If you’ve recently opened up a shop or local business, then you might be wondering how to get your website ranking on Google by frequently searching for terms, such as ‘architect near me’, ‘hairdressers open now’ or ‘best coffee shops’. This is a local Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) campaign, where specific keywords are targeted for your region, instead of broader keywords that are targeted nationwide.
Unlike Pay Per Click (PPC), where you pay for the top-spots of Google, SEO takes time and a more tailored strategy. This includes optimising your Google Business profile, optimising your website for local keywords, ensuring optimal mobile performance and more.
To help you learn more about what exactly a local SEO campaign entails, and why they’re important, we’ve produced this useful guide for you to explore. Simply keep reading to discover the secrets of a successful local SEO strategy.
Why are local SEO campaigns so important for local businesses?
It’s all about visibility. In a sea of online competition, standing out is the key to attracting local customers. When potential clients search for services in their area, you want your business to be front and centre. Local SEO ensures that your website appears prominently in search results when someone looks for products or services you offer in your region.
Now, let’s talk about trust. When your business constantly pops up in local searches, it builds trust and credibility. Imagine someone searching for ‘best local pizza.’ If your restaurant consistently appears in the top results, customers are more likely to trust your expertise and choose you over competitors. Local SEO is about creating a digital reputation that mirrors your real-world excellence.
Unlike Pay Per Click (PPC) advertising, where you pay for visibility, local SEO is a long-term investment. It takes time, yes, but the results are enduring. By optimising your Google Business profile, fine-tuning your website for local keywords, and ensuring seamless mobile performance, you’re laying down the groundwork for sustained visibility and success.
Consider it a digital word-of-mouth. Customer reviews and testimonials play a significant role in local SEO. When your satisfied customers leave positive reviews, it not only boosts your online reputation but also influences others to choose your business. Local SEO maximises the impact of these endorsements, turning them into powerful tools for attracting new customers.
What are the core elements of a local SEO strategy?
Let’s unravel the mystery and delve into the core elements that will set your business on the path to digital prominence.
First and foremost, picture your Google Business Profile as the heart of your local SEO strategy. Claim it, verify it, and embrace it. Ensure it’s up-to-date with all the essential information about your business – accurate business hours, contact details, and a compelling business description. Think of it as the window to your online storefront, inviting customers to explore and step in with confidence.
The second most important aspect of any SEO strategy is ensuring that you’re targeting the correct keywords. Optimise your website content, meta tags, and descriptions with phrases that resonate with your audience. When they search for ‘cosy cafes near me’ or ‘trusted mechanics around,’ you want your business to pop up. The key to success is thorough in-depth research, using accurate tools such as SEMRush, Ahrefs, Google Trends and more.
It isn’t just your web page content that’s important. Optimise your meta titles, meta descriptions, and header tags with those carefully chosen local keywords. Your website is not just a space in the digital realm; it’s your storefront online. Make sure it showcases your offerings in the most appealing and SEO-friendly way possible.
Building connections is an art, and in the digital landscape, it’s all about local link building. Forge alliances with local websites, directories, and community organisations. It’s not just about links; it’s about building your digital reputation. For more information about link building, explore our useful blog on Off-Page SEO.
Consistency is the unsung hero of local SEO. Your business information should feature across online directories, citation sites, and social media platforms. A consistent Name, Address, and Phone number builds trust with both customers and search engines alike.
Mobile is not just a device; it’s a lifestyle. Optimise your website for mobile users. Ensure that it’s not just mobile-friendly but a valuable experience. A smooth, quick interaction on mobile devices is your ticket to winning over on-the-go customers.
Tailor-made content is also an invaluable tool that is often overlooked. Craft content that resonates with your local audience – blog posts, articles, or resources that mirror the tone and values of the community. Dive into local events, trends, and interests. Become the digital voice of your local community.
For a more advanced and effective SEO tool to boost your local SEO campaign, explore which structured data can be added to your website. For example, adding local business schema is advantageous in enabling Google to understand more about your business, such as opening hours, address and contact details.
Tracking your results
As with any SEO campaign, it’s important to monitor the output of your efforts. Using tools such as Ahrefs, Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and more, you can monitor your organic performance. It’s valuable to check metrics such as organic users, keyword ranking positions and demographics, to ensure that your campaign is delivering the best results.
Looking for local SEO experts? You’ve found the right place
Don’t struggle with your localised SEO campaigns. The expert team at Circulate Digital are ready to help. Simply explore our website to learn more about who we are and what we do, or contact us directly today for a free consultation. Your new localised SEO journey is only a click away!
