Local Search Engine Optimisation Tips and Best Practices

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Posted Nov 6, 2024

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Local search engine optimisation is a game-changer for small businesses and entrepreneurs, helping them reach their target audience and increase online visibility.

Google processes over 40,000 search queries every second, with 93% of online experiences beginning with a search engine.

To succeed in local SEO, it's essential to claim and optimise your Google My Business listing. This involves ensuring your business is accurately listed, including your name, address, and phone number.

Having a well-structured and informative Google My Business listing can boost your online credibility and make it easier for customers to find you.

What Is Local SEO

Local SEO is a way to help your business show up in search results when people look for things in your area.

Approximately 93 percent of U.S. consumers search for local businesses online.

Having a strong online presence is crucial, especially since about 88 percent of SEO local mobile searches result in a store visit or phone call within 24 hours.

This means that if your business isn't showing up in local search results, you're likely missing out on potential customers.

For another approach, see: Onedrive Turn off Local Storage

Ranking Factors

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Local search engine optimisation (SEO) is all about making your business visible to people searching for services or products in your area. Google looks at various local SEO ranking factors to determine your search rankings.

Google Business Profile or Google My Business (GMB) listing is a crucial factor. Having a complete and up-to-date GMB listing is essential, as it helps Google understand your business's identity and location.

Consistency is key when it comes to your business's name, address, and phone number (NAP) in local business citations. Ensure that your NAP is the same across all online directories and listings.

Your website's domain authority also plays a significant role in local SEO. A higher domain authority can improve your website's credibility and ranking.

Local search citations are another important ranking factor. Make sure your business is listed in high-quality local directories and citations.

A high click-through rate (CTR) from search results can also improve your ranking. This means that your business's listing should be attention-grabbing and enticing to potential customers.

You might enjoy: Watch Local Channels

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Keywords are essential for local SEO, as they help Google understand what your business offers and where you operate.

User experience (UX) is also a ranking factor. Ensure that your website is easy to navigate and provides a positive experience for users.

Reviews are a vital ranking factor, with quality, velocity, and diversity being important considerations. Aim for a mix of positive and negative reviews to demonstrate your business's authenticity.

Link signals, such as backlinks from other reputable websites, can also improve your ranking.

Check this out: Google Ranking Keyword

Keyword Research & Strategy

Keyword research is a crucial step in local search engine optimization (SEO). It involves identifying geo-specific, industry-related keywords and organizing them by search intent.

To perform local keyword research, you need to find search terms people use when searching for local products and services. Ranking for these keywords drives highly targeted local traffic to your site and sends more customers your way.

Start by brainstorming and listing the services you offer. For example, if you're a plumber, you might list services like "drain unblocking", "boiler repair", and "boiler installation." This will help you maximize your presence for queries your customers are searching for.

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You can use tools like Ahrefs' Keywords Explorer to expand your list of service keywords. For instance, if you plug your services into the tool, you might discover related keywords like "gas boiler installation" or "combi boiler installation."

When it comes to checking search volumes, you can use Google Keyword Planner to get an idea of how many people are searching for specific keywords in your area. However, keep in mind that Keyword Planner shows broad search volume ranges, not absolute numbers.

Here's a rough idea of how to prioritize keywords based on search volume:

Remember, these are rough estimates, and you should use a tool like Ahrefs' Keywords Explorer to get a more accurate picture of search volume in your area.

By performing local keyword research and identifying the right keywords to target, you can attract more targeted local traffic to your site and increase your chances of getting more customers.

On-Page Optimization

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On-page optimization is a crucial aspect of local search engine optimization. Thrive's local search engine optimization services cover on-page optimization to ensure your site ranks high in your service area.

Geo-specific keywords are essential for on-page optimization. Thrive optimizes your homepage and metadata with geo-specific keywords to help search engines understand your brand offerings and target locations.

To improve your on-page SEO, tailor your pages for search intent and include your NAP (name, address, phone number) information on your website. This is supported by BrightLocal's study, which shows that 34% of SEOs think on-page signals are the most important factor for regular organic search.

Here are some key on-page optimization elements to focus on:

  • Tailor your pages for search intent
  • Include your NAP information on your website
  • Write compelling meta titles and descriptions
  • Use descriptive, SEO-friendly URLs
  • Optimize your images
  • Internally link to and from pages where relevant
  • Include details that matter to searchers

Nap Consistency Important

NAP consistency is crucial for building credibility with search engines. A BrightLocal study found that 7% of SEOs consider citations, which include NAP information, to be the most important ranking factor.

Having consistent NAP information helps potential customers find your business when they search a directory. Google crawls the web and sees a variety of contradicting information about your business, making it harder for the algorithm to know what's accurate.

