46% of all searches on Google are seeking local information and 97% of people learn more about a local company online than anywhere else.” (Source: HubSpot)
The takeaway? Local SEO is powerful for small businesses.
What is SEO?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It’s the process used to increase your website’s visibility in search engines (e.g. Google).
SEO helps to increase your overall online presence as well. It allows your business to be found when someone is searching the internet using related keywords and queries.
In a nutshell, the goal of SEO is to raise your ranking in organic (unpaid) search results.
Why is SEO Important?
Without SEO, your target market is unlikely to find you on the internet when they are searching for the goods/services that you provide. And, if you’re not being found, then there’s a good chance it’s increasing the odds of your competitors being found.
SEO helps your ideal customer find your business. It keeps you competitive and gives you a better chance of gaining market share.
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO helps your business be more visible in search results on Google.
Any business that has a physical location or that serves a geographic area can benefit from a local SEO strategy.
But it’s not just about your website…
Search engines rely on signals such as local content, social media profile pages, links and citations (e.g. directory listings) to provide the most relevant local results to the user to gather information for local search. So, a good local SEO strategy will include a plan for obtaining and optimizing those channels as well.
By following local SEO best practices, businesses can improve organic traffic from searches performed by customers in nearby areas.
For example, if you are a local restaurant that specializes in making delicious burgers, then your website, social media pages, Google Business Profile (and more) should be optimized for searches involving the following phrase: “best burgers near [your town]”.
So, Does Your Business Need Local SEO?
If your business is focused on serving your local area, then you absolutely need local SEO, and without it, you’re most likely leaving a lot of money on the table for your competitors to grab.
Want to know more about local SEO? Schedule a quick consult with me and we can talk it over in more detail and see if local SEO is right for your business.