For small business owners who serve in specific locations, targeting locations in digital marketing can be a powerful option. According to research, 46% of the Google searches made are looking for local details and information. This means that if you are not targeting locations, you are missing out on a lot of potential clients.
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO is a subcategory of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) which focuses on improving the online presence and visibility in the local areas. By using Local SEO techniques, small businesses can greatly improve their online visibility in those areas for keywords related to their services.
What’s the Importance of Local SEO in Small Businesses?
Approximately half of the searches made on Google are targeting any specific locality. According to Google, there has been a drastic change in local searches in a few years, involving searching for phrases like “near me”
This means that using Local SEO techniques in your business’s site can improve the chances of your business getting more online visibility and leads.
Following are some advantages that Local SEO offers:
- Cost-Effective
As compared to the general SEO, Local SEO will not only cost you less but will also increase your business’s chances of attracting more traffic leading to leads and sales.
- Local Customers Find You
Local SEO targets the locations in which your business is operated, making your business visible online in those areas. This way, people searching from the locations you serve in can find your business.
- Attracts Potential Customers
Local SEO helps your business keep away the traffic that is not likely to buy your service. People who are interested in a service or buying a good are more likely to search with locations. So using Local SEO techniques, you can attract potential customers that are more likely to be your customer.
How to use Local SEO for Your Small Business?
- List Your Business In Local Directories
Listing your business in online local directories like Yelp, Google, Facebook, and Yext will help your business gain more reach. It will also let Google know that your business is authentic and legitimate.
- Target Keywords With Locations
Including keywords targeting locations can be very impactful. Adding keywords with locations, for eg. “Digital Marketing Agency in New Jersey”, can help your business get the attention of people looking for that service in that specific area.
- Set Google My Business Profile
Setting up your business profile on google my business allows you to feed your contact information, working hours, and location directly. It also allows your customers to add reviews.