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You'll often find that your company already exists on many business directories you weren't even aware of. According to BrightLocal's 2021 study, citations are somewhat important but not as important as they used to be.

To achieve NAP consistency, make sure to keep your citations consistent everywhere. Here are some tips to help you:

  • Get listed with big data aggregators (in the U.S., these are Data Axle, Localeze, and Foursquare)
  • Submit to other big players (in the U.S., these include Apple Maps, Yelp, Yellow Pages, Bing Places, and Facebook)
  • Submit to other popular directories in your local area and industry
  • Keep your NAP information consistent across all directories

By following these tips, you can improve your NAP consistency and build credibility with search engines.

Intuitive Site Navigation

A well-designed website is essential for a good user experience. Jakob's Law states that users spend most of their time on other sites besides yours, so they'll expect your site to work the way other sites do.

Don't try to reinvent the wheel with your site's layout. Stick to what users are used to. For example, on mobile, you expect the navigation menu to be in a specific place and hyperlinks to be a certain color.

Users have certain expectations when it comes to finding information on a website. They typically expect the address or phone number to be in the footer or top right corner.

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A poorly designed site can be frustrating. For instance, having a huge logo can be overwhelming, and gradient blue font colors that don't contrast well with white text can be hard to read.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

  • Sidebar navigation is fine on internal resource pages but not ideal for the home page.
  • The logo is too damn big.
  • The phone numbers aren't hyperlinked.
  • The gradient blue does not contrast well with the white font colors.

Building backlinks is a crucial part of local search engine optimization, and it's a signal that Google takes very seriously. According to a study of over 16,000 keywords and 300,000 ranking positions, six of the top 15 most influential ranking factors are related to backlinks.

Backlinks are links on other sites that link back to yours, and the more relevant referring domains you have, the more likely you are to rank higher for relevant keywords. The good news is that traditional link building strategies also work for local link building.

To get started, reach out to other local businesses for links, contact local newspapers and websites to share stories, and support and sponsor local events – event websites may link to you. You can also use tools like Ahrefs' Link Intersect to find websites that link to multiple competitors.

You might enjoy: Back Link Building

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Here are some specific local link building tips:

  • Reach out to other local (non-competitor) businesses for links
  • Contact local newspapers and websites to share stories
  • Support and sponsor local events (event websites may link to you)

Remember, the quality of websites you get links from is crucial – you want to be associated with reputable sources of information, not questionable or spammy ones.

Citation Management

Citation management is a crucial aspect of local search engine optimization. Consistent NAP citations (name, address, phone number) are essential for building credibility with search engines.

You want to get consistent citations on as many trusted websites as you can. This includes business directories and social media profiles. NAP citations help search engines verify your business information and ensure it's accurate.

To check your local listings and distribute them to authoritative directories, use Semrush's Listing Management tool. Enter your company name and choose the correct address from the list.

Here are some best practices for citation management:

  • Keep all of your citations 100% consistent (exact same name, address, phone number)
  • Submit your information to popular directories in your local area and industry
  • Submit to big players (like Apple Maps, Yelp, Bing Places, Facebook, etc.)

You can also use Semrush's Listing Management tool to automatically distribute your business information to dozens of directories. If you need to change anything, click the "Edit business info" button.

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Some important citation tips to keep in mind:

  • NAP citations are places that mention your name, address, and phone number online.
  • They usually appear on business directories and social media profiles.
  • Consistency is key – make sure all your citations have the same name, address, and phone number.

By following these best practices and using tools like Semrush's Listing Management, you can improve your citation management and boost your local SEO efforts.

Online Reputation Management

Online Reputation Management is crucial for local businesses. 88 percent of consumers consult online reviews before purchasing local services. This makes it essential to protect your brand image and encourage customers to leave reviews.

To get started, focus on getting reviews on Google, as they're visible in search results and an important local ranking factor. Generally, you should aim to get reviews on Google, as well as other platforms like Tripadvisor if customers prefer to use them.

Here are some best practices for encouraging and responding to online reviews:

  • Ask happy customers to leave a review on your preferred platform(s)
  • Create posters, business cards, and other materials that encourage customers to leave online reviews
  • Embed widgets on your website that make it easy for visitors to see and leave reviews
  • Don't offer or accept money in exchange for reviews

Reviews are a key ranking factor for map pack rankings, with 17% of SEOs deeming them the most important. To get more reviews, remind customers to leave reviews and focus on getting them on your Google Business Profile.

Content Writing & CRO

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Content Writing & CRO is a crucial aspect of local search engine optimisation. Our local SEO firm creates a useful local SEO guide for your content marketing, which involves keyword research and optimization.

We employ experienced content specialists and industry experts who work together to create enticing, relevant titles and produce quality content to drive more traffic to your website. This includes guest blogging and local site content optimization.

