Local SEO
Here’s everything you’ll need to know to get started on or to improve your SEO
How local SEO can help grow your business
Every local business can get more leads and attract more customers using Local SEO. In this article I’m going to explain what Local SEO is, and why implementing some local search optimisation can help improve your firm’s online visibility.
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO is a really effective way to market your business online – no matter how big or small. It helps businesses promote their products and services to a local audience at the exact time they’re looking for a local product or service. Local SEO uses a variety of strategies — including getting your site ranked on search engines like Google and Bing, getting listed in business directories such as Yelp and the Yellow Pages or Golden Pages, having a Google My Business listing, listing in a Bing Places for Business page, locally relevant content on your website, online customer reviews and many other strategies.
Millions of customers use a local search every day to find the best local businesses close to them. You can help increase your chances of getting found by these potential customers through the use of Local SEO strategies and tactics.
Local SEO is a very targeted online marketing approach. It’s not like paying for an advert in a local newspaper or doing leaflet drops to homes in your area that may or may not be seen by a potential customer who is actually interested in your products or services.
The use of Local SEO allows you to position your business on search engines and other digital marketing platforms so you’re seen by potential customers — on their terms. It puts you in front of your ideal customers or clients right when they are looking for you. It’s inbound marketing at its best!
Here are 10 ways that local SEO can help you attract new customers
1. Local customers are turning to the internet to find local businesses – on desktop AND mobile
Yes, there are still some people who use printed phone books, but more and more people are turning to the internet to find information about local businesses.
2. Local search marketing is highly targeted and timely
The top reason for local search is to find a service business nearby. The second most common reason is to find an actual product or service. A lot of local searchers are looking for a particular business by name, but many who search don’t have a specific business in mind when they begin their search. By using local search strategies you can position your business and tell them what you have to offer to local customers – as and when they’re looking for your type of business. There’s no better time to connect with a potential customer or client – than when they really need you.
3. It has the highest conversion levels of all local advertising channels
Online directories display the business name, address, phone number and sometimes service details. Local directory marketing has a much higher conversion rate, than many other more traditional advertising options – up to 50% conversion on certain directories. That means that by getting your business accurately listed on as many quality online local directory sites as you can, you’ll probably convert 1 in every 2 leads into an actual customer or client.
4. The mobile Internet is Growing
Increasingly more customers use their mobile phones or tablets to find the best local businesses while they are on the go. In fact, mobile internet use now outstrips desktop access. Local SEO covers both PC and mobile internet access, which means that you never miss out on a potential customer.
5. There’s a great return on investment
Unlike traditional advertising, with local SEO there is very little wasted exposure. You reach potential customers when they need you — not when they don’t. This makes Local SEO both really efficient and very cost-effective.
6. According to Google, only 44% of businesses have claimed their Google My Business listing
Google My Business is a listing that Google makes available for almost any business. Getting listed on Google My Business can help increase your chances of showing up high in local search results on Google. Surprisingly, many local businesses haven’t figured out the importance of online marketing yet. That leaves the door open for you to get a head start before the rest of your competitors wise-up and it gets a lot more competitive.
7. Many of the best local SEO opportunities are still FREE (for now!)
It’s free to claim your listing on Google My Business, Bing Places for Business and on hundreds of other online business directories. That means there is still some free promotion for your business.
8. Only 20% of Adults Get News from Print Newspapers
Traditional advertising media is declining – and has been for some time. In fact, fewer and fewer people are reading local newspapers. Recent figures show some local newspapers have lost 80% of their readership in the last 20 years. Why? It’s because many more people are turning to the internet for their local news and information about local businesses.
9. Over 80% of Local Consumers Trust Online Business Reviews
Word of mouth is a major factor in the success of many local businesses. So why not increase your company’s online reputation? You can ask trusted customers to leave a positive review about your business online — and at the same time attract hundreds of new customers.
10. Your Local Customers rely on the internet to find information about Your Business
These days many people depend on the internet to find out information about all types of products and services. If your business isn’t getting found in the local search results, you’re missing out on many new customers. By implementing a variety of Local SEO tactics for your business, it can help you show up on the internet for future customers to find!
Grow Your Business Using Local SEO
These trends in Local Search are strong now and they’re going to get stronger and more critical in the future. Here and now is the opportunity for you to take advantage of local search engine optimisation. Give your business a customer getting boost, before your competitors catch on. All local businesses, regardless of the size or industry – from electricians and builders to gardeners and accountants – can improve their business presence and make more money through local SEO. So, now it’s time to get started today!