Everyone knows about the enormous benefits SEO can reap for business – but what about local SEO? In this post, our digital marketing experts will go through some frequently asked questions surrounding local SEO, including what it is, how to implement it, and how it can boost your business.

What is local SEO?

Put simply, it’s your typical SEO, except it incorporates location information – consider it a variation on a theme. With organic search, thinking about any treatment or service, if you don’t specify a location or area when searching, you’ll be swamped with results on a global scale. By using a location, you’ll narrow these down to something in your locality.

Why should I use local SEO?

There are lots of great reasons:

  • You’ll be targeting those in your area who are specifically searching in your area, so potential clients will come across your business, leading to more website traffic and conversions.
  • What’s more, those who are searching locally have more purchase intent. Many people who search for a business on their mobile will then go on to call or visit. According to Forbes, 95% of smartphone users performed local searches, with 61% then calling and 59% visiting.
  • You can provide niche information, such as offers or unique discounts, to set yourself apart from the competition.  
  • You’ll be giving potential clients – and Google – more information about your business, helping build trust.

How do I implement local SEO?

There’s lots you can do to incorporate local SEO. Here are just a few ideas…

1) Include your location where possible

Weave your location – whether city, country or region – throughout your website in a natural way. You can split out different locations onto dedicated pages.  Ensure to include them on your social pages as well, and pepper them throughout your blogs and content pages. 

2) Go Google-friendly

Within this, there are a few things to try, including:

– Creating a Google My Business page – this should include your address and contact details, as well as any other relevant information. Google will then show a special ‘knowledge panel’ if you come up in search results, which gives users a snapshot of your business in one place.
– Ensuring your address and contact details are correct – this should be the case whatever the website or area, as it helps Google identify you as a trustworthy business.
– Encouraging clients to write Google reviews – these will pull through to your ‘knowledge panel’ and lend your business credibility.

When searching for a treatment or service in a locality, Google often shows a row of boxes – known as ‘the local pack’ or ‘3-pack’ – which list the top 3 businesses relevant to that search. By carrying out the above, you stand a better chance of being featured here organically. 

3) Set your sights on citations

Another trick is to use citations, which means featuring on web directories and business listings with your name, address, phone number and website URL (NAPW). If you don’t currently feature on these types of pages, make it a priority – your competition likely does.

How can local SEO boost my business?

Firstly, local directories often dominate the first page of local search results – so by featuring on these, you’re automatically getting a foot up the ladder. In fact, some of these sites have a 50% conversion rate – which means half of your leads will convert into clients.

Another key point is that the Local Marketing Institute identified that almost half of online businesses have a Google My Business page – which is currently free to set up – and Google is the leading internet search engine.

In addition, it’s been shown that positive reviews can actually improve your brand’s reputation, and is a key factor for local businesses.

How do I set up local SEO?

To get started with local SEO, get in touch with our digital marketing experts today. Combining skills, knowledge and creativity, we can help your business climb the search rankings and reach the clients who are actively looking for your treatments and services. In addition, we offer competitive packages to suit all business sizes and budgets. Get in touch with our expert team today.