Local SEO is quite a bit different than most search engine optimization initiatives. It involves a few additional things to consider, as well
Identify The Best Keywords
Doing proper keyword research and identifying the best performing keywords is extremely important when it comes to local search engine optimization. Both companies and consultants can waste a lot of time if this step is taken care of before any work is started.
I have a video outlining the best way to identify keywords for local businesses. Follow these steps to make sure you are starting at the right spot.
Get Your Website on The Map
The local search engine maps, that is. Both Google and Bing-powered search engines have a local Maps listing with most of their local keyword results. The starting point for this is to get listed on Google Maps by creating a Google Places account. This will take a couple weeks since you will need to wait for a verification PIN to be sent via snail mail, so the sooner you start on this the better.
Getting on the list can often be more valuable than having a number one spot on Google. These are the coveted “A to G” where Google returns 6 Maps results. The reason these are so sought after is because they are not necessarily the top ranked results for the organic search, but they are displayed above the rest of the results. This means your website and business has a chance to getting a top ranked Google Map result in addition to your organic result, which will double your exposure on the first page.
Research Your Competition
One of the main reasons why local seo services are typically less expensive than if you were competing for a global keyword is that local search terms are are typically – although not always – less competitive than their root keyword. If less people in your market are using local search engine optimization techniques, your hard work will have a quicker and greater return.
The best place to start is by seeing who has the top results in the search engines. Once you know who is ranking, take some time and use free tools to check where they are getting their links and promoting their site. Is there a local business directory site that is proving most of their value? Get your site listed as well. Many local links can be duplicated relatively easy and then you can typically outrank most sites with a little extra hard work.
Track Your Results
It’s important to know where you started with your local seo service as far as rankings and traffic goes. Make sure you have Google Analytics and Google Web Master Tools. These are two excellent free tools for tracking your traffic and rankings.
Test and Optimize Your Conversions
An increase in targeted traffic is only good if you convert that traffic into value for your business. Most of the time this is done through converting the traffic into leads and sales. Test your site’s layout and call to actions to see what works the best to get your visitors to stick around. This is one of the most important steps in local SEO that is often overlooked.
When it comes to local traffic, it is very important that it is easy for them to contact you – have your phone number easily accessible on the website and make sure it’s easy for them to connect with you if need be. One of the things I noticed that really works is to add a live chat option to your website so you have the chance to connect with visitors in real time while they browse your site.
No comments yet.