What is Local SEO?

What is Local SEO?

Local SEO is the process of increasing a company’s visibility in local search results. Any business with a physical location or catering to a specific geographic area can gain advantages from local SEO. 

This is how a local search result looks on Google,

This blog post explains What is Local SEO, How it works & how to do Local SEO properly as a Local Business owner.

Why is Local SEO important?

Now you have an idea about What is Local SEO. But why exactly should you do it? Is it worth to focus on Local SEO? Let’s find the answers.

The best way to show the importance of something is to show the statistics of it. So, let me show you some stats that prove Local SEO is a MUST for your business 😎

The global searches for “shopping near me” on Google Maps have increased by more than 100% over the year.

As per a report from Google in 2019, mobile searches for “store open near me” had a growth of over 250% in two years. Additionally, usage of, “where to buy” and “near me” keywords increased by more than 200%.

Source:Think with Google

76% of consumers who search for local information on their phones end up visiting a store on the same day.

Source:Think with Google

About 46% of all Google searches show a “local intent,” indicating people are looking for nearby products or services.

So, these stats prove that having a presence on Local search results is a MUST if you want to draw people to your store. Local SEO helps you achieve that goal. Let’s see a detailed explanation of how that happens.

Local SEO increases the visibility of your business:

Local SEO increases local rankings of a business in local search results, making it more likely for potential local customers in the area to find and engage with your business.

Helps to target specific local audiences:

It allows businesses to target a specific local audience, ensuring that their products or services are seen by people in the relevant local area who are more likely to convert into customers.

Mobile search emphasis:

With the rise of mobile usage, many people use their smartphones to search for local businesses. Local SEO ensures that your business is easily discoverable when potential customers perform local searches on mobile devices.

Google My Business (GMB) Optimization:

Local SEO optimizes your Google My Business listing, providing essential information such as business hours, address and phone number. This optimization increases the likelihood of your business appearing in local map results.

Building Trust:

Local SEO efforts contribute to building trust among local consumers. Positive reviews, accurate business information, and a strong online presence all work together to build credibility for your business in the local community.

Provide a competitive edge:

Many businesses are not aware of local SEO, so by investing in it, you can earn a competitive edge in local search results, attracting customers actively looking for products or services you offer in your area.

Cost-effective marketing:

Local Search Engine Optimization is a cost-effective way to reach a targeted local audience compared to traditional advertising tactics.

Helps to have a position on Local Pack:

Local SEO can help your business get featured in the local pack, the prominent section of the search results that displays a map and three local businesses. Being in this section increases visibility and trust.

How Does Local SEO Work?

Local SEO functions similarly to regular Google searches. When someone searches, Google looks through its index to provide the most relevant results for that query. 

However, Local SEO has its own set of ranking factors that make it unique. These factors include, 

• The location of the searcher
• NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) 
• The presence of a Google Business Profile listing
• Keywords in the profile
• sentiment in online reviews
• Keywords in reviews
• the number of check-ins at a location, 
• social media shares
• The Google Maps star rating

Google uses three primary factors to determine the best local matches: 

Relevance: How closely related a Google Business Profile result is to the words a searcher uses in their query.

Distance: How far Google thinks a user is from a business when they search.

Prominence: How important Google believes a business is to potential customers.

Google displays two types of results for local searches: 

1. Organic results: These are the typical blue link search results.

2. Local pack results (Google Maps and Business Profiles): These show the top local business listings and a map.

Build a Local SEO Strategy | Best Practices to follow

Now you know what Local SEO is, how it works, and the importance of Local SEO for your business. It’s time to develop a strategy to enhance your local rankings and drive more traffic.

We have put together some amazing and effective Local SEO best practices you can start today.

1.Local Keyword research

If you are familiar with the concept of SEO, you might know what Keywords are. But if you are new to SEO, let me explain about Keywords. 

In simple terms, a Keyword is a word or phrase that a person types in the search bar to get information from search engines like Google. 

For example, refer to the below image.

In this example, the phrase I used to find cleaning services is “Cleaning Services in Melbourne.” That phrase is a Keyword.

You can learn more about keywords from our Guide to Keywords and how to use them properly.

Local Keyword research involves finding keywords that people use when looking for products and services near them. 

Getting a good ranking for these keywords brings local visitors to your business. To begin, make a list of keywords people might use to find your local business.

Here are some ways you can do local keyword research.

1. Use Google autocomplete.

Google Autocomplete is a feature in Google Search that speeds up the search process as you begin typing. It aims to save users time by predicting their search queries.

You can find long-tail keywords for your local SEO strategy in this autocomplete section.

To discover valuable local keywords, begin by typing keywords related to your business. For example, if you have a bakery, enter “bakeries” to generate a list of local keyword suggestions.

Continuously experiment with various combinations of local keywords. You will get a list of keywords for your local business SEO.

2. Use Google Keyword Planner.

Google Keyword Planner is a tool in Google Ads that you can use for free. You can find many valuable keyword insights through that tool. 

You need a Google Ads account to use this feature. Here is how to use Keyword Planner.

• Open your Google Ads account.
• Click Tools from the left menu.
• Click the Keyword Planner option.
• Then click Discover new keywords option.

• Type a relevant keyword in the search bar and then click Get results.
• Now you will get a complete report of relevant keywords, search volume and the keyword competition.

