Local search marketing tactics are constantly changing as Google and other search engines are continually adjusting their algorithms. Many local business owners are not able to keep up with these fast pace changes. It seems as though by the time a new skill is learned and starting to be applied, it’s already out of date! The team at E-Power Marketing works hard to stay on top of these complex updates, so that we can better serve our clients when it comes to local search engine optimization best practices.
Although there is no perfect equation to ensure local search ranking success, Inbound Marketing plays a key role in assisting those factors that impact local search.
Tips for Local Search Visibility
- Claim Your Google My Business Listing
According to Google Support, businesses that verify or claim their information with Google My Business are twice as likely to be considered reputable by potential customers! Google My Business is a free tool that is easy for brands to use to manage their online presence across Google platforms, including Maps and Search. Customers have the ability to interact with your business by posting comments, reviews, and photos of their experience at your organization. Google My Business works as a great local business directory that consumers trust and depend on as a reliable source for information when they are searching for a company near them. Claiming your listing will provide another inbound link to your website as well as improve overall local search visibility.
- Get Reviews
Did you know that 55% of millennials will ignore brands and businesses that don’t show up in
their searches or have poor reviews? Did you also know that 90% of people say that online reviews influence their buying decisions? Gaining positive feedback from your customers is a great way to put your company ahead of the competition in your area, and clinch those top positions in local search engine results, not to mention convert more shoppers looking for your products or services. Google places high value on reviews and rewards business with feedback given by their consumers on websites like Yelp, Google+, Angie’s List, and more! You can encourage consumers to leave reviews for your company by using business cards, messaging on receipts, emails, social media channels, or by simply just asking!
- Create a Blog
Developing a blog can be a secret weapon for your website! Blogging is an excellent opportunity for local businesses to create personalized content and talk about their involvement in the community, which in turn, allows for the use of those geographic phrases that will boost local search visibility. Using this tactic appropriately and consistently, will also help Google index more pages of your site and boost its’ rank for multiple search areas. Search engines, like Google, reward that fresh and unique content, which is why it is crucial for local businesses to keep a steady posting schedule. Creating a blog is a great way for businesses to interact with their customers and build those local relationships.
- Use Location Keywords
Targeted local key phrases are the easiest way to boost your local search visibility. Google is very complex with their algorithms when it comes to these listings, and so it rewards local search positions based on a number of different things. Including variations of local keywords and phrases within headings, subheadings, content, and meta data are basic ways to ensure that your business is found more quickly in a specific geographic location. When consumers are looking for a company in their area, Google picks up on those local phrases and tailors the searchers results to businesses that are closest to them.
- Build Backlinks
Linking in your content is another quick assist in improving your search visibility all together, but when done correctly, can also have a positive impact on your local rankings. Mentioning your community involvement within website content will seed in natural cross linking opportunities. Whether your business is sponsoring a team or event, participating in a community fundraiser, or you are promoting a local resource, it opens the door for other businesses and organizations in the area to make mention of your company and links to your website.
Like I said before, there is no perfect syntax that will promise your business local search ranking success. The complexity of Google and its’ algorithms is changing every day, but the team at E-Power is devoted to staying up-to-date with these best practices. Using these 5 tips as first steps will go far in boosting your businesses ranking, and give you a jump start on other competitors in the area!
