What is Local SEO and Why is Local SEO Important?

Table of Content

• What is Local SEO and Why is Local SEO Important?
• Understanding Local SEO
• How Local SEO Works
• Benefits of Local SEO for Businesses
• Key Benefits of Local SEO
• Increases Online Visibility
• Builds Trust and Credibility
• Drives More Foot Traffic
• Gives Mobile Search Results a Boost
• Helps in Beating Competitors
• Local SEO Strategies That are Absolutely Necessary
• Optimization of Google My Business
• Give More Focus to Local Keywords/Content
• Local Citations and Directory Listings
• Make Your Website Mobile-Friendly
• Avoid These Local SEO Mistakes
• Wrapping Up!

 

 

All businesses want to Google when the potential customers search for nearby services. Regardless of whether you own a restaurant, a dental clinic, or even a retail store, obtaining higher rankings in local search results can lead to increased foot traffic.

This is where Local SEO playing a massive role. However, what is local SEO and why is Local SEO important? To be precise, Local SEO is a process that helps businesses optimize their online presence in such a way that they can attract more and more local customers. This means that when someone searches for a service in their area, your business shows up in the top ranking.

In this guide, we will discuss what is local SEO and why is local SEO important, the risk it can Minimize, how local SEO works and the major steps which business must follow to improve its local search ranking.

What is Local SEO and Why is Local SEO Important?       

• Understanding Local SEO

Local SEO (Local Search Engine Optimization) refers to a digital marketing strategy aimed at enhancing a business’s presence in geographically relevant search results. Local SEO is different from SEO, where the purpose is to propel the ranking of websites on a national or international level.

When someone searches for “best pizza shop near me” on Google, the search engine displays businesses near the user that match the query. This is Local SEO in action.

How Local SEO Works?

So how does local SEO work exactly? Search engines consider multiple elements when calculating local rankings, like:

• Proximity to the searcher
• Profile completeness: Google My Business (GMB) profile
• Online reviews and ratings
• Business mentions in online directories (or local citations)
• Mobile-friendliness and the optimization of the website

With proper techniques, businesses can improve their position on local search results.

Benefits of Local SEO for Businesses

Having figured out what is Local SEO, now we head on to the next question, why is Local SEO important?

If you run a business that depends on customers in a local space, like a restaurant, medical clinic, or even a retail store or an auto repair shop, then local SEO is the kind of optimization you want to focus on. 

Here’s why:

• Over 46% of Google searches are for local businesses. That means almost 50% of everyone who uses Google, is looking for local services.
• 76% of people who search for a local business can visit it within 24 hours.
• According to Google’s statistics, 50% of local searches result in visits to stores. People who discover your business online tend to visit your store and purchase.
• With the absence of Local SEO, companies will be losing potential clients to others with a better-optimized local presence.

• Increases Online Visibility

Local SEO enables businesses to show up in Google’s “Local Pack” (the top three business listings displayed in Google Maps). This makes it easier for potential customers to discover and shop at your store.

• Builds Trust and Credibility

A fully optimized local presence excelling in your Google My Business profile and attracting positive reviews gives your business a more trustworthy and credible aspect to potential customers.

• Drives More Foot Traffic

Shoppers who are searching for local businesses tend to be prepared to go to a store. This means search engines will suggest your local facility to customers who are looking for what you are offering.

• Gives Mobile Search Results a Boost

As consumers look to find your services on their cell phones, Local SEO makes the business visible on the mobile device of people that are looking for products services while they are out and about.

• Helps in Beating Competitors

You can boost with our affordable local SEO services to outrank competitors in search results and earn more customers at your business rather than theirs.

Local SEO Strategies That are Absolutely Necessary

Having known what is Local SEO and why is Local SEO important, let’s check out some must-follow strategies that businesses should keep using to boost their local rankings.

Optimization of Google My Business

Make sure:

• The business name, address and phone number should be accurate
• Upload high-quality images
• Get customer reviews
• Keep business hours up to date

Give More Focus to Local Keywords/Content

This can include incorporating location-based keywords into your website content:

• "Best bakery in [city]"
• Low cost plumbing services near me
• Incorporating these keywords into your website, blog posts, and meta descriptions can help you rank better.
• What you are not is a machine.

Prompt happy customers to leave reviews on Google and elsewhere. Similar to landlord reviews, high-rated and positively reviewed businesses will rank higher in search results.

Local Citations and Directory Listings

List your business on the directory, Yelp, TripAdvisors, etc. Having your information consistent across all platforms is key when trying to improve local search ranking.

Make Your Website Mobile-Friendly

As most local searches occur on mobile devices, ensure that your website is mobile-friendly, fast, and easy to navigate. DigiEvolve optimizes your website with affordable SEO services, enhancing your chances of scoring a higher position in local search results.

Avoid These Local SEO Mistakes

When optimizing for Local SEO, business owners often make mistakes that affect their ranking negatively. 

Here are some mistakes you should avoid:

• Neglecting your Google My Business Profile

You should always maintain your business information updated.

• Neglecting Customer Reviews

Response to the reviews is important, or else it will damage your reputation.

• Using Different Business Information

Your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) should be consistent across all directories.

• Not Optimizing for Mobile

Nothing gets customers to click away faster than a slow, non-responsive website.

Wrapping Up!

If you read the above, you should have a good idea about What is Local SEO and Why is Local SEO Important? It is a very powerful tool that all businesses need in order to attract local customers, increase online visibility and boost foot traffic.

If you are a small business owner or a service provider, doing the right Local SEO techniques can help you stay ahead of competitors. 

DigiEvolve helps you get great results with top rankings on Local Search and grow your local customer base. Contact us today!