When you are running a local business or provide the services within a certain region, you may have heard people referring to Local SEO. I must admit that I thought when I first heard this term that it was something extremely technical and complicated. Still, it is not that difficult, as I can assure you, local SEO is.
I will discuss in this guide what local SEO is and why it is relevant as well as how it assists businesses such as shops, clinics, service providers, and freelancers attract more local customers. I will make it light and simple, just as I am describing it to one of my friends over tea.
What Is Local SEO?
Local SEO implies making your business visible to people around so that they can easily locate your business whenever they search Google.
For example:
- One enters the query, best dental clinic near me.
- Or “SEO company in Chennai“
- Or “AC service in Coimbatore“
Local SEO allows your company to show up in the following local search results.
Simply stated, local SEO would enable local customers to locate you online in the event that they are already seeking your product or service.
Why Is Local SEO Important?
I would like to mention a little real life example.
A couple of years back, I tried locating a repairing shop of mobile phones in the vicinity of my house. I did not visit Google page 2 or 3. I have just reviewed the highest rankings and Google Maps listings. I have chosen one that has good reviews and the address is clear.
This is the way in which the majority act.
This is the reason why local SEO is essential:
- Local searchers tend to be in a hurry.
- Local searches usually result in calls, visits or enquiries.
- It assists the small companies to compete with larger brands.
- It is quality traffic and not just visitors.
With your business not being visible in your locality, you are losing customers to your competitors.
Local SEO (Simply explained) How it works.
Google desires to demonstrate to users the most apposite and closest enterprises. To that, it takes a glance at a few major things:
- Your business location
- Your company goes digital.
- Your Google reviews
- The activity of your business and its credibility.
Local SEO is simply about making these signals better to make Google confident in displaying your company.
Google Business Profile: The Local SEO Engine.
This is one thing that you should keep in mind about this article.
The most significant aspect of local SEO is Google Business Profile (GBP).
It is the box you find on a Google map and on a right side of a search results with:
- Business name
- Address
- Phone number
- Photos
- Reviews
- Opening hours
A well established Google Business Profile will make you visible in:
- Google Maps
- “Near me” searches
- Local pack performance (top 3 local listings)
Ensure that your information is right and current.
Local SEO vs Normal SEO
Most of the beginners are confused with SEO and local SEO.
Here’s a simple difference:
SEO also concentrates on ranking your web page at the world or at the national level.
Local search engine optimization is concerned with the ranking of your business in a given locality.
For example:
SEO: best online promotion tools.
Local search: “Bangalore digital marketing agency.”
In the case of a local area of service, you should give priority to the local SEO.
Key Elements of Local SEO
Let us divide local SEO into small bits.
Uninterrupted Business Information.
The same should be displayed everywhere: your name of the business, address and phone number.
- Website
- Google Business Profile
- Social media
- Online directories
Stability develops a trust with Google.
Local Keywords
Location based keywords such as:
- “plumber in Madurai”
- “local SEO services in India”
- “home tutor near Anna Nagar”
Google uses these keywords to know the location of your operations.
Online Reviews
Local SEO is significantly dependent on reviews.
More positive reviews mean:
- Higher trust
- Better visibility
- More customer confidence
You should always ask the happy customers to post a review. Even a mere request performs miracles.
Local Search Optimisation of the Web Site.
On your site, it should be stated that:
- Your service areas
- Contact details
- Local content
A small website can also be ranked high as long as it demonstrates that it is local.
Who Should Focus on Local SEO?
Local SEO is perfect for:
- Small businesses
- Doctors and clinics
- Restaurants and cafes
- Consultants and freelancers.
- Service providers (tutors, electricians, plumbers, etc.)
- Local shops and showrooms
Local SEO is not an option, but a necessity, in case your customers are located in the same locations.
Common Local SEO Mistakes
These are some of the mistakes that I have witnessed occurring in businesses:
- Failure to claim their Google Business Profile.
- Lines that use incorrect phone numbers or address.
- Ignoring customer reviews
- Failure to change photos or business hours.
- Focusing on just general keywords but not local ones.
These easy mistakes can be avoided, and this aspect will already place you at an advantage.
How long should it take Local SEO to have results?
This is a common question.
Local SEO does not happen overnight like the ordinary SEO. And in most instances you can begin to see improvements in a few weeks provided your arrangement is made correctly.
Consistency is the key. The little things performed on a regular basis yield consistent outcomes.
Final Thoughts
One of the most efficient and least expensive methods of expanding a business online is local SEO. You do not have to be a professional and spend a lot of money. All you require is sanity and stability.
Provided that you narrow down your efforts to ensuring that the local customers can easily locate you, Google will pay you with a higher profile.
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Thanks to your reading, and good local ranking!