Search Engine Optimization, more commonly known as SEO, is the practice of improving the visibility and organic search results of a website or web page in search engines like Google. And while SEO is often thought of as a long-term marketing strategy for big businesses, the truth is that local businesses can benefit from SEO just as much as their larger counterparts.
For example, consider this stat from HubSpot: "72% of consumers who did a local search visited a store within five miles." Google also found that "46% of all searches on Google are local."
Local SEO, then, is essential if you want your business to be visible to and attract customers in your area. Here are three tips to get started.
1. Get listed in local directories.
One way to improve your local SEO is to make sure your business is listed in relevant and reputable online directories. When people search for businesses like yours in their area, these directories often appear at the top of the results list. Furthermore, many of these directories allow you to list additional information about your business like your hours, address, phone number, and website URL — all of which help searchers find you more easily. Getting listed in online directories should be a key part of your local SEO strategy.
2. Optimize your website for local keywords.
In order for people to find your business when they do a local search, you need to include relevant keywords on your website — especially on your landing pages. For example, if you're a restaurant in Boston, you'll want to include phrases like "restaurants in Boston" or "best Boston restaurants" on your website. This tells search engines that your website is relevant to people who are searching for those specific terms. In turn, this helps you rank higher in local search results.
3. Make sure your NAP is consistent across the web.
NAP stands for name, address, and phone number — the three essential pieces of information that every local business should have on their website (and everywhere else online). It's important to make sure this information is consistent across the web because it tells search engines that they're dealing with one legitimate business — not multiple businesses with similar names or multiple listings for the same business but with slightly different information each time. So if you haven't already, take some time to do a quick audit of where your NAP is listed online and make sure it's accurate and up-to-date everywhere. These three tips are just the beginning when it comes to optimizing your website for local search results. For more advanced tactics and tips, contact a professional SEO agency like our team at Metric Marketing today! We'd be happy to help you take your local SEO game up a notch (or two).
How to use SEO to market your business locally in places like Lake Nona or Orlando
If you own or operate a small business, localized SEO should be high on your list of priorities when it comes to promoting your company online — after all, 46% of all Google searches are seeking local information! Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take right away to start seeing results. By getting listed in relevant online directories, optimizing your website for local keywords, and making sure your NAP is consistent across the web, you can give yourself a real leg up in the local SEO race. Of course, if you need help taking things to the next level, don't hesitate to reach out to the professionals! We here at Metric Marketing would be more than happy to assist you.
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