Are you a small business owner trying to rank for Keyword terms and finding it troublesome? Especially when you have to compete against Big Box stores, large retail chains and franchise businesses that seem to have unlimited advertisement funding.
How on earth are you going to get in the Google 3-Pack for Google Maps against them?
Well, you’re in luck. Whether you decide to hire a Local SEO Expert, or take the time to learn it yourself. Your small business with Local SEO gives you one heck of a good chance.
Okay, so now you know that your small business is still in the fight. But is it really that important for a small business to invest in Local SEO? The answer is YES!!! Don’t believe me?! Awesome, here are some facts you should keep in mind. (Also, these are mentioned in the infographic.)
- 46% of all Google Searches are local
- There has been over a 900% increase of mobile searches for “_______ Near Me today/tonight”
- 76% of nearby mobile searches visit a related business within a day, with 28% buying.
I don’t know about you? But, now seems to be the time to apply a Local SEO strategy for your small business.
In this article, you will be guided through an introduction of Local SEO for your Small Business. Are you ready for the Top 10 Local SEO Tips for Small Businesses?
What Is Local SEO for Small Business?
Simply, localized SEO (search engine optimization). The reason you want to implement this is a study shows that 78% of local searches turn into purchases. And when your business has applied Local SEO techniques you are going to rank higher than those who haven’t. Considering less than 2% of people ever make it past page one of Google, I’d say rank is pretty important.
5 Local SEO Tips
Let’s jump right to it! While not all Local SEO techniques are quick, there are many that you can implement very quickly. And with just a bit of consistent work you can come out on top of your competitors!
1. Probably the most important.
Outside of actually claiming your GMB listing, which many fail to do. This is by far the most important. That is Customer Service. Hands down providing a good service is key. Above it showed you how many people actually read reviews. But business with more than 4 starts generally out rank those with less than 4 stars by 11%. And I don’t know about you, but that 1 star review is the first one I read.
2. Optimizing Your GMB Listing
As a local SEO expert, I see this a lot! Just by simply completing your listing with accurate information will put you leaps and bonds of the rest. And replying to customer reviews. Super simple right?
3. Have a fast and responsive website
When Google crawls the web, it does so and looks at things as if it were a mobile device, such as a cell phone. And if your site is unattractive, 90% of the time a consumer leaves it goes to your competitor with a more user friendly set up. And YES , your site must load with 3 seconds or Google won’t even consider it to be on page one!
4. Encourage Reviews
I’ve have seen top ranking Google My Business Profiles with terrible local SEO, BUT they had a load of great reviews. Reviews are worth their weight in GOLD and never go away. Getting reviews on your GMB is probably one of the most effective for local SEO.
5. Optimizing for near me searches
So let’s say you sell rubber ducks. On your website simply having Rubber Ducks For Sale in New York City will greatly help your chances for ranking in a search Rubber Duck Near Me if their in NYC.
*Bonus Tip*
If you have a page on your website that generates you traffic. KEEP IT UP TO DATE!!! This could me literally going in and adding or subtracting a line of text or images. Just by doing something so simple you are letting Google know, “Hey, I keep my stuff up to date and it’s not a forgotten page.”
Still have questions, Feel free to contact me!
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