What Everyone Is Saying About Local SEO Is Dead Wrong and Why
October 26, 2018
Local SEO is not just about ranking higher for free traffic. It is about converting that traffic into footfall and sales. Done well, it combines on-page optimisation (tags, descriptions, technical setup) with off-page signals, and it lets customers find your shop or office through Google Maps in a few taps. It is also one of the cheapest and most effective marketing channels available to small businesses.
How Local SEO Actually Works
SEO splits into two main practices: on-page SEO (the signals on your own site) and off-page SEO (links, citations, and mentions on other sites). Both matter for rankings in the SERP. Local SEO adds a third layer: getting your business found by people nearby, including the footfall outside your shop. Ranking on Google is one piece of that.
The Risk of Getting Local SEO Wrong
Local search has grown in importance because of the SEO benefits on offer. You can use a tool like SEO SpyGlass to see who is linking to your site and find potential partners. Any SEO package you buy should include some form of video marketing content as part of the mix.
The Basic Facts You Need
SEO is a long game. Tactics are used to pull in more organic traffic and grow sales, revenue, and profit. Off-page SEO covers the impact that changes on other websites have on your rankings, and you can start building your own strategy early so it pays off as the business grows. For local, build your strategy around long-tail keywords tied to your area.
The SEO field has shifted a lot over the last decade. For a new site, SEO makes sure that when people search for your business, they can find your URL in the search results. Local SEO is a core part of digital marketing because it reaches nearby customers directly. Google Local listings are popular worldwide for the same reason: they help people locate and contact businesses close to them.
Choosing an SEO Agency
You can hire an SEO agency, but a generalist SEO shop may not understand your niche market. Talk to a strong local SEO agency because they tend to know the market and the keywords better. Most reputable agencies offer a free, no-obligation SEO audit. Be wary of agencies that over-promise and under-deliver, claiming they will get your business to number one in a month or two.
How Local Providers Can Help
If you want personalised service, a local provider may be a better fit because they are part of the same community and understand what you need. They can also charge more, so weigh whether the personal touch is worth the extra cost. Local search marketing services are now a primary channel for ecommerce and traditional businesses alike, and local directory listings matter even more if you run multiple franchises or venues.
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