Close to 46% of all searches on Google are local. Therefore, it is right to say Local SEO is important. As a beginner in the online world, there is a lot to learn about Local SEO. If you are a local business, then you need to understand the features of local SEO and its significance. Let us know everything there is to know about Local SEO for beginners.
Needless to say, you will be missing out on a great opportunity to expand your business without local SEO. Your brand should pop up every time someone in your locality searches for your products or services. However, a lot of people are searching. Approximately 89% of people or more look for a local business on their smartphone per week. And the numbers are close to 58% in a day.
Continuing from above, the survey says that 72% of people who search even visit the store within 5 miles. However, the searches won’t show you up, if your local SEO is poor.
What is local SEO and can beginners understand it quickly?
Local SEO is optimizing the visibility of a local business. It is similar to the general SEO but has added geographical features. You should reach better rankings in the search engine results pages for all the local searches done. It is pointless for a restaurant in New York to rank higher in Houston. Ideally, you want people searching in New York to find your restaurant.
Therefore as a beginner, you must understand what Local SEO is. However, it will help you to boost traffic to your website and grow organically.
Local SEO for beginners – where to get started?
You come across myths and misconceptions about Local SEO tactics and strategies. For beginners, it can be overwhelming to understand Local SEO and how to put together a campaign. Firstly, don’t have the mindset to game Google. Secondly, realize that sustainable growth will help you in the long run. Thirdly, start with a local competition analysis before implementing Local SEO. Finally, handle the content, links, keywords, and technical SEO.
- Local Competition Analysis.
- Keyword Research.
- Technical aspects of SEO.
- Content Optimization.
- Quality Link Creation.
Local SEO for beginners – start with competition analysis in your locality
Simple local competition analysis can do wonders for your local SEO as a beginner. However, it can make or break your foundation. Initially, you can learn a thing or two about what your rivals are doing. Then, understand what helps them to grow organically. Later, you can figure out how to implement their strategies for your local business. Finally, you can alter their methods and make them flexible for your needs. Achieve the results by learning from your competition.
However, a local SEO analysis should include the upcoming factors:
- Content creation.
- On-site search engine optimization.
- Linking strategies.
Let us focus on the types of content that will elevate your local SEO
As a beginner, you should understand that there are important types of content that can efficiently boost your local SEO.
However, you might wonder if you have to create different content for each of your locations. It is risky to not do so. You can’t expect guests to a party without an invitation. Hence, it is recommended to create content if you have such a business spread across various locations. Sometimes, it is not enough to be unique. You should be local to reap the benefits the online presence brings forward.
Firstly, your local content should be highly relevant and useful. Secondly, remove any content that doesn’t bring any value addition to the page. Thirdly, be unique and local to your audience. Finally, understand the market needs of your locality and create content accordingly.
Local SEO for beginners- city-specific content creation
Is it possible to rank for local keywords with a location webpage? With some great difficulty, it is feasible. But you should rather create a location webpage and take it from there. Hence, it is very easy to rank higher in the search engine results pages with its help.
Do not mess with local SEO. Hence create exhaustive strategies to build city-specific web pages. However, if you are a relatively small local business, then the entire process is overwhelming. Then create one web page per location. Hopefully, that would be sufficient.
Content creation for FAQ pages
FAQ pages are regarded as a one-stop-shop for all things local SEO. There is a paradigm shift in the way people are consuming content today. It is because new features like voice searches are making way into the search engines. Close to 1/3rd of all searches are related are location specific.
When a feature like voice search is used, the queries are predominantly in the form of questions. Hence FAQ pages come to your rescue. They answer questions from potential customers. And also pave the way for improved conversion rates.
Specials, discounts, preferences for local consumers
Every customer loves discounts, preferences, and specials. The smart shopper’s age has made us all guilty with our need for discounts. Initially, make your local customers happy by offering special gifts or coupons. Later, turn them into loyal long term customers. Finally, enjoy the boost in sales and increased revenue.
Evidently, you are appealing to a local customer, when you offer location-specific offers.
Host Local events at regular intervals
Firstly, set up special sales at weekends, end of months, or end of the season. Secondly, lure your local customers to your local business with some festivity. Thirdly, you can host local events in your store. This will bring in an unexpected crowd who are exposed to your products and services.
Predominantly, you can see local brands promote their events on Facebook events. However, brands can achieve a greater impact by promoting local events on their web page also. If you conduct a local event without announcing it on your website, you are losing out on good local SEO.
Local SEO for beginners – start creating local content to stand out from the crowd
People were constantly scared and wary of creating local content. But, times are changing and so should you. It is because the content is crucial to help people in your locality to find you. Ultimately, your brand visibility improves and you can enjoy more sales.