In other words, local search is more specific to a certain location compared to general Google searches. And local seo refers to the process of trying to optimise your online visibility to appear in those local search results. Local SEO is a search engine optimisation (SEO) strategy that helps your business become more visible in local search results on Google. SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation, a process in which content is improved to rank better on platforms such as Google.
Local SEO involves optimising content so that your business appears higher on local search engine results pages (SERPs) than your competitors in the local area. Although these sites do not always have a local focus, they can be counted as citation sources by local search engines. The paradox of local search has always been that it is one of the most time-consuming areas of SEO, yet the companies that stand to gain the most have the smallest budgets and the most limited internal resources. But with personalisation and localisation playing an increasingly important role across all SERPs, local can no longer be viewed in its own silo, every search and social marketer must hone their understanding.
Once you have done the initial work of gathering information for your Google My Business page, an important step in your local SEO strategy is to submit the same information to online business directories such as Yelp, HubSpot, TripAdvisor, etc. Once you have optimised your website for local SEO, you should be in a better position to improve your rankings and increase local organic traffic. Competing with giant brands in the local SEO space can be daunting, but Dana is here to turn your epic battle into an epic victory. By adding Schema markup appropriate for local businesses to your website, you're telling Google that you're a local business and not a big brand.
Miriam Ellis is here to help you identify which key points of your local SEO plan you've taken care of and which still need some love. Local SEO is all about increasing search visibility for businesses that cater to their face-to-face communities. If you search Google for some important keyword related to your business and a map with 3 listings underneath (aka map pack) appears, then local SEO can help you grow your business. Local SEO is essential for smaller businesses that operate regionally, rather than nationally.
However, while claiming a Google My Business listing is a good starting point, local SEO is much more than that. Include local news and events, which will not only boost your SEO, but also provide useful information to your audience. By implementing these 10 actionable elements, you will ensure that your business not only takes advantage of lucrative local search, but also has a solid foundation when new SEO features are introduced. Ensuring that all local mentions and citations reflect the same information can help strengthen your local search position.
