How Local SEO can Improve Web Marketing and Local Search?
Create a Google My Business Account
Google My Business allows your business to be visible on Google Map. All you need to is to create a profile for your business. You need to accurately fill in your information to appear on search results. When you do a local search like “doctors near me”, the results may include 3 business profiles in the locality. These business profiles used GMB to gain visibility for that kind of search enquiry.
To optimize your Business Profile on Google, ensure that you:
- Create a Google My Business account and verify ownership of the business
- Provide accurate and up-to-date information
- Include your logo, hours of operation, acceptable payment methods, the product or service you sell, and plenty of images
- Encourage your customers to review your business online
- Respond sincerely to customer reviews no matter what. Google has found a way to rank businesses according to the number of reviews and sincerity therein.
- Publish posts (announcing products, events, and special offers) to your Business Profile using Google My Business dashboard.
Get your clients to write you reviews
As stated earlier, Google takes reviews into consideration in ranking local businesses. As a matter of fact, having positive reviews will enhance your presence in your locality. Also, on a personal level, I wouldn’t patronize a business with no reviews or lots of negative reviews. You must note that you must reply to every review, positive or negative. BrightLocal’s 2017 Local Consumer Review Survey reveals that 85% of customers believe online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
Build your website for local search
In addition, you have to optimize your website for mobile to be a player in local SEO. If you don’t have a website, build one for your business here. Website serves as a point of reference for your business. Your business website must be well-optimized to be easily accessible on both desktop and mobile.
GBN Web Development will:
- Ensure your website loads quickly (Google likes fast website)
- Use bigger fonts that are easy to read
- Ensure intuitive UI for great UX
Work on your local keywords to appear in local search
Since we are looking at local customers, you must target your keywords to local customer. You can search for keyword planners on Google to choose the best fit for you and your business. Notably, don’t underrate the power of keywords.