Over the last few years, Google has improvised its local search algorithms to a great extent. The local search results are much more discerning, user-friendly, and precision-based than earlier. Thus local businesses today have the golden opportunity to showcase their USPs (Unique Selling Points) and acquire leads in their immediate vicinity. While multi-national corporations and large companies rely on national and international SEO strategies to boost their online presence, local entrepreneurs are best suited to chalk out and implement simple, yet highly effective local SEO tactics to accelerate their business.
Here are 6 fool-proof tips for your business to cash in on Local SEO:-
Your Google My Business Account has to be exceptional
Based on excerpts from the best SEO company in Bangalore, creating a Google My Business Profile is just a bare minimum nowadays. Improvising your business profile and making it really stand out should be your aim. All the more, your GMB information has to be well-optimized and consistent on all fronts, because it is this information that will be displayed to search users on the local search results page, Google Maps, as well as the Google search knowledge panel.
- Verifying Business ownership is a must.
- Business information needs to be accurate, current, and updated at all times.
- Adding your business logo along with top-notch images of your shop/office/product etc is necessary.
- Solicit reviews from satisfied customers and respond courteously to them. Aim at an overall rating of 4 stars or above.
- Add regular posts to your GMB profile, particularly related to the latest offers, discounts, newly-launched products, and services.
- Add geographical connotations where necessary. For example, in the case of Chennai-based businesses, the best SEO Chennai service will encourage you to add the latest updates about your service in view of the Covid-19 situation and the latest lockdown guidelines in Chennai.
- Streamline Keywords Research based on Voice Search
The popularity of virtual search assistants is growing rapidly. Instead of typing, an increasing number of search users are relying on voice search to find products, services, and different establishments on Google. The lingo used in voice search is quite different from what a user generally types in for a conventional search. Therefore, studying the search behaviour, search intent, and vernaculars is very important for getting the apt list of long-tail, local search keywords.
- Cash in on Local Events
If there is any popular event or news in your city at the moment, you can cash in on its popularity by writing posts about it. From a city-based cleanliness drive to a shopping extravaganza, or children’s inter-school competition, any important regional new piece that is grabbing attention currently, and is somehow relevant to your business can be written about. Not just on your GMB profile, you can add some topical content on your social media pages for higher views, likes, and retweets. Also, don’t forget to add your website link to such posts to generate higher organic traffic towards your website.
- Mobile Optimization
Close to 75% of all local searches are conducted on smartphones. A large volume of these local searches materialize into solid leads within 24 hours. The transition from desktop browsing to smartphone browsing is happening very fast. When you approach any reliable SEO company in Chennai, or rope in an SEO Expert, the primary recommendation from their end would be to mobilize your resources towards designing a mobile-friendly website for your business. If you have a fast-loading, mobile-friendly website, your local search tactics will yield far better results.
- Create Location-Specific Pages
The Google Map Pack features the top 3 businesses for any particular set of keywords. This is the most prominent area of the local search results page. To get featured here means that half your local SEO battle is won. In this regard, the creation of separate, location-specific landing pages for each of your products or services widens your chances of getting featured in the Google Map Pack. Also remember, each of these pages needs to display your exact location in an embedded Google Map. Thus the bottom line is to not keep Google Maps confined to your ‘About Us’ Page, but embed it in all relevant landing pages.
- Pay Attention to High-Value Backlinks
Getting backlinks from authority websites and citations from local directories is a necessary part of Local SEO. Many local business owners tend to skip this tried-and-tested strategy because it requires consistent efforts and materializes on a long-term basis. But if you rely on the right SEO professional, your online presence can receive a big boost with high-value backlinks.
Conclusion
Local SEO strategies have massive potential in showcasing your business and bringing it to the forefront for local search users. From educating your target audience about your offerings to displaying your expertise with rave reviews, and a high Google Rating, as a local entrepreneur, you have a lot to gain from Local SEO.
