When we talk about SEO, most often, we talk about it on a national or global scale. Competing with the titan within our industry. However, many small and medium businesses forget or haven’t tapped into their most powerful market – which is the locals.
Putting adverts in the local papers, flyers in stores, and more is a great start. But to give more oomph to any type of marketing, it is important to focus on some local SEO.
There are a few industries that will benefit from this type of SEO more heavily, like plumbing, gardening, and even growing an HVAC company. Customers like to use a company that is nearby, and there are probably plenty to choose from – so how can you make sure that it is you?
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What is local SEO?
Local search engine optimization focuses on becoming more visible in local search results. It is usually done by having location-based keywords and content that covers all of the local areas.
While there are many principles of regular SEO in play, there will be a smaller pool of competitors and a smaller, local audience in mind when content and marketing are done.
What are the benefits of local SEO?
Like everything that you spend money on within your business, you need to know what the benefits are and how you can see results. And what those results might look like.
Community
Depending on the type of business you have, you can build a local and supportive community. Not only does that work with customers and locals, but it also works with the business networks and associations in the area too.
When your business makes links and connections with others, it will give you a visible boost. Not only that, but once you are part of the network, you can direct customers to other services that may be relevant to them, and they can do the same in return.
Returning customers
Many communities put pride and focus on offering support to the local economy – and that means local businesses. With local SEO in play, not only are you more likely to be found in the first place, but depending on the type of work involved, you are more likely to be their first phonecall for repairs and maintenance in the future.
Relevant Traffic
One of the biggest benefits of having local SEO is that you are more likely to get relevant traffic. What we mean by relevant traffic is traffic that has a higher chance to convert and is looking for your specific services.
Lower costs
Advertisements for a local cost less on average than regular ad costs. You will be working more with organic traffic, and this will alleviate some of the budgets that you have been putting into advertisements.
Local SEO is beneficial for many types of businesses. The increased local visibility with the opportunity to build local, valuable, and loyal customers are great benefits in themselves. But the true beauty lies in the meaningful impressions and relevant traffic.
To make sure your SEO has the best chance of securing the clients, it is important that your branding and business have some personality, too: Is Your Business Bland?