If you already have an idea of keywords relevant to your business and want to select the best ones, this feature is helpful. However, if you’re searching for new keywords, I recommend using their “Start With a Website” feature.

2.Optimize Google Business Profile

Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a free listing containing information about your business. It helps you to share details such as your location, services, products, and photos.

If you do not have a Google Business Profile yet and don’t know how to set up one, Don’t worry! Refer to our Guide to set up Google Business Profile.

If you prefer a video tutorial, watch this video.

According to Google, optimizing your Business Profile is a crucial task for local SEO. That implies having a Google Business Profile is essential to improve your chances of ranking well in local searches.

Here are tips to optimize your business profile:

• Ensure your business name, address, phone number (NAP), and website are accurate and consistent with your online presence.
• Select the most relevant categories for your business to help Google understand your services.
• Provide all information about your business, including hours of operation, attributes, and a business description.
• Upload high-quality images of your business, products, and services. It helps in creating a visually appealing and informative profile.
• Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews. Respond to reviews, both positive and negative, to engage with your audience.
• Use the Posts feature to share updates, offers, events, and other relevant information. 
• Use a local phone number to signal your local presence to both Google and potential customers.
• If applicable, specify the areas your business serves. This is particularly important for businesses that operate in specific geographic regions.
• Take advantage of attributes like “women-led,” “veteran-led,” or others that apply to your business. These details can attract specific customer segments.
• Ensure that your website is linked correctly. This establishes a connection between your website and your Google Business Profile.
• Actively manage the Q&A section by addressing common queries and providing helpful information.
• Link your Google Business Profile with Google Analytics for additional insights into user interactions.
• Keep your information up-to-date, especially if there are changes in your business details or services.
• Ensure that your business information is consistent across various online platforms and directories.

3.Get Local (NAP) Citations.

NAP citations are instances where your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are mentioned online. These mentions commonly occur on business directories and social media profiles. 

NAP citations hold significance because Google often relies on them to confirm the accuracy of your business information, ensuring that the details you provide online align with the facts about your business.

The more consistent NAP citations Google finds for your business, the greater its confidence in the legitimacy and trustworthiness of your business. 

So, your NAP data should be 100% consistent everywhere (any place that mentions your business online.)

Here are some NAP citation tools you can use,

• WhiteSpark
• Yext
• Moz Local
• Synup
• SemRush
• Brighlocal

4.Create Locally relevant content.

Creating locally relevant content is about creating content that resonates with your local audience, helping search engines understand your location and relevant queries. 

Here are some content types that can connect with your local audience:

Blog Posts: Covering topics like local events, news, or specific keywords can engage local customers and improve your search engine rankings.

Product Descriptions: Offering detailed explanations of your products or services helps potential customers understand what your business provides.

How-to Guides and Tutorials: Step-by-step guides can assist local customers in solving problems or acquiring new skills, establishing your brand as a valuable resource.

5.Manage your online reviews

Managing your online reviews is essential for local SEO as it significantly impacts your search rankings and business reputation. 

You can monitor and respond to reviews directly on each platform or use the Review Management tool.

Responding to customer reviews shows your appreciation for their feedback and willingness to address concerns. This engagement not only has the potential to turn a negative experience into a positive one but also attracts new customers who see your active involvement with your audience.

Here are some effective tips for responding to online reviews:

Try to respond within 24 hours of receiving a review.

Personalize your response by addressing the reviewer by name and referring to specific details from their feedback, indicating that you’ve attentively read and understood their review.

In the case of negative reviews, apologize for any inconvenience caused and offer a solution or compensation if appropriate. This demonstrates your commitment to taking action to address issues.

Maintain a courteous and professional tone in your responses, even when dealing with particularly negative reviews.

Keep track of your responses and follow up with reviewers who may have additional concerns or questions. This proactive approach shows ongoing engagement in addressing customer feedback.

Local SEO Tools

1.Google Search Console:

   – A free tool from Google, Search Console helps monitor, maintain, and optimize your site’s presence in search results.

   – It provides valuable insights into how Google perceives your pages and ensures that your site is easily accessible to search engines.

2.Semrush’s Listing Management:

   – An all-in-one local SEO tool by Semrush, Listing Management facilitates the control and distribution of your business information.

   – Easily add your business NAP (name, address, phone), submit to various directories, and keep track of customer reviews.

   – It offers a comprehensive solution to manage and enhance your local SEO presence effectively.

🚀 Elevate Your Local Presence with DigiFix’s Expert Local SEO Services! 

Unlock exceptional visibility and drive more customers to your doorstep with DigiFix’s comprehensive suite of Local SEO services! 🌐✨

📌 Google Business Profile Set-Up and Management

Let us ensure your business stands out on Google Maps! Our experts will craft and manage your Google Business Profile, putting your business at the forefront of local searches.

🌟 Review Management Services

Build and maintain a positive online reputation! DigiFix handles review management with finesse, turning feedback into a powerful tool for attracting new customers.

🔍 Google Business Profile Optimization

Maximize your profile’s potential! Our optimization services ensure your business details are not just accurate but compelling, making you the top choice for local customers.

📰 Localized Content Creation

Tailored content for your local audience! We create engaging, locally relevant content that resonates with your community, driving organic traffic and boosting your search engine rankings.

And that’s not all! Our range of services goes beyond, designed to give your business the digital edge it deserves. Partner with DigiFix for local success! 🚀🌐✨

👉 Contact us today to take the first step towards conquering your local market!