Search engine optimization, commonly referred to as SEO, is a marketing technique utilized by businesses to boost online traffic and increase website visibility. Local SEO is similar to SEO, as it focuses on ranking higher in organic, unpaid search engine results. However, local SEO is more concerned with optimizing rankings among a local audience.
If you’re a local business owner looking to improve your search engine rankings among Google, Bing, and other local search engines, taking advantage of local SEO can help.
Why Practice Local SEO?
Utilizing local SEO can significantly benefit local business owners. For local businesses, like shops or firms, websites allow potential customers to discover and locate you. In addition, websites provide a comprehensive list of the products and services offered, along with contact information and an outline of what your business is about.
Local SEO targets an audience within a specific geographical area. It’s easiest to practice local SEO when a business has a proper address within a geographical area (by region or city). Businesses looking to expand can use local SEO to grow their customer base scalably and reach a wider demographic.
Local SEO and Search Engines
Surprisingly, performing better in search engine rankings involves more than just online practices. Although there are a wide range of opportunities online to increase your presence, real-world practices like brochures and word-of-mouth can also help optimize local SEO.
For instance, try mentioning your Facebook or Twitter profile to customers in-store or offer a discount for new followers. This is the most direct way to boost your online follower count, which, in turn, will direct more traffic to your website. Ultimately, the increase in followers and traffic will be detected by Google, which will culminate in improved search rankings.
Additionally, consider enlisting the help of SEO professionals. Local SEO services like Link Graph keep your business’ best interests in mind while helping drive organic traffic to your website. SEO marketing professionals offer a variety of services, including keyword research, content tailoring, progress tracking, and outreach execution. Link Graph also offers both preset and custom packages, allowing local business owners to choose the option that best matches their needs.
Distinguishing Local Searches
It’s easy to assume that all types of search results on Google are the same. Google generally aims to provide users with the best results for their search and divides these results into two categories: webpage-related results and place-related results. Understanding what distinguishes one type of result from the other will give you an edge over competitors and allow you to fully use SEO to your advantage.
While webpage-related results typically focus on providing general answers to questions, place-related results offer location-specific answers. For example, a search like, “get more likes on Facebook,” will yield results that provide a solution regardless of where you are in the world.
On the other hand, with a search like, “nail salon,” Google will assume you’re looking for a nail salon at that moment. Regardless of the device, you’re using to conduct the search, however, Google will use your location to provide a list of nail salons near you.
Webpage-related results and place-related results are generated by two different algorithms. In search results, local businesses are often in close competition with webpages. However, when Google algorithms detect local intent, local businesses only have to compete with other local businesses, rather than both local competition and webpages. Practicing local SEO can help eliminate potential webpage competition and direct more potential customers to your website.
All said, local SEO will significantly influence the growth of a local business by driving more organic traffic, boosting search engine rankings, and reaching a wider demographic. Investing in local SEO services is a sure-fire way to help local business owners looking to gain an edge over their competitors.
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