Local SEO Services: The Key to Dominate Your Local Competitors
Did you know there are currently over 1 billion websites live on the internet? It's no surprise that competition for search engine rankings is fierce.
To improve results, many businesses are now recognizing the need to add local SEO services to their marketing strategies.
As a business owner, you may be wondering whether search engine rankings really matter. The answer to this question is a resounding yes. The reality is that over 90 percent of internet users never look past the first page of search engine results.
If you want your website to attract customers, you need to make sure they see it.
A savvy local SEO strategy allows business owners to truly harness the power of the internet. Are you interested in improving your local web traffic? Read on to learn more.
What are Local SEO Services?
Simply put, local SEO services are designed to connect businesses with customers who are in the nearby area. Consider the example of someone searching for "best breakfast restaurant". Local SEO or Google Maps SEO would cause nearby restaurants to rank higher on the search engine results page (SERP) and within Google Maps.
A search done from a desktop computer would use the IP address to establish the user's location. Local SEO has become more powerful now that so many consumers are searching the internet from their smartphones while on the go.
Mobile phone tracking allows search engines to pinpoint the searcher's exact location. This allows it to provide listings of nearby points of interest, creating many new marketing opportunities.
Top 7 Reasons Your Business Needs Local SEO
If you're not yet convinced that your business needs to take advantage of local SEO services, consider these seven points.
Local SEO Targets the Right Audience, At the Right Time
Many people use the internet to search for a type of business or service without having a specific company name in mind. If someone is looking for a plumber, the results can help them find one near their location.
These improved search results put the business in the best position possible. There's no better time to connect with a potential customer than when they need your services.
Local SEO Offers High Conversion Rates
Having your business listed on reputable local directories can offer a much higher conversion rate than other forms of advertising. Some of the most popular of these directories include:
- Yelp
- Foursquare
- Citysearch
- TripAdvisor
- Angie's List
Getting your business listed on as many of these sites as possible is a great strategy. However, it's more important to ensure that your information is accurate and consistent across all of your listings. Whenever possible, provide additional details like business descriptions, photos, and menus.
More Than Half of Businesses Haven't Claimed Their Free Listings
Google my Business is a free online listing that helps local businesses rank high on Google's search engine results page (SERP). It's been reported that only 44 percent of eligible businesses have registered for their listing. This no-cost opportunity should be a no-brainer for local businesses.
Since many of your competitors probably haven't taken this step, getting your listing completed as soon as possible will put you at an advantage.
Online Reviews Matter
A study found that 88 percent of people say they place as much trust in online reviews as they do in personal recommendations. You can take advantage of this by asking your customers to leave positive reviews on your local directory listings. This free marketing strategy is one of the best ways to build your company's online reputation.
Local SEO Isn't Just for Websites
Social media is one of the fastest-growing ways to improve local SEO. To optimize your strategy, make sure your business has a profile on at least a few of the following social media platforms:
- Google+
Optimize your social media profiles by completely filling out all the details. This includes business name, location, website, and phone number. Take the time to write an engaging business description and link each profile to your other social media accounts.
Social media platforms are an excellent way to engage potential customers. Use them well and you will create valuable personal connections. Some ideas include sharing coupons, discussing local events, and cross-promoting other local businesses.
Content is King
Your website will rank higher in search engine results if you keep it up to date with quality content. Blog posts with locally optimized keywords help both traditional and local SEO rankings.
When using this strategy, quality is critical. Businesses that provide internet searchers with valuable information create real connections and establish themselves as industry authorities.
If time or lack of skill makes blog posting a challenge, consider hiring a professional blog-writing service. The return on investment is typically well worth the small financial outlay.
Website Configuration Makes a Difference
There's no arguing that the use of smartphones continues to grow and it's not going away anytime soon. In May of 2016, Google updated its algorithms to show a preference for mobile-friendly sites. If you haven't updated your site to make sure it's mobile-friendly, you're likely losing thousands of potential customers.
Download speeds are also important. If you have too many images, pop-ups, and other things slowing down your site, you will have high bounce rates. Removing unused plugins and optimizing images can help to increase speed.
Does Your Business Have a Quality Local SEO Strategy?
While traditional SEO strategies remain an important part of business marketing plans, local SEO is the way of the future. This is currently one of the most cost-effective and efficient ways to grow your business. If you aren't on board you will quickly be left behind.
Squawkia's local SEO services build local visibility and help add money to your bottom line. Our fully-audited ranking strategy covers all of the bases needed to provide your business with top-ranking search engine results. Contact us today to learn how we can help take your business to the next level.
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