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How to use Local SEO to attract more customers?

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YashaaGlobal
How to use Local SEO to attract more customers?

Do you run a local business? Then you need the best local SEO marketing plan to stand out from the crowd. Today competition with larger corporations makes it almost impossible to reach the audience you want unless you invest in Digital Marketing. Google takes local search very seriously and it aims to increase the quality of its search results by having more accurate listings. According to a study, almost 50% of Google searches are now done on mobiles, and 30% of these searches are for local businesses. With a small investment, you can use the reach of search engines, like Google, to boost traffic to your online channels. To achieve your market goals, you need to master the concept of local SEO. This strategy relies on targeting local consumers with your brand, products, and services. According to the statistics, almost 50% of potential customers who search for local businesses make a purchase. This is one of the main reasons to promote businesses to optimize their website for local searches. Optimize your local SEO results in increasing website traffic, leads, and conversions. The biggest reason to optimize your business for local SEO is that it brings a constant stream of visitors to your site.

Whether you run a local business or a smaller one, marketing it online is no longer a choice but it is a necessity. Now that more people are using the internet to find the nearest business that can meet their needs, so it becomes essential for businesses to show up in their local area. This is where local SEO enters the picture. Local SEO is distinct from the typical SEO. So, we at YashaaGlobal, a digital marketing company with Internet Marketing Service have listed steps for how to use local SEO to attract more customers

 

Ways to use Local SEO to attract more customers

  1. Create a Google My Business Account

Having a presence on Google My Business is necessary for local SEO. This ensures that your local business shows up on a search, maps, and Google+ when people search for keywords related to your products or services. Adding your business to the Google My Business directory is one way to ensure that Google has the right information. This also adds your business to Google maps and allowing people to find your details as they search for businesses like yours in their local area. Google will verify your details, so make sure it’s correct and valid. Optimizing your Google listing the most effective way to rank higher on Google Maps as well as gain visibility in search results. However, you will need a Google My Business account to gain access to your Business Profile and make these optimizations. Once you have filled out all of the requested information in your account dashboard, all of that information will be added to your business profile, which shows up in Google search local results, and Google Maps.

To optimize your Business Profile on Google, remember the following points:

  • Make sure that you provide accurate and valid details
  • Create a Google My Business account and check ownership of the business
  • Include your logo, business hours, acceptable payment methods, the product or service you offer, and a lot of pictures of the product
  • Encourage your consumers to review your business
  • Sincerely respond to customer feedback
  • Use Google My Business dashboard to publish posts, announcing events, and special offers to your business profile

 

  1. Target popular keywords

Google’s Keyword Planner Tool is one of the best places to look for keywords that potential consumers are using to find local businesses like yours. It also allows you to filter keyword searches based on location so you get an idea of the most common search terms for a specific area. Identify different keywords that are relevant to your business, particularly those that have a high volume of searches. Once you find these keywords, use them in your website’s Meta content, copy, and URLs. You should check that your website content involves popular keywords so customers can find you when they search for these keywords. The more popular keywords your content includes, the more often your website will appear in search results.

So to start with effective keyword research, firstly you need to know how to identify the best keywords for your content. Another good way to find popular keywords in local searches is to dig through the Search Console data for your site. Look for different keywords that are driving traffic to your website and see if any local phrases don't have their individual page yet. Once you have found some areas where you can expand your content, create new pages to capture this stream of traffic. And check your analytics later to see how effective this has been in attracting new customers to your site.

  1. Take advantage of Online Business Directories

Google is the most popular local search engine, it’s also necessary to list your local business in other online directories and search engines. Getting listed elsewhere improves your online visibility, and giving you an advantage over bigger competitors who haven’t been listed. Also, this opens up more opportunities for you to form connections with other businesses in the same industry. You need to remember that users not only depend on Google to find business details but also in other places. 

Some of the popular websites that use these directories are Google Maps, Bing Apple Maps, TripAdvisor, Yelp, Foursquare, and many more. Once you have listed your business on these websites, compile these listings on a single spreadsheet so you can easily manage them in the long run. Check your information regularly to make sure that it’s accurate. Your company listing should include the following elements:

  • All directories must have a consistent and accurate business name, address, and phone number.
  • A detailed description of your company

 

  1. Encourage customers to leave reviews.

Can you honestly put your complete trust in an unknown local business? The only way to decide whether a business is credible or not is by reading its online reviews. Additionally, the social proof that goes along with your customer feedback on local listing platforms increases people’s confidence in your product or service. Reviews are one of the most effective lead generation techniques in any local SEO company. They are the social proof that your business is doing well, and the more reviews your website has, the higher you rank in Google. Start by ensuring that your business is properly listed on the major review sites, such as Google My Business, Yelp, and Facebook. Encourage your customers to write positive reviews for your business, it not only optimizes your Google My Business presence, but it also inspires more local customers to buy from you. Customers must be logged into their Google account to leave a review directly from your business listing. According to a local consumer review survey reveals that 85% of customers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Also, make it a habit to respond to these reviews regularly to generate more engagement. Be prepared for some negative feedback. Instead of avoiding them, look at them as an opportunity to provide a better service. Below are some tips to motivate clients to leave reviews:

  • Ask for a review in person after a transaction is completed
  • Send a post-purchase email or text asking customers to leave a review
  • Professionally respond to existing reviews, and addressing complaints.

 

  1. Optimize your website for Mobile Devices

It comes as no surprise that local searchers mostly use mobile devices as their primary tool to search businesses. Today, 50% of Google searches are now done on mobiles, so you need to ensure that your website is compatible with smaller screens and loads quickly on mobile devices. Unfortunately, not all business websites are mobile-friendly and do not perform well on mobile. This gives users a bad experience, and this will result in a high bounce rate.

Use Google’s Page Speed Insights to calculate the speed of your website. Slower websites appear to be less visible on Google, so it’s in your interest to make sure that your website loads quickly on all devices. Mobile optimization considers several aspects such as page speed, website design, and structure. You can consider the following ways to satisfy your mobile visitor’s experience:

  • Make sure that your website loads quickly
  • Ensure an easy to use user interface for a great user experience
  • Use a responsive theme that will automatically adjust according to a user’s screen size and resolution.
  • Use bigger fonts and buttons to improve readability and avoid accidental clicks.
  • To improve your website’s speed by using a content delivery network, minifying your codes, optimizing your pictures, and minimizing redirects.
  • You may need to use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test tool to see whether your website is optimized for mobile.

Conclusion

The above-mentioned local SEO tips will definitely help you attract more walk-in customers to your geographical location.

If you want to stay relevant with today’s tough online market, you will need to improve your online presence with the help of local SEO. So, be patient while waiting for the results. No matter what tactics you use, remember to provide value to your target audience.

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