Ideally, capitalism is supposed to provide businesses with a level playing field, where the best business thrive and sub-par companies either adapt or die. And in the marketplace of 2015, most small businesses are adapting to new digital demands, particularly local search engine optimization. Unfortunately, Google isn’t exactly a meritocracy, and simply having the best business plan doesn’t guarantee the best placement in search results.
That’s why you need detailed, proven local search optimization strategies to win out over the competition. So what kind of local SEO strategies are proven to work, time and again? First, let’s cancel out some of the basics. Let’s assume you have a quality website, high keyword density, a detailed site map, and all the other fundamentals of a good webpage. What then? Here’s how local search SEO companies get their clients to page one…
1. Company Listings and Profiles
There are a number of places on the Web where you can fill out a company profile, and thus earn a valuable link to your website. First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure you have a presence on Google’s My Business Page (formerly Google Places). It’s crucial that you have up-to-date company info on your Google profile. That’s because 64% of U.S. consumers use search engines to find new local businesses, and half of those searches will take place on mobile devices.
If you want to show up on Google Maps and optimize for Google in general, this is the place to start. From there, set up profiles on sites like Yelp, Angie’s List, Yellow Pages, and any other local business directories you can find.
2. Third Party Content
We mentioned the importance of getting your info on third party sites like Yelp. But getting links from third party sites is equally important, if not more so. There’s no single way to start building links to your site, so it’s best to cast a wide net. For many business owners, this means guest blogging on local media sites, or making yourself available for quotes to local reporters.
Remember, although some website managers are reluctant to link away to other sites, most local SEO consultants agree it’s a necessary part of local SEO strategies. Success on the Web often comes down to building connections with other websites. Sometimes in order to receive links, you must be willing to give links.
3. Create Local Landing Pages
If you provide services in multiple locations, then build out separate landing pages for each of those locations. In addition, identify local keywords that can help drive traffic to these landing pages, then build unique content around these keywords.
Of course, these are just three of the first steps you’ll have to take if you want to maintain quality local SEO in the long run. Google periodically updates its search algorithms, so don’t just set your website and forget it. Local search marketing is an ongoing process.