Our local SEO company can help you create service and city pages, improve your website’s mobile-friendliness, and complete your local SEO checklist. This targeted local search engine optimization service drives more high-quality sales calls to your locations and improves your conversion rate month-over-month.

Content Writing

Content Writing is a crucial aspect of any online marketing strategy. Our local SEO firm creates engaging content that captures the target audience's interest.

We use a team of experienced content specialists and industry experts to create a useful local SEO guide for content marketing. This team works closely together to produce quality content that drives more traffic to your website.

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Enticing titles are essential for grabbing the audience's attention. We create relevant titles that are optimized for search engines to improve your website's visibility.

Our local SEO services include keyword research and optimization, guest blogging, and local site content optimization. These services help us produce quality content that resonates with your target audience.

By creating quality content, we can drive more traffic to your website and increase your online presence.

CRO

Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) is a process that helps businesses improve the percentage of website visitors who take a desired action. Our local digital marketing company can manage your local business SEO services to gain better local rankings.

We employ a targeted local search engine optimization service to drive more high-quality sales calls to your locations. This service can help improve your conversion rate month-over-month (MoM).

Creating service and city pages can help improve your website's visibility in local search results. Improving your website's mobile-friendliness is also crucial for better local rankings.

Our local SEO company can help you complete your local SEO checklist and drive more sales calls to your locations. We can help you achieve better local rankings and improve your conversion rate.

Console and Analytics

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Google Search Console is a tool that helps you discover and monitor website issues and fix them, so you can track which websites are not suitable for your business and disavow them to improve performance.

You can also use Google Analytics to monitor your website's traffic and behavior, and generate reports on how users interact with your site.

Google Analytics reports can track metrics such as website traffic, click-through rates, bounce rate, page views, and average session duration, giving you a clear overview of your campaign performance.

To get the most out of Google Analytics, you need to set up tracking and measurement correctly, so you can monitor your local organic search metrics and identify visibility issues.

Google Search Console and Google Analytics are essential tools for any local SEO strategy, as they help you track your progress and make data-driven decisions to improve your campaign results.

Tools & Resources

Local SEO tools can help keep your business consistently in front of your target audience. Google My Business provides insights, post scheduling, and review management, making it a valuable resource for local businesses.

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If you're looking to manage local listings and citations, Moz Local is a great option. It's one of the tools that can help you stay organized and up-to-date with your online presence.

SEMrush offers keyword research, competitor analysis, and local ranking tracking, giving you a comprehensive view of your online performance. BrightLocal is ideal for local SEO audits and monitoring rankings, helping you identify areas for improvement.

Whitespark aids in citation building and tracking, ensuring that your business is listed consistently across online directories. Yext assists with local data management, ensuring that your business information is accurate and up-to-date across the web.

Here are some local SEO tools that can help you optimize your online presence:

  • Google My Business
  • Moz Local
  • SEMrush
  • BrightLocal
  • Whitespark
  • Yext

These tools can help you manage local citations, track rankings, and stay competitive in local search results, ultimately driving more local traffic and conversions.

Getting Started

To get started with local SEO, you'll want to begin by setting up and optimizing your Google My Business profile. This is crucial to avoid a suspension, so make sure to follow the guidelines.

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First, you'll need to create a Google My Business profile and verify your business. This will allow you to manage your online presence and provide accurate information to customers.

Next, identify and build citations on high-quality local directories. This will help improve your local search ranking and increase visibility.

To optimize your online presence, focus on the following key areas:

  • Setup and optimize your Google My Business profile
  • Identify and build citations on high-quality local directories
  • Optimize the HTML heading structures of your pages

A Step-by-Step Guide

To get started with local SEO, you'll need to set up and optimize your Google My Business profile, making sure it's compliant to avoid suspension. This involves providing accurate and up-to-date information about your business.

Identify high-quality local directories to build citations on, as this will help improve your visibility in local search results. You can also optimize the HTML heading structures of your pages, which is beneficial for both SEO and accessibility.

To build high-quality backlinks, focus on contextually relevant websites that are related to your business. You can also solicit reviews from your customers while remaining compliant with Google's guidelines and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Here are some key steps to keep in mind:

  • Setup and optimize your Google My Business profile
  • Build citations on high-quality local directories
  • Optimize HTML heading structures
  • Build high-quality backlinks
  • Solicit reviews while remaining compliant

Packages

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When you're looking to get started with local SEO, it's essential to choose a service provider that offers a diverse range of solutions.

Local SEO agencies can provide a clear roadmap to achieve your goals, analyzing your current market standing and outlining a plan to get you there.

You should choose a provider that fits your needs, preferences, limitations, and capabilities.

Benefits & Results

Local search engine optimization (SEO) can have a significant impact on your business's visibility and success. With 93 percent of U.S. consumers searching for local businesses online, it's essential to optimize your website for local search.

