When people search for a local business, you need to make sure that your website has all the necessary metrics to appear in local search.
Everyone knows that search engine optimization (SEO) is essential in making sure your website is found online. Meta tags, Keywords, and page descriptions are important aspects of a well-optimized website, but what about local SEO? When people search for a local business, you need to make sure that your website has all the necessary metrics to appear in local search.
60% of mobile consumers expect businesses that appear in search results to be within walking or driving distance. So, doesn’t it make sense to optimize local SEO?
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How Do You Optimize Local SEO?
#1. Google My Business for Business
The first step is to claim your Google Business for Business listing. Make sure your website address, hours of operation, mailing address, and contact details are correct. Additionally, assign the appropriate categories to your type of location and enter a short, keyword-rich description of your business.
#2. Google+ Local
After claiming your Google Business for Business listing, you can post more information about your business, such as photos, videos, reviews, and status updates. Make sure to use relative keywords to help fill out your profile and make it as relevant as possible to your business.
It’s also a great way to engage customers and visitors by encouraging them to leave reviews. Addresses and local listings with (positive) reviews tend to dominate search results.
#3. Local On-Page SEO
Another essential element is your website address. Ensure that abbreviations such as Suite are all abbreviated the same way in your Places and Local profiles and on your website. Your page title tag should include your brand name as well as the location you want to target. Finally, integrating a Google map on your contact page will help you with local SEO.
#4. Be Compatible with Mobile Devices!
Since people are looking for you on their mobile devices, you need to be mobile-friendly! Try visiting your own website on your smartphone or tablet. If you need to pinch to zoom or scroll back and forth, you need a responsive mobile website!