

Another vital thing to remember is to keep your social media posts relevant to your small business. For example, create content that contains local news, events, and attractions in your area. And be sure to respond to comments and questions from customers.

Using social media for your local business allows you to connect with new customers and promote your business as relevant and engaging.

Local digital marketing is essential for businesses looking to connect with local customers. By optimizing your website and local listings, you can improve your chances of being found by local customers’ search results and on Google Maps. You can improve your local online marketing and attract more local customers by following these tips. Excel on the Web offers digital marketing services that can help you get the most from your local SEO in Apex, NC or worldwide. With our experience in SEO, web marketing, and web design, you will see an increase in traffic in no time. Contact us today for your FREE website audit and learn more about our Local SEO services.

chris

Christopher Smashe

President
Chris Smashe founded Excel On the Web in 2004 after an enlistment in the Marine Corps. Chris has a knack for breaking down problems into manageable pieces and putting them back together, a skill he honed during his time in the military. In his spare time, you can find him with his grand-kids or on the water kite-boarding with friends.