What Is Local SEO?

Local SEO is a specific strategy within the broader field of SEO that focuses on attracting customers searching for businesses or services in your local area.

Regular SEO aims to make your website rank higher in general search results, no matter where the searcher is located.
Local takes things a step further by targeting searches specific to your location.

What Does SEO Stand For?

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization.

Why Local SEO Is Important?

Increased website traffic: People searching for local businesses are more likely to click on a listing in the local results than a general search result.
More qualified leads: When someone searches for “plumber near me,” they’re already looking for a plumber in their area, making them a more qualified lead than someone searching for “plumbing tips.”
Improved brand awareness: Having your business listed prominently in local search results can help people become familiar with your brand, even if they haven’t heard of you before.

How Does Local SEO Work?

Local SEO generates search results organically through several factors such as relevance, distance and prominence.

Relevance refers to the keywords used and how your site is optimized for those keywords.
Distance refers to how far you are from a business meaning your business is more likely to show up the closer you are to the searcher.
Prominence which is how important the search engine thinks

Then, the search engine such as Google or Bing will display the results in two parts.

A local map. It helps to be in the top three because the user does not need to click into anything to see your list.
In the body of the search results page underneath the ads. This is called the organic search results.

How To Do Local SEO:

Local Keywords: Research Using keywords that include your location, such as “best pizza Chicago” or “dentist near me”.
Google My Business:
Local listings: Claiming and optimizing your business listings on platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, and Bing Places for Business.
On-page optimization: Updating your website content to include your location details and relevant keywords.
Positive online reviews: Encouraging customers to leave positive reviews on your list
Mobile-friendliness: Ensuring your website and listings are optimized for mobile devices, as most local searches happen on smartphone.

Local SEO Tools

Local SEO tools include google search console, google ads and position ranking tools.

Google Search console allows you to track
Google Keyword Planner helps with local keyword research for free. You can use the tools to perform a keyword search and then choose your location to see how that keyword performs in a specific place.
Position ranking tools show you what keywords you rank for as well as what tools you want to rank for.

Local SEO Services

Local Search Engine Optimization services include keyword research and planning, citations including a google my business profile and more.

Local SEO can help you and your business be right where you need to be. For help coming up with a digital marketing plan, contact me.