Without a doubt, search engine optimization (SEO) is essential for successful marketing outcomes. People rely on search engines for the information they want to access. Of course, when the Internet first came to be, there were so few websites that this wasn’t necessary. Over time, the web expanded, and users found they needed help navigating the digital landscape. Today, there is so much content available that it can be difficult to reach viewers. The best, brightest and most accurate sites are pushed to the top. Many other sites don’t make the cut. If you’ve been on Google, you’ve probably noticed that there are pages and pages of results for every search. In most cases, you don’t go far beyond the first two or three lists. Google and other search engines want you to find what you’re looking for fast.
From a business perspective, this is where SEO comes in. You don’t have to create a site and sit back, hoping it does well on its own. As a business owner, you have complete control over your marketing campaign. Instead of waiting, employ new strategies that will give your business the attention it deserves.
One of these strategies is called local SEO. To help boost your online marketing goals, we’ve provided everything you need to know about this approach below.
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO specifically targets local communities that might be interested in your business. Let’s say you own a company in Manhattan. Local SEO can help you appear in search results in neighborhoods like Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and more. This pulls in more viewers that could potentially access your goods and services. It goes without saying that physical, in-person shops have much to gain from this type of advertising. Before the Internet, you had to rely on print marketing to get the word out about your business. 99% of your customers would likely come from the neighborhood where you first opened your business. Now, you can reach other neighborhoods and let them know about your brand.
Google My Business
Google My Business is the perfect tool to use when getting started with local SEO. All you have to do is create a Google My Business page, make posts, and let customers know they can review your company online. It also helps to respond to those reviews when you receive them. Most people today rely on reviews to help them decide where to shop, so don’t miss out on this opportunity. Once Google verifies your business as legitimate, you’ll have a much higher chance of showing up in the sidebar of Google’s local searches.
Prioritize Local Content
If you want to appear in local search results, it’s important to create local content. Landing pages are one great avenue to explore. Write for community members at a certain location rather than covering the whole spectrum. Think about what they might be interested in. Educational content and information about upcoming events might be a good idea. If you’re able to, utilize local authority figures as well. If you own a law practice, for instance, refer to trusted sites such as local court systems, law directories and experts in the field.
Interact with the Local Community
To make local SEO work for you, it’s key to have a local presence in the community. This way, you’ll gain more customers and reviews. Consider volunteering with other nonprofit organizations, attending local benefits, and making your voice heard in the media. Better yet, host an event yourself. The more you can spread the word, the better. Before long, local residents will be doing all the work for you. To this day, word-of-mouth works wonders!
Use Internal Links
If you can get other external sites to link back to you, that’s a huge plus. However, internal links are equally significant. They make your site easier to navigate, they help build hierarchy, and they’ll help you rank on search engines. Whenever you complete a section of content, make sure you include 1-2 links to other areas of your site (at a minimum). The whole idea is to keep viewers engaged so they stay with you. If all goes well, they’ll “convert” and become a buyer.
Create Location Pages on Your Site
Is your business a franchise with multiple locations? If so, you definitely want to use several location pages on your site. These might include key information such as promotions, testimonials, educational how-to content and more. These will target very specific audiences and help you show up in local search results. For instance, if you own a roofing company with locations in 5 different cities, you can create a new page for each of the locations.
Are you looking to improve your local SEO strategy? At Gauge Digital Media, our experts can help you achieve your goals. We can also direct your ad campaigns, display ads across Google AdWords and Bing Ads, and measure them accurately. We can even assist you with your web design, SEO, graphic design, social media marketing and e-mail marketing needs. No matter your business or industry, we can help you thrive.
We Are Here to Help Grow Your Business Online and Through SEO
Working with a professional digital marketing company is the best way to make the most of your website and all that Facebook Pixel, LinkedIn ads, Google Analytics and other digital advertising platforms have to offer. To learn more about the best digital marketing strategies for your company and reach a bigger audience than ever before, work with Gauge Digital Media. For a quote or to schedule a call, contact us at (443) 201-7709.
