How to optimise your website for local SEO
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO is a search engine optimisation strategy that helps your business rank in local searches. Your business or brand can be seen by potential customers that are searching for specific phrases like “mechanic near me” or searching for a product or service with their location turned on.
Local SEO has become an important part of your business’s online presence, as it has never been easier for users to find what they are looking for. Results for local Google search results show the local map and a list of result, giving your business more visibility.
There are a few aspects that play a part in local SEO strategies, such as local keyword research, overall website performance, map results, local citation (NAP) and listings on business directories.
Local keyword research
Using local keywords that are relevant to your users. Keyword research is an essential part of owning a website, it becomes, even more, useful when you are targeting a specific local audience. There are many websites that can help you with your keyword research but the best tool to use is Google’s own Keyword Planner. A local search will almost likely include a location, such as “Coffee shop Brisbane” or “Coffee shop CBD”, your keyword research will determine what keyword is best for your page.
Optimise for Voice Search
Voice search has now become a web searching factor, this is because it’s more convenient and easier to speak with a phones assistant. With the increasing usage of mobile devices, voice search has well crossed the usage threshold, with more voice-only devices becoming popular such as Google Home, Amazon Echo and Apple Homepod.
Where normal keywords would contain basic information, voice search keywords tend to be more contain question statements. Using your keyword research, you can also use Answer the Public to further help you with finding the right keyword.
Optimise for mobile
If your website isn’t optimised for mobile then now is the time to start. Although it will not directly affect your local SEO, more than 50% of searches are done on mobile. Google provides a mobile testing tool that tells you if your website is mobile-friendly. A user is more likely to contact a business if its website is mobile-friendly, according to this study. With more mobile searches, it is important to have your website mobile-friendly to be a player in your local market.
Google my business, apple maps connect, and bing maps
This is one of the most important parts of local SEO. Using these free tools such as Google my business, Apple Maps, and Bing maps will make sure your business shows up on their map. This is the easiest and best way to gain visibility in Google search. Having your business listed on these map services will provide potential customers with information about your business and reviews.
Local citation (NAP)
Local citations (NAPW or Name, Address, Phone number, Website URL) is an important part of local SEO. Citations should always be up to date as it can affect user trust. Bright and local provide a list of some facts surrounding local citations.
Listing on Business directory websites
Listing your business on local directory websites is a great way to spread the word of your business. Two popular online directories in Australia is Yellow Pages and True Local. This is the best place to list your business details and is often overlooked when creating your online presence.
Conclusion
Local SEO is an important part of creating a secure position in your local area. Google has prioritised local searches before organic searches, giving you a chance to rank both on local and organic results. Local SEO strategies, such as local keyword research, overall website performance, map results, local citation (NAP) and listings on business directories. These different aspects of local SEO can bring more visibility to your website, that’s how local SEO can help you.
Dorin
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