Improving the Local Search

by Ben Goodman ***

All local businesses need to optimize their websites for the local search engine to pick up on them. Investing in a website is an edge you have over your competitors. Small businesses and local businesses rely mainly on local Search Engine Optimization to build an online presence and increase exposure to more potential customers.

These are a few things that you can do to help your potential customers find your business online:

Never Forget the Basics

What's the most basic way to improve your search engine ranking? By blogging. And what do all articles need? A title and a meta description. These are things you shouldn't forego because it's the first thing that people see when they look for an article that they need. First, they look up the title or anything related to the title, and then they check the meta description to decipher whether that's the article that fits the description of what they need.

Stage Your Initial Reviews

Pages with a five-star ranking will naturally appear first on the search engine. Providers of search engine optimization services are very familiar with this. What they can do is to write scripted reviews of your business to increase the likelihood of your website appearing on the top of the search engine. It also acts as a safety net, if you average at a 5-star rating, a low rating shouldn't affect your page as much.

Make Use of Google Maps

Now that people found you online, your business should be searchable in person. Your location should be accurate, and all the details should be in place. Do not limit your Google maps information to the street name. Also include your open hours, contact numbers, price range, and parking arrangement. If you can think of other things to add to the list that would be great.

Appear on Other Website or Social Media Platforms

In other words, backlink. Your website should show up in citations or in reviews of local bloggers that link their site directly to yours. It's beneficial to both platforms because you are mutually driving traffic between both websites.

Make Your Page Attractive

Looks aren't everything, but they sure do make a great impression on a first date. The same should apply to your website. You're trying to make a lasting impression on your clients; you can't show them something substandard so vamp up what you have and make it attractive to the dating pool, in this case, it's the search engine. If the search engine was Tinder, you should have people swiping right on your page.

Now, this may all seem like a lot, but it's necessary for your SEO service provider to make sure your website sets its digital footprint in the sand of the internet.