Do you understand why local SEO is important, whether it applies to your company, and how to increase your chances of success with local customers and clients? This article is intended to provide you with some clarification on Local SEO, as well as some factual facts.
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO refers to the technique of optimizing your online presence in order to boost search engine visibility among local users and potential clients in your area.
So, what is the significance of local search? Because local companies account for 45% of all Google searches.
According to a Forbes study, 95% of individuals use their mobile devices to complete local searches, with 61% calling and 59% visiting the business.
Another survey found that 88% of mobile searches for local companies result in a call or visit within 24 hours.
The "Local Pack" from Google is the holy grail of local search marketing. You've probably noticed the three businesses that display in the box at the top of the search results page, along with a map and dropped pins... Unsurprisingly, they receive more clicks and customers than any links further down the page.
The big question is, how can a company get into the top three? It's all part of a well-rounded SEO strategy, which begins with understanding local SEO - how it works and how to play the game.
Do I need Local SEO?
Local SEO might help your business if you have a local customer or client base.
Some businesses may be unaware that they could be attracting more customers from outside their immediate area by utilizing Local SEO. This is especially important for anyone in the food or hotel industry, where non-local visitors may look elsewhere before visiting your establishment.
What types of businesses need local seo?
Hospitality Рhotels, restaurants, caf̩, bars etc
Medical practices – doctors, dentists, clinics
Law firms – solicitors, barristers
Local Services – florists, plumbers, electricians, hair salons, accountants, fitness centres etc
Small businesses
And you’ll know that you don’t need it if you are:
Ecommerce companies
Online-only services
Private sellers
Why is Local SEO Important?
Local SEO makes your business stand out, even if you don't have a website, and drives more visitors to your location via internet leads.
Because these leads come from people who are explicitly looking for the items or services that your company provides, they are more likely to convert.
Local intent searches are on the rise, with 4 in 5 customers increasingly utilising search engines to locate local information, and search result information bringing a whopping 70% of consumers to a real location.
Local SEO also influences people's decisions in your favour. The more knowledge they have about your company before visiting, the more trustworthy you appear to them.
Where Do Local Search Results Show?
Local search results display a selection of the top three most relevant results (Snack Pack or Local Pack). They display in a box beneath the pay-per-click adverts, along with a map with dropped pins.
The standard list of search engine results appears beneath this box (organic results).
Local 3-pack (google my business)
These are the three firms that display at the top of the results page in the "Local Pack" box. According to one survey, 33% of local search clicks go to Local Pack results, while 40% go to organic search results - indicating that both are still quite important in enhancing your local online presence.
Google my business
A Google My Business page is absolutely free and an essential component of any Local SEO campaign; if you haven't already done so, that should be the next item on your to-do list.
It enables you to register on Google's business directory and be visible on Google Maps, where you may provide critical information about your company. Images, location, address, website address, contact information, business hours, and customer feedback are all included.
If your company's address is not up to date in Google My Business and other online directories, it will not appear when a customer searches "near me" or "in locality name."
Organic search results
Improving your overall organic search optimization will enhance your Google rating and increase your chances of appearing in the coveted Top Three box.
What are the Key Local SEO Ranking Factors?
Top Local seo ranking factors are:
Relevance is the degree to which people's searches correspond to a local listing. Providing extensive business information will assist Google in better understanding your company and matching your listing to the most relevant searches. Localized content strategy and keyword research help with this.
Distance: the distance between each possible business and the search terms. If a consumer does not indicate a location in their search, Google will calculate the distance based on the information available about their location.
Prominence: how well-known a firm is, based on information gathered by Google from throughout the internet (like links, articles and directories). Google review count and score are also taken into account when evaluating local businesses; more reviews and favorable ratings will boost a business's local position.