Increased website traffic is a direct result of effective local SEO, which can lead to a significant increase in website traffic. In fact, 78 percent of people who search for something nearby on their phones visit the business within a day, and 28 percent of searches for something nearby result in a purchase.

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Local SEO can also drive lead generation, with a successful marketing plan including elements such as lead generation and local search service. By using local SEO services, you can increase your brand awareness, drive organic traffic to your website, and acquire qualified leads.

Here are some specific benefits of local SEO:

  • Increased website traffic
  • Higher conversion rates
  • Improved brand awareness
  • More positive reviews
  • A competitive advantage

By partnering with a reputable local SEO agency, you can leverage proven local SEO strategies and tactics to rise above your competition and achieve higher rankings in your local SEO search results.

Is It Important

Is It Important?

Google delivers billions of local search results every month, making it a crucial aspect of any business's online presence.

If you appear prominently for relevant queries, you're more likely to attract customers. Businesses with the best local SEO tend to rank highest for local keywords.

30% of all mobile searches are related to location, which is a staggering statistic considering how often people use their phones to search for nearby businesses.

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78% of people who search for something nearby on their phones visit the business within a day, making it a clear call to action for businesses to optimize their local SEO.

28% of searches for something nearby result in a purchase, which is a significant boost to any business's revenue.

Local SEO is essential to brand success, and by partnering with a reputable local SEO company, businesses can capitalize on this trend and boost their revenue.

Positive Results

Businesses that invest in local SEO can expect to see significant improvements in their online presence and customer engagement.

According to a client testimonial, "Thank you so much for the report! I think our ad campaign is performing extremely well and our calls and emails are flooding in."

Local SEO can drive a 14.6% conversion rate, making it a highly effective way to generate leads.

A survey by Junto revealed that 57% of business-to-business (B2B) marketers consider local digital marketing services among the most effective ways to generate leads.

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By optimizing their website for local search, businesses can increase their visibility and attract more customers.

Here are some benefits of local SEO:

  • Increased website traffic
  • Higher conversion rates
  • Improved brand awareness
  • More positive reviews
  • A competitive advantage

Local SEO can also help businesses dominate their niche and attract high-intent customers in their area.

In fact, 93% of U.S. consumers search for local businesses online, making local SEO a crucial aspect of any digital marketing strategy.

By partnering with a reputable local SEO company, businesses can leverage proven strategies and tactics to rise above their competition.

Local SEO can drive significant revenue growth for businesses, making it an essential investment for any business looking to expand its online presence.

According to Google, 78% of people who search for something nearby on their phones visit the business within a day.

Choosing a Company

Choosing a Company is a crucial step in finding the right local SEO services for your business. You should expect to spend significant time and effort evaluating local SEO agencies in your area.

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Finding the right online local SEO company to manage your Google My Business services and other local digital marketing processes can be overwhelming. It's essential to narrow down your list of potential companies by considering key factors.

To do this, you should evaluate the top considerations mentioned in the article, such as finding the right online local SEO company to manage your Google My Business services and other local digital marketing processes.

Choosing a Company

Choosing a Company can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to finding the right local SEO agency to manage your Google My Business services.

You should consider the amount of time and careful thinking and planning it takes to find the right online local SEO company.

It's essential to evaluate the local SEO agencies in your area, as finding the right one can make a significant difference in your digital marketing processes.

Start by narrowing down your list of potential companies based on the top considerations, such as their experience and expertise in managing Google My Business services.

Careful thinking and planning will help you make an informed decision and avoid wasting time and resources on the wrong company.

Pricing

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When choosing a company for your local SEO needs, it's essential to consider the pricing. A common mistake is choosing a company that offers affordable local SEO without examining the package inclusions and ongoing local SEO pricing.

You should partner with a local SEO agency that offers transparent local SEO pricing and provides price projections as your campaign progresses.

Don't make the same mistake by not selecting the best local SEO company.

Expert Consultations

When choosing a company for your local SEO needs, look for one that prioritizes regular consultations with your in-house representatives.

A good local SEO firm will schedule regular consultations to discuss your monthly campaign results and brainstorm additional services you may need.

These consultations can help identify areas for improvement and ensure you're getting the most out of your local SEO efforts.

Your local SEO specialist should be available by phone or email at any time to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Regular contact with your local SEO firm is key to achieving your objectives and getting the best results possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does local SEO still work?

Yes, local SEO still works, and you can achieve significant gains with simple strategies. Local businesses can capitalize on this opportunity to improve their online presence.

Ann Predovic

Lead Writer

Ann Predovic is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for research, she has established herself as a go-to expert in various fields, including technology and software. Her writing career has taken her down a path of exploring complex topics, making them accessible to a broad audience.

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