Optimizing for local search is essential for small businesses to rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs). Google has declared that about 46% of all searches have local intentions, making it necessary for businesses to enhance their local SEO.
Local SEO, also referred to as local search engine marketing, is a set of strategies that businesses use to attract local customers who search for their products or services online. It involves optimizing the website for search engine indexing and providing accurate information to clients.
Here are some essential SEO checklist items to get your local SEO on track:
Claim and Optimize Your Google My Business (GMB) Listing:
Google My Business is an online platform that allows businesses to manage how they appear on Google search and maps. Google My Business has various benefits, including online brand exposure and enhancing local SEO. Ensure that the details in your GMB listing are accurate, consistent and up-to-date, ranging from business openings, holidays to services offered.
Create Landing Pages for Each Location:
If your business has multiple locations, create a separate landing page for each location that has unique content and personalized keywords.
Keyword Research:
Conduct keyword research to establish commonly searched phrases and terms that fit your service or product’s online optimization. Choose keywords relevant to your business, service, and products that accurately describe your locations and services.
Mobile Optimization:
Mobile optimization is crucial for both local and national SEO. Ensure your website is mobile-friendly and responsive so that users can access your website conveniently.
Make your website load faster:
Pages that load quickly indicate to search engines that a website has beneficial user experience. Websites that load slowly are likely to experience higher bounce rates leading to lower rankings.
Encourage Online Reviews:
Encourage clients to leave reviews and ratings on Google My Business, Yelp, Yellow Pages, and other platforms. Reviews from customers can improve search engine rankings and persuade potential clients to choose your business.
In conclusion, optimizing for local search is essential in creating an online presence, regardless of your business’s size. To cultivate a strong local SEO presence, take advantage of Google My Business, create landing pages for each location, conduct keyword research, optimize for mobile, encourage online reviews, and make your website load faster. Take the time to follow these essential SEO checklist items and attract more clients to your business.