The Top-Ranking Factors for Local SEO Explained
Local SEO holds significant opportunities for brick-and-mortar businesses looking to capture the attention of consumers close by. With “near me” searches increasing by 130% year-over-year, we thought we should remind you of the top-ranking factors for local SEO, so you can seek customers who are looking for a business like yours in your area.
If you’re completely new to SEO, get up-to-speed with the basics through our previous blog posts:
1. Google My Business
Share important business information with your customers.
Google My Business is a free and simple tool for businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps.
All you need to do is verify and edit your business information, so Google can help locals find your business.
To get started, go to: https://www.google.com/business/
To make the most out of Google My Business, use our handy guide: Making the Most of Your Google Knowledge Panel
2. Local Citations
The more accurate and consistent citations your business has the better your chances of having a high ranking.
Verify your company’s important information by using other online sources. Dependent on your style of business, citations can come from online directories, other businesses, review sites and social media platforms.
A citation is simply an online reference for your business. Search engines like Google will use citations to determine your online authority. The basic parts of a citation include NAP; your business name, address and phone number.
Find out more about the importance of local citations: What Are Local Citations
3. Reviews
Ask your past customers for honest reviews and useful feedback. Testimonials help to boost your credibility – for both search engines and potential consumers.
Learn more about gathering valuable reviews:
4. General SEO
Don’t forget about the basics of SEO, they help with your local.
You might want to consider our following recommendations:
- – Feature NAP: (name, address, and phone number) in the footer of your web pages
- – Refer to the area surrounding your business, maybe with links to local areas
- – Feature local keywords in your meta descriptions
- – Avoid keyword stuffing but add keywords where relevant
5. Ensure Your Website Is Mobile-Friendly
From 2015, Google changed their search engine algorithms, so a mobile responsive website is crucial if you want a high ranking when people make a search relevant to your website.
The new-ish algorithm alone justifies why responsive websites are vital to any business, as without it you won’t have as much traffic to your website or publicity.
Conclusion
Local SEO is challenging, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the topic. If you have any questions, we’re here to help.
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