People are Looking for You – How is Your Local SEO?
I recently read an article that stated 65% of people search for local businesses online. If you want to be found in Google’s local search box, you need to have Local SEO or Local Search Engine Optimization.
What is Local SEO?
I’m glad you asked. Local SEO uses geographic labels (county, city, neighborhood, etc.) to let Google know where you are located. The heavy lifting of Local SEO comes with citations, or getting listed in a bunch of online directories. There are currently over 150 directories like Yelp, Foursquare, HotFrog, Superpages, etc. where your business can be listed. Nearly all of these are free.
Why is Local SEO important?
People are looking for local businesses online. People could be looking for your business online. Google’s map is the first item to appear after the paid ads and there are only three spots. This is about to go down to two with Google sharing they are going to turn the top spot into a paid ad. There is a lot of competition for this key listing space for your business.
Here’s one more stat for you. 78% of local searches from mobile devices result in a purchase. People are searching for your business online and if they are searching on a phone, they are very likely to give you business if they pick you.
Another important factor in Local SEO – Customer Reviews
Another important factor in Local SEO is reviews. There is a bit of uncertainty as to how customer reviews help you rank, but there is no uncertainty as to what they do for your ability to get new business. People value reviews. Google conveniently has reviews linked to your listing in the Google map box. They also list the reviews in your Google business listing. If you don’t have a Google business listing, you need to start there and continue building your online presence.
Make it Mobile
Lastly, make sure your website looks good on a phone. Not only does Google penalize businesses who don’t have a website that looks good on a phone, 65% of Americans own a smartphone and nearly 90% of smartphone users search on their phones at least once a day. Make sure your mobile website is easy to read, simple to navigate and looks great on the small screen.
Get busy on working your Local SEO with solid citation listings, a good reputation, and a mobile-responsive website (i.e. a website that looks good on your phone).
About WSI (We Simplify the Internet)
WSI is a digital marketing company with a strong international presence. Our Digital Marketing Consultants use their knowledge and expertise to make a difference for businesses all around the world. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, we also have offices in over 80 countries. We’re a powerful network of marketers who strive to discover, analyze, build and implement digital solutions that win digital marketing awards and help businesses succeed online.
Over the last 20 years, WSI has won multiple digital marketing awards for our solutions by adapting to the constantly shifting landscape of the Internet. We take pride in helping businesses make the most of the dollars they spend on digital marketing.
Dave Hall owns AllRevedUp Internet Solutions powered by WSI, an Independent WSI franchise located in Colorado Springs, CO