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Content marketing is a key aspect of getting your business exposure online and drawing customers in to pay for your services. One important aspect of this marketing is “Search Engine Optimization,” otherwise known as SEO. Your SEO strategy will be key to being able to reach new customers and grow your business, and it is especially powerful for businesses looking to make a larger footprint in their local region. In this article, we will break down what local SEO is, the key concepts behind it, and why it is important, especially for small businesses.
What Is Local SEO?
When determining if local SEO is right for your business, you first need to understand what local SEO actually is. Local SEO refers to SEO tactics that are used to speak to and appeal to customers in your region or local business area. Having a clear local business SEO strategy is key to ensuring your business gets recognized by prospective customers in your region. Local SEO is vital to the successful growth of your business in an online space.
Understanding Local SEO: Key Concepts And Strategies
Some fundamental key concepts involving using local SEO on your website include ensuring your Google My Business (GMB) is up to date, that relevant keywords are added to your website content, and that backlinks to relevant content are included in your different landing pages. High-quality content made for your local region also helps with local SEO, as it will tailor Google searches for customers to your business if your local SEO strategy is done correctly. By utilizing your GMB profile, and making relevant content for your business and region, you are able to be searched more by customers looking for services similar to what your business offers.
The reason local SEO-focused content is important in your strategy is due to the fact that your business will become an authority on the types of services you offer. Online reviews and smart backlinks will help bolster the perception of your business and will ensure that new customers see your business as a formidable choice that they can feel good spending their money on. The last important bit to a local SEO strategy is ensuring your business is listed in online directories, such as Yellow Pages so that your business’s online profile creates credibility in a Google search.
The Importance Of Local SEO For Small Businesses
The importance local SEO has for your business begins with the concept that customers who are finding your business are ready-to-buy customers. This means that those searching your business are likely looking to purchase your services or goods right away. When customers search for a business, that first cluster of sites to show up is what they are likely to click on. By utilizing SEO tactics, you are able to ensure your business is a first choice digitally.
The beauty of local SEO is that it puts your business directly in front of local customers. This then leads to trust that your business is legitimate and credibility that your business is proficient enough to get the job done. As we spoke about above, by publishing content that makes your business an authority on different topics in your industry, you are able to gain more awareness while improving the general attitude towards your business. Furthermore, effective local SEO generates great ROI on the investment you choose to put into it.
How To Optimize Your Website For Local Search
In order to optimize your website for local SEO search, you need to ensure it is listed correctly in the GMB profile we mentioned above. Additionally, making sure landing pages hold relevant contact, contain adequate backlinks, and work to convert users into sales opportunities is also a key way to optimize your website. Finally, ensure that your site is optimized for both laptop and mobile viewing so that most customers who search on their cell phones can view and engage with your website easily.
Measuring The Success Of Your Local SEO Efforts
You may be wondering how success is defined within a local SEO strategy, and that is a fair question. Luckily, there are a few key metrics or indicators that will let you know if the local SEO strategy you are using is working. Google has a suite of reporting tools that can give you key insights into your Google My Business Profile and how it is doing. Secondly, how your website ranks in keyword searches is another concrete way to tell if your SEO practices are paying off. Finally, items such as click-through-rates, revenue increases, website engagement, and online reviews/ratings can all be key indicators of how your local SEO is helping your business get noticed.
To learn more about how local SEO can help your business, contact the digital marketing experts at LP Creative Co.
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