The Basics of Local SEO

5 steps to get started with local SEO

1. Claim your Google Business Profile listing. This is the first step to having a successful local SEO campaign. When users conduct local searches, a box with a listing of three businesses, known as the Google local SEO 3-pack, comes up in the search results. By claiming your Google Business Profile listing, you can ensure that your business appears in this box and that potential customers can find you easily.
2. Optimize your website for local search queries. This involves updating your website’s title tags, meta descriptions, and headers to include relevant local keywords. You should also make sure that your website is mobile-friendly, as many people use their mobile devices to conduct local searches.
3. Publish localized content. This can include blog posts, articles, and other types of content that are relevant to your local audience. By publishing localized content, you can attract more potential customers to your website and increase your visibility in local search results.
4. Ensure your local citations are accurate. Local citations are mentions of your business on other websites, such as directories, review sites, and social media platforms. By ensuring that your local citations are accurate and consistent, you can improve your visibility in local search results and attract more potential customers to your website.
5. Perform a local SEO audit. This involves analyzing your website and online presence to identify areas for improvement. You can use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track your website’s performance and identify areas where you can improve your local SEO strategy.

Local SEO is important for several reasons. Here are some of them:

1. It makes you more competitive: Even if you’re not investing in local SEO, you can be sure that the other local businesses within your niche are. This means that they’re a step ahead by default, and they’re getting all of your potential customers.
2. You draw-in visitors and newcomers: Local SEO helps you draw in visitors and newcomers to your business. By optimizing your website for local search, you can attract people who are looking for your products or services in your area.
3. People want to buy local: People are more likely to buy from local businesses. By optimizing your website for local search, you can make it easier for people to find your business and buy from you.
4. Phone searches drive sales: Many people use their phones to search for local businesses. By optimizing your website for local search, you can make it easier for people to find your business when they’re on the go.
5. It’s inexpensive: Local SEO is relatively inexpensive compared to other forms of advertising. You can optimize your website for local search for free, or you can pay for local SEO services¹.
6. It helps you reach your target audience: Local SEO helps you reach your target audience. By optimizing your website for local search, you can make sure that your website is visible to people who are looking for your products or services in your area.
7. It helps you build relationships with new customers: Local SEO helps you build relationships with new customers. By optimizing your website for local search, you can make it easier for people to find your business and learn more about what you have to offer.
8. It helps you improve your overall ranking in SERPs: Local SEO helps you improve your overall ranking in SERPs. By optimizing your website for local search, you can make sure that your website is visible to people who are looking for your products or services in your area.