You asked and we delivered! When asked what sort of blog content readers would find the most useful, the overwhelming majority chose “How to Improve Your Local SEO,” and that comes as no surprise. Google searches ending in “near me” have increased 34 times since 2011, according to a study by Search Engine Watch. Now more than ever, it is so important to include local SEO on your website, increasing your rank in a specific geographic area. On average, there is a maximum of 11 chances to be ranked on the first page of Google search results, and there are even fewer chances to appear on the first page for local results. How can you increase your local search ranking by making small changes to your website?
Code your website accordingly.
When it comes to search engine optimization, it pays to follow the format Google expects on your website. Your business name, address, and phone number should appear on every page of your website, and in order for Google to recognize what this content is, you have to place the appropriate code in front of it, called schema.
Increase your links.
There are three types of links you commonly see on websites: inbound links that lead to relevant content on that website, outbound links that lead to other websites, and links on other websites that lead back to you. All are equally important. Include inbound and outbound links on every page of your website to keep visitors moving closer and closer to the close stage of the buyer’s journey, and encourage outside links to your website through sponsored blog posts on popular local websites.
Gain citation signals.
These are also known as mentions of your business name, address, and phone number on outside sites, such as directory listings. For example, the Crystal Coast Bridal Alliance is a wedding vendor directory for brides getting married on the Crystal Coast. By becoming a member of the Bridal Alliance and having contact information listed on the site, wedding vendors can improve their local SEO.
Set up a Google My Business Page.
A Google My Business listing accounts for 15% of your local search ranking factor, so this could be one of the most important steps you take in increasing local SEO. It’s pretty easy – Google will ask you to claim your location and then verify via a piece of mail. Then you can update your page with pictures of your storefront, social media updates, and more to keep everything relevant. According to DealerOn, having a Google My Business page increases your chances of a website visit by 38%, and increases the chance of a visitor buying from you by 28%.
Keep track of your reviews.
Did you know that 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as word-of-mouth from a friend or family member? Reviews can be the most powerful factor for or against your business, and you can’t fake good reviews. In fact, publishing fake reviews from past clients is a federal offense. So that means you’ll have to get them the old fashioned way – by having really great customer service. Keep track of your reviews on Yelp, Facebook, and Google+, and always respond to the good AND the bad. Don’t copy your best reviews and publish them on your website. Google will punish you for misleading your clients.
These small changes can make a big difference for your SEO. Google is constantly changing and improving their algorithms to help consumers find exactly what they are looking for. Take note from this customer-centric platform and create content on your website that is meant for the customer – to attract, convert, close, and delight them.
The Hummingbird update favored content that was more conversational, less robotic. The Pigeon update heavily favored directory sites like Trip Advisor, so always make sure that your company is listed on relevant directories. If you are a wedding professional on the Crystal Coast, you may consider listing your business on the Crystal Coast Bridal Alliance to improve your local SEO.
Call BG Digital Group, formerly Bellagurl Marketing, to learn more about how we can boost your local SEO and improve the user experience on your website. We are a full-service digital agency in Morehead City, North Carolina, ready to help you with all of your marketing needs, including web development, social media marketing, event marketing, and more.
