Local SEO, a bit different from regular search engine optimization whereby you can you optimize the ranking for your Local Business. It helps in promoting your business in your locality. Local SEO is very helpful for getting ranking on Google Maps because now they have changed their 7 pack to 3 packs. That means when someone hit a search they will get 3 results. There will be more, but one has to scroll down to fetch those.
It means if your business does not appear amongst the first three search result you may be seriously missing out some business. You may have ranked 4th or 5th, but then you are not visible! That makes quite some difference. Thus, it is necessary to use Local SEO in such way that it helps you be amongst the tope 3 position.
Tip 1 – You must have a physical address in the place you are targeting
The basic step for optimizing locally is to ensure that you have a physical address that is consistent. It must be in the area where you want to optimize your business. It is best that the address is mentioned clearly and it is consistent all through everywhere you mention about it.
Tip 2 – Properly utilize Google My Business
Google My Business or GMB is most important in order to get good ranking in local search. Any information that you put on your GMB profile will be reflected in Google Maps, Google Search and Google+. Thus, when you have filled your business information in GMB every customer will get it irrespective of any device they are using.
While filling GMB it is necessary that you ensure that you have mentioned accurate and relevant information. The GMB location mentioned by you should be owner verified. You must mention the specific city or town that is targeted in the GMB landing page.
Tip 3 – NAP should be consistent
The NAP (Name, Address and phone Number) should be consistent all through. It must include the actual name of your business. It may appear at different places online, but ensure that it is same everywhere. It is best to have exact template for NAP for every place where you put in the data. This will ensure consistency.
Tip 4 – See to it that your website has a map to your location
Providing correct information is very important and along with that it is also important that you have included a map to your location for direction. With an actual map the users will not only be able to find out the precise location but it helps in Local SEO too. Along with a map you must also include information like
Tip 5 – Maximize on your business and website reviews
Google is quite serious about reviews. Even people while looking for something will check out reviews about that place or business. Thus, you must encourage your customers to write reviews about your product or services.
If you are told that your local business will have higher rank compared to national business in the Google SERPs won’t you feel odd?
Although it may seem crazy but that is possible if you have Google Local 3-pack. It let you compete with the biggies in the search engine results. As you are local you have an advantage over the large companies that they are not present in the locality as you are! Now the question is what is Google Local 3 Pack?
If you type ‘Spas’ in Google right now you will immediately get a list of Spas that operates in the locality nearby. It will mention the distance from your place too. You will find these listing at the top of the page with a special list that is accompanied by maps.
These listings are known as Local 3-Pack.
It will shows whenever Google finds that the search has a Local intent. Now again a question arises that how does Google identifies that a search is with local intent? It does with terms like ‘near me’ or business that are mainly of local nature like bakery, restaurants, parlours and so on!
When someone looks for something in your niche in your locality then your business must appear in the listing at top position. If it does not then you may lose chance of getting business. Thus, it is necessary that you rank higher and how can you do that? Read on to know
Google My business page is very important and you need to fill it up fast to get better results. Add your business to Google My Business and verify it. Once done you have completed an important step.
Your business may be providing a lot of services. Instead of just mentioning one, in GMB listing categorize them so that more and more options comes up when any search is hit.
Its very important that you are consistent on NAP, name address and Phone number. Your business will eb listed at different places. If these basic things are not consistent over all the places then there are high chances that your rankings will be affected badly. Google search engine will not be able to track if it’s the same business or different!
Images are important because they not only create an impression in the mind of the viewers but also on Google rankings. Thus, post fresh images as much as possible.
Reviews are very important for Google while ranking. However you cannot ask for Reviews directly. Thus, you have to plan out things in such way that your website and page get 5 star reviews. You can ask for reviews in the page where the business is getting closure or even include review link in your email signature.
At i360 Marketing, we provide Local SEO in any city in the US, we will get your business listing ranked higher and even #1 on Google and other search engines with many keywords, generate more sales/leads and thrive your brand. If you are struggling to get more traffic to your business locally and online, contact us today at 877-318-1826 for a free consultation, it could be a phone call that might save your business and bring it to the next level.