Local SEO consultants focus on strategies and tactics to improve a business’s search engine ranking for location-based searches. This approach results in creating more leads and increasing conversion rates.
As a local or small business owner with a localized clientele, local SEO consultants can help you generate more leads, drive more conversions, and make more sales.
Reach Your Target Customers with Effective Local Search Engine Optimization Techniques.
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In today’s post, let’s take a closer look at some essential things to consider when working with local SEO consultants and how they can benefit your local business.
Checklist for Local SEO Consultants
This list will make you more aware of the essential facets of a local SEO consultant’s job.
Local SEO starts with creating a Google My Business account.
As you know, Google is the most popular search engine in the world. Thus, a well-created Google My Business profile is substantial to your overall local SEO strategy.
You should make sure that Google understands what your business is and how you operate. Once you do, your Google search rankings will improve, making you more visible to potential new customers.
Here are the vital components of a well-made Google My Business account:
Business name. Make sure to enter your correct business name. If it’s already listed, take the necessary steps to claim it so you can have full ownership of the listing.
It’s relatively easy to claim a Google My Business listing. If you can’t do it for whatever reason, your local SEO consultants can undoubtedly do it for you.
Business categories. Selecting the right primary and secondary categories your business falls under allows you to be discovered by your target audience.
If, for instance, you operate a plumbing company in Dallas, Texas, Google is sure to recommend your business to consumers who search for “plumbers near me” or “plumbers in Dallas, Texas.”
Also, Google allows you to add custom category features to your business listing, such as a button for making a reservation or ordering online if you are a local restaurant or coffee shop.
Business address. If your business has a brick-and-mortar location, make sure to enter your complete business location. However, if you are a local business operator without an office where customers can walk in, you can enter your service areas in your Google My Business listing.
Business website. Having a well-designed website for your local business will optimize your Google My Business listing even better.
Your Google My Business listing must be well-optimized.
The items we listed above are vital to creating your Google My Business account. However, the supplementary information about your business shouldn’t be overlooked.
Supplying all these details will let Google better understand your business and what you offer to consumers. In turn, Google will know when to put you in front of your target customers. This will ultimately make you rank higher and stay ahead of your competition.
Hours of operation. Make sure that your business hours are always updated and listed correctly on your Google My Business listing. These include your holiday hours.
Specific business attributes. Do you accept reservations? Are walk-ins allowed? Do you do online ordering? What methods of payment do you accept? List any particular business attributes you have. These details help customers know what to expect when they do business with you.
List your products and services. If you operate a service-based business, you need to include your services and a short description of them on your Google My Business profile.
Add photos. Make sure you upload original and high-quality images on your Google My Business listing.
Pictures will help potential customers get a good feel about your business.
This is especially true if you are in the service industry, such as restaurants, hotels, cafes, etc.
Your business photos should include:
- A picture of your premises from the outside, so it’s easy to locate you from the street
- Multiple interior pictures
- Pictures of your products
- Staff pictures
A short description of your business. Incorporate local and relevant keywords when you write your business description. This will help your local search results performance. For instance, if you operate a car repair shop in Columbus, Ohio, you should integrate keywords such as “auto repair mechanics in Columbus,” “car repair shop in Columbus,” etc.
Updated Google My Business listing. Local SEO consultants don’t stop at claiming and verifying your Google My Business listing. This is an recurrent task that requires you to keep your profile updated. Having incorrect details in your listing can negatively impact your local SEO performance.
Customer reviews improve Local SEO strategies.
Everyone knows that positive customer reviews are a great asset to any business.
Consumers are more inclined to purchase from a 5-star company than a 3-star one.
Experienced local SEO consultants know the essential relationship between customer reviews and SEO.
Customer reviews are a vital ranking factor. The better your customer reviews are and the more you have, the higher you will rank on local Google search results.
Here are some helpful tips to encourage your customers to leave you positive feedback.
- Provide the best customer service experience. This may be obvious, but offering stellar service is the most effective way to generate positive reviews.
- Make sure to remind customers to leave reviews. In many cases, customers are not inclined to leave reviews even though they got a positive experience. You can send these reminders via email or SMS.
- Create a review URL. This makes it easier for customers to leave you online reviews.
- Respond to negative and positive reviews. Consumers appreciate it when businesses answer comments online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Local SEO Strategy?
Local SEO is a digital marketing strategy that helps businesses achieve high rankings in local search results. Businesses and companies that serve a specific geographic area or have a physical location can significantly benefit from a local SEO strategy.
When Do You Need Local SEO Consultants?
If you want long-term success for your local business, then you should hire local SEO consultants. The SEO approach is all about longevity, value, and long-term success. However, SEO needs to be integrated with other marketing channels in order for it to be effective.
A reliable digital marketing agency is equipped with certified local SEO consultants, PPC specialists, proficient web designers, etc.
Are Local SEO Consultants Worth It?
The short answer is yes. Hiring professional local SEO consultants who are experienced and qualified to get successful results will benefit your local business. Since today’s consumers start their search for products and services with a search engine, local SEO strategies will bring you a remarkable return on investment.
Why Do We Need Local SEO?
If your business has a physical location or you serve customers within a specific locality, local SEO strategies are a massive help. Its main goal is to drive more prospective customers to your location through online leads.
These leads are the exact same consumers searching for your specific products and services, so you are more likely to get a high conversion rate.