Local search is one of the most common methods we use today when we are looking for a business or company. It is one of the most powerful areas for small businesses as well as big businesses. Local SEO ensures that your business appears in map results and local locations according to the searches made by users on search engines such as Google and Yandex.
When we compare local SEO with SEO, it basically has the same principles, only local SEO deals with more location-oriented work. In addition, these studies allow your business to increase its visibility in the long term and increase brand awareness.
Basically, it allows your potential customers to find you, shop or visit your business in local searches. Especially if you provide service on your location and want to bring your customers to your business, I recommend you to optimize your business account.
Local SEO Tips
- Do local keyword research.
- Optimize and keep your Google My Business account up to date.
- Strengthen your social media channels and add posts to your Google My Business account.
- Conduct regular Local SEO audits.
- Use NAPs.
- Add and improve internal links.
- Add location pages to your website.
You can learn how to improve your business account and reach more users in my ‘Optimizing Google My Business Account‘ article.
How Does Local SEO Work?
Local search algorithms, just like the Google algorithm, bring the closest and most relevant results to the search result. Local SEO metrics that determine high relevance results:
- Relevance:
The algorithm presents the business profile with the information closest to the user’s query.
- Distance:
It prefers to show results closest to the search location. Therefore, you should improve your local search results to avoid missing out on potential customers.
- Importance:
Google is also interested in the importance of business accounts to customers. One of the clearest proofs of this is that it does not accept every review. You need to show the bots the importance of your business to your customers.
How to Do Local SEO?
You should do Local SEO work to increase your rankings in local searches and reach your target audience. Don’t forget to keep your social media accounts, website and of course your local business profile up to date.
Let’s examine how to do Local SEO step by step…
Local Keyword Research
Local keyword research will allow you to discover words that you think may be relevant to your business in your location. With the words you find, you can develop your business profile and optimize your content.
One of the best methods you can use while doing this is definitely competitor analysis. Because with competitor analysis, you can discover other businesses that offer similar services to you. You can analyze the traffic of the businesses you discover, examine their business profiles and complete the deficiencies you see when you compare them with your own profile.
But remember! The main focus of all these tips will pass through your Google My Business account. Therefore…
Optimize Your Google My Business Account
Your Google business account helps your business appear in relevant search results. For example, even if your business is not yet on the first page and first row, you can appear in the map results thanks to local SEO optimization.
For this:
- You should request a Google My Business account or start making improvements to your existing account. In this section, detail information such as business name, description, images and working hours.
- Fill out the form in detail. Remember, every information you provide can answer users’ queries.
- Do verification. After filling out your business information completely, send a verification to Google. If you, as the business owner, have submitted the correct information with an account that has not been opened before, your business profile can be approved quickly. In some cases, the approval process may take longer or the account may be suspended, and if this happens, Google will help you find and fix any issues with your business profile.
Strengthen Your Social Media Channels
The power of social media is an indisputable fact. For this, you can share the content you create on your social media channels on your business profile and increase traffic from social media.
In order to strengthen your social media channels, you can increase your interactions with social media content production if you master topics such as creating quality content on Instagram.
Regular Local SEO Audits
Keep your business account up to date and make regular improvements. Because SEO is a never-ending, enjoyable process. To make the most of this process, keep not only your business profile but also your website up to date. For this, pay attention to the NAPs on your website pages.
Use NAPs
NAPs show an abbreviated version of a business’s name, address, phone number, etc. In order to appear in Google’s location-based search results, you need to have your NAP in HTML on your site.
You can also find NAP citations from trusted sites. NAP citations are important because Google can use them to verify your business and test its credibility.
Add and Enhance Internal Connectivity
Thanks to the internal links you add to your business profile, users who visit your profile can reach your website or different social media channels through the link. In this way, website navigation will increase and you will be able to reach your users from all areas.
Add Location Pages to Your Website
If you have a business in more than one location, you can create pages with local keywords to attract users from different locations to your business. You can add these pages with a link to your main business account and establish the connection between your accounts.
Here are a few Business Profile tips:
- Set detailed working hours (including holidays)
- Choose various features to identify your business (outdoor seating, Wi-Fi, etc.)
- Upload photos and videos regularly (increases engagement and ranking)
SEO audits: Youtube SEO, Instagram SEO and Corporate SEO, contact me for SEO Consultant, let’s grow together
