Search Engines like Google have revolutionized the way we search, buy and interact with local businesses so it’s critical you take center stage under the bright, hot spotlight. You know your customers are out there looking for you online, but can they find you?
If you own a pizza shop in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and a hungry person searches for “best pizza in Fort Lauderdale,” you want to make sure your business ranks high in their search result to close that sale. Bring on Local SEO.
If your business has a physical location, you need a Local SEO strategy separate from your organic SEO approach. Although some elements from both overlap, Local requires a few additional steps.
First, claim your business on Google My Business using a consistent citation of NAP (name, address, phone number) across this and other directories. Consistency is key as it will help to broaden your visibility and create trust between search engines, directories and prospective shoppers.
Second, reviews are a must — lots and lots of reviews. Encourage your customers, offer rewards or just ask them to review your establishment as they check out. The organic quality and quantity of their comments has a direct impact on local search rankings and the nice feedback is good to read.
Lastly, Local SEO relies on link building. Earn links from local authority sites like community organizations, local news coverage, blog features and directories. All of these mentions are an important to improve your search position.
Local SEO is designed to help search engines and new customers find your business so make sure your business can be found!
