Search engine optimization, frequently referred to as SEO, is the process of getting pages of a website to rank in search engines such as Google. For businesses targeting a local market, having an optimized SEO strategy is very important. Think of how often you’re looking for a store, a restaurant, or a service provider near you. Typically you’re making a quick Google search and making a choice based on one of the first options you see. Improving your SEO so that you rank well on Google helps set you apart from your competition!
Why Is Local SEO Important?
A Hubspot study found that 46% of all Google search queries are local. This means that local SEO can have a huge impact on your local business. The search engines have evolved just like our search queries have. Today, more and more users are adding their location to their search query whether they are searching for a local ice cream parlor or a salon in their locality. Google recognizes such queries as having local intent and will show all the businesses that are relevant to the query on its results page.
How Do I Utilize Local SEO For My Small Business?
Google My Business
If you haven’t yet claimed your Google My Business profile, now is the time to do it. It’s free and it can significantly boost your local SEO ranking. When claiming your Google My Business profile, be sure to provide all the important information about your business including your name, telephone numbers, address, and accurate business hours.
Add localized content
If you want to ensure Google understands the relevance of your business to local search queries, you must publish content that’s targeted at locals. Blog about local activities, events, and news to gain attention from local customers.
Ensure your website is mobile-friendly
About 50% of mobile search queries are for local businesses. If your website is not optimized for mobile, you are missing out. Many local queries are made while potential customers are on the go using their mobile devices. Not having a mobile-optimized website can cause you to lose business to your competitors.
Use geo-targeting keywords for title tags
Be sure to use your location-specific keywords in the title tags. This is the best way to let the search engines know that your website is relevant to a locality/city. For example, if you are a plumber working in Las Vegas, a title on a page of your website can say “Drain Cleaning Services in Las Vegas”.
Can I Do SEO By Myself Or Do I Need To Hire Someone?
Technically, you can do SEO on your own. If you are currently running your business’ social media platforms and maintaining your website then you have access to the canvas that you’ll be doing most of the SEO work on. However, it’s important to know that SEO is not a one-time overhaul of your website. You can’t just commit a few hours to optimize your website and then call it a day. An intensive SEO strategy requires continued evaluation of your website and social media. This can include creating new blog posts monthly that include keywords that you are hoping to rank for, combing through your website and adding backlinks, as well as, utilizing industry tools that assess the strength of your website’s SEO.
Understandably, you may be thinking that you don’t have enough time to dedicate to implementing a strong SEO strategy while running your business, which is why Blackbear Media is here to help! We help businesses across the country with their SEO strategy. We also have package options for website maintenance, social media marketing, lead generation, and more! If you’re interested in finding out more about how we can help you get your content in front of the right people while you focus on business, get in touch!
