46% of all Google searches have local intent. And 80% of local searches result in conversions.
If you have a local business, these are the only searches that matter to you. If you want SEO to drive more revenue for your local business, you need to go local in your approach.
You need to chalk out robust strategies for local SEO.
But most guides on the Internet tell you nothing more than the basics.
optimizing your meta title or description, using alt tags for images and canonical tags for all pages are not exactly strategies. Neither is mobile optimization a strategy.
All these and more are the basic steps that you need to follow.
They aren’t strategies. The only way you can get your hands on the local SEO strategies is by reading this guide to the very last word.
We didn’t Google the best strategies. And we didn’t create a cocktail of the strategies we found online.
We took experts in confidence, and we are now spilling the secret beans of success.
Three Strategies that Experts Follow
You don’t need to do a hundred little things to achieve your local SEO goals. All you need to drive up revenue for your local business is to follow these 3 strategies (that experts follow).
Voice Search Optimization
Voice search and local SEO optimization are often seen as different avenues of digital optimization. But they are overlapping concepts.
40% of voice searches have local intent. And the volume of voice searches is well beyond the billion mark. You cannot ignore the potential for driving revenue to your local business via the voice search route.
Here’s how to optimize your website for voice search to aid local SEO.
Keep All Your Content Conversational
There is a difference between how people type and talk. Voice searches are primarily in the form of questions. And on average, voice searches are 29 words long.
This means you need to optimize your website for question-like, long-tail keywords.
You can use Google autocomplete and related search options to find relevant keywords. This should be used along with using dedicated keyword research tools. Also, get the context right.
Research Your Keywords For Voice Search
Voice search has improved significantly, and Google claims a 95% accuracy. But you have to take effort from your end.
This is especially true in the case of local searches. Understand the keyword intent. And make sure you have relevant content on your website.
Don’t rest your efforts after keyword research. Ensure your website copy uses the keywords naturally. Keep a conversational tone and use keywords in the right local context.
Local 3 Pack and GMB
How would it be if, instead of trying to rank on your own, you could get a featured spot in the sidebar?
Well, Google gives you this opportunity with Google My Business and the Local 3-Pack.
With GMB and Local 3-Pack, you can rank even higher than the #1 organic search. That’s why it is often called ranking #0. When people see suggestions that Google curated for them, they don’t even feel the need to scroll down to organic search.
But, merely filling up the details about your business won’t land you in the sidebar or the top 3.
GMB is the primary ranking factor for Local 3-Pack listings. And that’s where you should begin.
Here‘s what you need to do –
- Add consistent NAP details. Google will find out if your name, address, or phone details are inconsistent across your social media, GMB account, and website. And then, you’ll get penalised when it comes to ranking. Consistency is the key.
- Focus on reviews. Reviews mean your business is functional and, thus, relevant. This sends Google the signal that your business is worthy of getting the sidebar space. But just getting reviews won’t do. You need positive reviews.
However, buying fake reviews shouldn’t be an option. Start with your satisfied customers. Request them to write Google reviews for your business.
- And once you have got a review, don’t forget to reply to the reviews. While replying to reviews, mention the complete name of your business. (Thank you from the *complete company name* team)
- You can also mention the location. This gives the search engine algorithms precise hints about the local searches for which your business should be ranked. (Thank you for visiting us in *location*. Or It was a pleasure serving you at *location*). Also, be prepared to courteously deal with negative reviews, if you get one.
- Keep posting photos and posts that are optimized for local, location-based keywords to stay relevant.
Once you are done with the GMB optimization, you are 25% done with your Local 3-Pack optimization. Yes, GMB gets 25% weightage in Local 3-Pack listings.
Here’s what else you need to do –
- Keep your inbound linking structure strong.
- Get backlinks from high domain quality and authority sites.
- Perform the basic SEO right. (keywords in title, description, headings, alt tags, etc.)
- Keep your social media game on point. (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn engagement also counts towards Local 3-Pack listings.)
The Localisation of your Website
When you want to rank for local searches, it is imperative to be local first. People trust those whom they can relate with. If your website looks and feels distant and your content sounds foreign, you won’t benefit from local SEO.
To localize your website, there are five things that you need to do –
Local Keyword Research
Local keyword research doesn’t end with using keywords with the location. Local events, local slangs, and even local issues should find their way into your keyword sheet.
If you have a car repair facility, *long drive routes in your location* can be a keyword that you can use.
Local Link Building
Link building gives Google hints about your domain authority. But it also helps you get referral clicks that can drive revenue.
When you get inbound links from other local businesses, you stand a higher chance of getting more clicks and conversions.
The Partners we Trust segment is an excellent place to start. If you have a car repair shop, getting a spot in the local tire sellers’ trusted partner list could prove beneficial. It stands true vice versa also. Tire sellers can also benefit from getting listed in car repair businesses’ ‘Our Partners’ list.
Local Content Creation
Local news updates, a locally-targeted blog section, and hyperlocal content, both in tone and context. All these can help you rank better in local searches. It also builds a feeling of trust in your visitor’s mind.
A business that is talking about local issues is always trusted. Much more than those who talk about global problems that have little to do with people’s daily lives.
Local Citations
Getting listed in a national directory is good. But what works is getting citations in local listings.
A mention of Top 10 places to get your car repaired in the *country* might not make a customer come to you. (They might be in a different state or city)
However, if you land a spot in the Top 10 places to sell used cars in *city*, you can expect a higher footfall.
Local Reviews
Don’t have the budget for celebrity endorsements? Invest in building local ties instead.
A well-known restaurant owner giving you a five-star rating for your quick car wash services will be more beneficial anyway. Get your popular clients to review your business. List these testimonials on your website as well.
What Next?
Now you might think you have to implement all these strategies on your own. After all, local SEO specialists might cost you a bomb. But that’s not true. Local SEO services for small businesses don’t have to be hard-hitting on your pocket.
Uplers is a local SEO services agency that offers affordable and effective services. They have a proven record of success in not just global markets but also in local SEO.
It is a trusted, local SEO services company. A team of experts will create a customized plan for your business and help you get clicks that convert.