Local search engine optimization solutions are designed to help businesses that serve customers within a specific geographic region get found online. This includes restaurants, plumbers, mechanics, and many other service businesses that have a physical storefront and rely on local traffic for growth.
Local SEO is a different process than traditional SEO, in that it takes into account the specific needs and constraints of local businesses. It’s important to work with a provider that understands these unique requirements and can adapt their approach accordingly. They will also have the tools to help you monitor your rankings so that you know how well your strategy is performing. This is critical because a sudden drop in ranking could indicate that you’ve been penalized by Google or that there are other factors at play that are preventing your business from getting found in searches.
For example, a visitor may be looking for “pizza delivery” or “dental appointment.” This is why it’s so important to include keywords that your target audience is using when creating on-page content and building backlinks. Having this information clearly marked on your website will make it easier for Google to recognize that your listing is relevant to the user’s search query, and it can help you show up in the local 3-pack for those types of searches.
In addition, a well-developed local search engine optimization strategy will include off-page signals such as local citations, reviews, and ratings. This can be done through a variety of tactics such as encouraging your customers to leave reviews on third-party sites, including links to these review websites on your website, and running a rewards program for your customers that encourages them to provide feedback.
Local search engine optimization services can also be used to optimize your Google Business Profile. This is the box that appears on the right-hand side of search results for a local business, and it provides essential information about your business such as address, phone number, hours, photos, etc. Having your Google Business Profile optimized is one of the most effective ways to improve your visibility in local search results, and it can be a great way to attract new customers.
When selecting a local search engine optimization solution, look for a provider that has experience with similar businesses in your industry and can demonstrate success stories. They should also be familiar with the complexities of local search algorithms and how they affect ranking factors. They will be able to explain in clear terms what they will do for your business and why, so that you can feel comfortable with their expertise.
A good provider will also be able to explain the importance of local SEO signals, and they will emphasize how these factors can help your business rank higher in the local pack for your specific search term. They will also be able to explain the differences between these signals and standard SEO factors, so you can understand what’s at play in your specific case.