Web users are looking for information that is relevant to where they live. While the internet gives us access to Global information, sometimes you need information that is personal and relevant to your situation. If you for example, need a dentist near you, then you will need local and not global information. It is, therefore, essential that you optimize your website for local searches so that you become more relevant to your audiences.
What do you need to do to optimize your website for local search?
Understand and identify the local search terms
Local SEO success will only be possible if you understand what your audiences are searching for. SEO success means that you have optimized your pages so well that when someone types in particular terms, your website will come up. You have tools that can help with the task of finding the words people use the most. Such include Google AdWords or web Analytics. Many times people will combine the business type and location when they are searching for something online.
Utilize the existing pages on your website
Optimizing the pages on your website is another excellent local SEO tip. Add the name of your town or city in the descriptions, your services, location, among others. Ensure you give your contact details on the relevant pages. Most importantly, add your location map and details in the text.
Titles and meta description tags
Titles and Meta description tags are essential for letting people know what is in your web pages. They will also come up in search results, and you must, therefore, be careful about the information you include. Some of the data should be the location of your business, and at least one keyword that aptly captures your service or product offering.
Content localization
If you operate from multiple locations, you must have a landing page for each. It allows you to group your local offerings making it more relevant to specific audiences.
Utilize local listings
Local listings are a powerful marketing tool for any business. Ensure you include all the relevant details about your company, such as contact information, business name, and physical address, among others. You have the opportunity to give more information in the descriptors, thus allowing you to include the terms you have identified in our first point above. If you can, add tags and photos for more visibility.
Optimize for mobile
More than 50% of mobile users use their phones to access the internet and search for information. You can, therefore, not ignore them when optimizing for local search. Search engines such as Google will also base their ranking decision on whether your website is mobile-friendly.
Google my business
Google My Business is a free, powerful marketing tool that will give you fantastic exposure. You must, however, ensure that you optimize it for Google local if you are to enjoy its benefits. Have relevant descriptors, contact details, business hours, among others.
Final thoughts
Use our 7 tips above to find local SEO success.
