Local SEO is really important for small businesses. How do you set yourself apart from your competitors? Follow these 5 simple tips and you’ll be king of the search results in no time at all.
1. Google My Business
If you’re not already using GMB then you’re missing a trick. This is Google’s own business directory and supplies google maps, and traditional search with information about your business.
Listing your business on GMB means you can edit the content in the listing on the right hand side of search. You can add relevant business categories, services, posts and customers can leave reviews.
What’s more, if your business is already on Google Maps, you’ll already have a pre-filled listing ready to update with your website link, posts, descriptions and more.
2. NAP – Name, Address, Phone Number
Having a consistent name address and phone number makes sure there’s no confusion around your business and its’ website. If for example your google listing has a completely different address to your website contact info, your search rankings will likely suffer.
Take a look at your website, GMB listing, social pages and any other places your business name, address and phone number are displayed – if these differ make sure to change them to the same format.
3. Reviews
Reviews are a major ranking factor for local SEO. Think of reviews (good ones that is) as recommendations for your business. Google will see listings with more positive reviews as trustworthy and rank your business higher as a result.
Quick Tip – Email a few past customers that can vouch for your business and ask them to leave a review on your google page. You can even get a ‘write a review’ link when you login to Google My Business.
4. Social Media – use it or lose it.
Regular social posts will boost your search results. Your social media profiles will be crawled and indexed by Google. Make sure you’re posting to these accounts regularly – it doesn’t have to be anything special, as long as you’re engaging with your audience.
5. Create local content for your website
Creating content that appeals to locals is a great way of engaging your audience. Consider adding a blog section to your website and write about a local event or cause. This will not only help bring your audience in to your website, but it’s content at the end of the day, and content is king.
Need some extra help with your SEO?
We’re here to help. Contact us for a free SEO review – we’ll talk you through key areas to improve and increase your search rankings.
