Local SEO: A Guide to Driving Leads for Local Businesses

So, you’ve heard about SEO, or search engine optimization, but did you know that there are specific strategies to take in order to attract users searching for your business locally? This strategy is called Local SEO, and it’s a must for any business looking to drive foot traffic to a physical location or build their reputation within their community.

But how do you implement Local SEO? We’ll walk you through strategies to use below.

What is Local SEO?

Local SEO is the process of optimizing your online presence to attract more business from relevant local searches. These searches occur via Google and other search engines, with people looking for products or services "near me" or in a specific city. For example, if you run a bakery in Burlington, Vermont, of course you want to rank as high as possible when someone searches "best bakery in Burlington, Vermont." Local SEO helps make this happen.

Why Local SEO Matters

Local SEO is an important strategy because it helps your business stand out in local search results, even if your business doesn’t have a website. With the rise of mobile search, the number of people looking for nearby businesses on their smartphones has skyrocketed. In fact, according to Google, about 46% of all searches have local intent. So if your business isn’t optimized for local SEO, you’re probably missing out on a large percentage of your target market.

Key Components of Local SEO

1. Google My Business (GMB) Optimization

One of the most important elements of local SEO is creating a Google My Business listing, or Google Business Profile. This tool allows your business to appear in Google Maps and the Local Pack—those top listings you see when searching for local businesses.

• Create your GMB profile: Make sure all details are correct, including your business name, address, phone number, and hours of operation.
• Optimize your profile: Add a business description, photos of your business, and keep your listing updated with any changes, such as holiday hours.
• Collect and respond to reviews: Positive reviews boost your business’ reputation and influence your ranking in local search results. When you respond to reviews– both positive and negative– you’re showing potential customers that you value customer feedback.

2. Local Keywords

Just like traditional SEO, keywords play an important role in local SEO. You want to include keywords that reflect local search intent. This means using terms that your customers would type in when looking for your business or service. You can use the same tools that you use to conduct keyword research for your SEO strategy to research local keywords.

3. Mobile Optimization

It’s no secret that most local searches are done on mobile devices, and search engines prioritize websites that offer a seamless mobile experience.

• Responsive design: Ensure your website adapts to different screen sizes.
• Fast loading times: A slow website can hurt your rankings and frustrate potential customers.

4. Local Link Building

Backlinks from local sources can help boost your local SEO efforts. Focus on earning links from local newspapers, bloggers, and other businesses in your area.

• Sponsor local events: Participating in community events and securing mentions on local websites can generate valuable backlinks.
• Collaborate with other businesses: Partner with complementary local businesses to cross-promote each other’s services and gain backlinks.

5. Online Reviews

Positive reviews not only build trust with potential customers, but also impact your local rankings. We recommend encouraging your customers to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile by sending them a follow-up email asking for a review, and even offering a small incentive when they do.

Once your customer leaves a review, remember to respond on your Google Business Profile by showing appreciation for positive feedback and addressing concerns raised in negative reviews.

With any questions about implementing Local SEO, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Monte Verde Media.