How Does Local SEO Benefit Your Business?

Local SEO helps businesses reach nearby customers at the exact moment they are searching for a product or service. Because local searches are more likely to end in a purchase, ranking in those results can drive foot traffic, phone calls, and conversions. A study cited in the post found that 76 percent of people who search for local businesses on their smartphones actually visit them within a day, and more than half of mobile users contacted local businesses directly from the search results.

local seo

How does local SEO work?

Local SEO applies typical search engine marketing strategies to the websites of local businesses, focusing on geographic location and the keywords tied to a business’s products and services. When someone searches for a restaurant or a car repair service, Google aims to show businesses closest to the searcher. This proximity factor works even without using the phrase “near me,” because search results are dictated by the searcher’s location.

If your business is not on page one, you are missing out on potential customers. A business that does not appear in local search results is unlikely to be considered by people nearby, and if a customer cannot find your business on Google, they will not visit your site.

What are the main benefits of local SEO?

Higher conversion intent. Local searches are more likely to result in a purchase than searches conducted from a national location.
More foot traffic. 76 percent of people who search for local businesses on their smartphones visit them within a day.
More direct contact. More than half of mobile users contacted local businesses directly from the search results.
Better brand recognition. Showing up in Google Maps and local listings reinforces your brand in the community.
Stronger trust through reviews. A positive review enhances your business’s reputation, and the more positive reviews your business has online, the better.

How can you improve your local SEO?

Below are practical steps to lift your local rankings.

Claim directory listings and build location pages

Claim directory listings and write location-specific pages and doorway pages on Google Maps. Listed in Google Maps, the local citations will boost your rankings on search engines.

Run search engine marketing campaigns

Using search engine marketing strategies such as native and social media ads is another way to improve your local visibility and boost traffic to your physical store.

Rank for your business name and location

Rank in Google and other search engines for the business’s name and location. Boost your local SEO with local citations.

Promote your business on social media and email

Promote your business through social media and email marketing. The content you create for these channels should promote your company, its employees, and events that occur in the local area. If your content is relevant to your customers, you will also be able to generate inbound links to your website. Relevant content is essential for boosting local SEO rankings.

Make your site mobile-friendly

Your website should be mobile-friendly. Currently, 61% of Google searches are performed on mobile devices.

Use locally targeted keywords

Use keywords that target local consumers. This way, your audience will be able to find you easily, and your website will rank better on local search engines.

Collect and use customer reviews

Include customer reviews in your content. Consumer reviews help your local SEO because customers tend to trust businesses that give positive reviews, and they influence other consumers. Make it easy for customers to leave a review, and be proactive in getting more reviews. Your local SEO improves as your review count and reputation grow.

Does local SEO replace organic SEO?

No. Local SEO does not replace organic search optimization. You can also use local SEO to boost the ranking of your website in the search engine results pages, but traditional SEO methods still generate more organic traffic. Local SEO requires more effort and a dedicated marketing team.

FAQ

Why does local SEO matter for small businesses?

Local SEO focuses on geographic location and the keywords tied to a business’s products and services, so it is especially beneficial for small, local businesses that depend on nearby customers.

How quickly do people act after a local search?

According to a study cited in the post, 76 percent of people who search for local businesses on their smartphones actually visit them within a day, and more than half of mobile users contacted local businesses directly from the search results.

What is the biggest local ranking factor?

Proximity is a top priority. Google is designed to give results that are closest to the searcher, and this proximity factor works even without using the phrase “near me.” A searcher looking for an HVAC service is unlikely to see an HVAC company that is 50 miles away, but will see different results for a potential customer who lives five miles away.