Local search engine optimization (SEO) is often challenging. You not only have the regular SEO stuff to do, but now you also have that layer of complex SEO tasks. It's fair to say that most local business owners who are tech-savvy have some grasp on local SEO marketing, but when it comes to really digging deep into it, that can get a bit more intense.
There are loads of effective and simple ways to increase your business's visibility in the search results. At the same time, you can simultaneously improve marketing efforts that are related in ratings, social media, media outreach and reviews. Tasks like this can be done effectively by the business owner alone with some time and patience. However, if you wish to really get down deep with local SEO, it's best to hire a company strictly for this type of service such as SEO Royals. For now, however, let's explore some local SEO tips you can implement on your own to boost business leads and sales.
Optimize your Business Website Properly
The first and absolute must thing you need to do is optimize your business website properly with your NAP (name, address, and phone) information. Then you will want to move on to these next steps to ensure it is optimized enough to appear high in search engine results.
1. Purchase a domain and name it so it follows suit with the type of business you have and its location. For instance, if your business is called Lynns Candles and it�s located in NYC...your domain would look something like: lynnscandlesnyc.com.
2. Include keywords on each page title that is relevant to your business, its location and its services.
3. Add your NAP information not to just your contact page and homepage, but on every page of your site.
4. Highlight your services and make sure your site has local information on it as well so your viewers can associate your company with the nearby neighborhood. For instance, you can include information on which part of town you are located, what park is across the street or which sports team plays around the corner. Information like this will help improve your site's copy, encourage customers to engage more and boost your local search visibility.
Ensure your Google+ Local Page is Completed Fully
You should have a description of 100 words or more about your business with keywords on your page. You should also include your opening hours, contact details and upload at least 1 video and 5 photos.
Focus on More than Just Compelling Content
Content is great, however, there is more to SEO than simple 'compelling content'. These days Google is looking more at engagement. If you provide something people will find entertaining, useful or interactive that can really boost your SEO efforts. Perhaps you can focus on finding out the different problems your target prospects are dealing with and create an application that can help solve these problems.
Claim Listings
When you claim your listings, you spread your business all over the Internet in huge numbers. You should have your NAP information flooding local directories to help customers and search engines find you easily and quickly. Great places to get started are these 5 local directories. Move on to more industry-specific directories once you have finished with these five.
