Whether you sell products or services, have a single store or a chain - a local SEO strategy is an aid to every business when it comes to attracting new prospects and turning them into existing customers.

The local battlefield on Google is constantly changing. And unlike many other mediums, local results have suffered some big changes over the years. Therefore, getting a business listed on the first page of Google is a tough pill to swallow for many . Which brings us to the question...

What does it take for a business to improve its local SEO rankings?

Nowadays, Google's focus is on utmost quality more than anything else. That being said, your business will only get the 'first-page credibility' if it tailors to the latest SEO signals. Today, we are sharing 5 great ways to make your local SEO count - and dominate Google's first page.

1. Highlight Your Unique (Local) Value

If you run a local business, your existing customers certainly like you because of the top-shelf personalized service you offer to them. In fact, customers choose local businesses over nationwide known brands with chains because of this reason.

Treating your customers fairly, providing them the care and value of service they deserve and always delivering quality work are the general terms to describe value. This value can be well mixed in your SEO strategy. Wondering how?

First of all, you should make sure that your business gets out of the comfort zone a bit. For example, if you have a car repair facility, your website content should include description terms which are unique - such as 'the best car repair in XXX', 'top-quality vehicle repair', 'fast and reliable' etc. Aside from that, make sure to include your local information everywhere from your meta descriptions to landing pages and other websites. Customers love quality local businesses, and your location is your biggest weapon.

2. Aim For 100% Customer Satisfaction Online

Let's face it - websites like Yelp, TripAdvisor, Zomato and YellowPages have been very successful and providing value to every user. Yelp, for example, has been dominating a lot of local search pages since it provides accurate information about every business. If your business is on Yelp, online reviews will definitely help you. Well, at least if you have lots of them.

In case you are short on positive reviews, start asking your customers to rate your service. Not only you'll be striving to become better in their eyes, they will definitely evaluate your business in a nice way. Positive reviews are the key to better optimization - and many new customers.

The bottom line is, such websites are the best press you will ever invest in, since they are based on honesty - directly from the keyboards of the customer.

3.Leverage The Power Of Social Media

 Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are all one-stop-digest destinations for every one of us. Social media has been dominating the digital space over the years. We communicate, read news and share information on social media every day. Which brings us to the fact that it is definitely a place your business needs to put its focus.

In reality, many small businesses are trapped in the world of social media - failing to update their pages and profiles. This definitely sends a wrong message to the user. On the other side, being consistent with your social media posts will help you gather the virtual - and actual likes of your local audience.

4. Create A Virtual Presence That Fits Every Screen

What's the chance for an average user to hop on to your website from your social media page or Yelp review?

Very big.

Nowadays, people use smartphones more than desktop computers. We all have them in our pockets and use them for everything. They are small, fit everywhere and have everything our computers have - in a packed version.

And that is why you should create a website which is responsive and mobile-friendly. The best part?

Google loves mobile-friendly websites, and will give yours advantage over your local competitors.

5. Exploit The Power Of Email Marketing

Email marketing is not dead. For local customers, it is among the best tools to use. Why?

Well, your local business has one strength over any other - the location. For the average user, it is easier to check out your offer or discount than 'go the miles' to another destination. People still check their emails on a daily basis, and a tailored offer, discount or promotion sent with a friendly tone will definitely make your audience even more attached to your business.

Email marketing will help you get noticed as well. If you connect and mix it with your other approaches such as social media and on-page SEO, it can really do wonders.

A Final Word

As we said earlier, local customers love local businesses. It's a bond that is just meant to be. The value, personalized approach and location all play a major role in this relationship. Expanding it, however, is essential - and local SEO can undoubtedly be the best way to do it.