How to Dominate Local Search: Your Quick Guide to Local SEO Tactics

Think about a well-known cafe in your local area. Ever wondered how they stand out from the crowd of cafes in the neighbourhood? Locals (and even non-locals!) swarming in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

You must be thinking, how do they do it? The answer is simple: it's all about local SEO – the secret sauce for getting found by customers right in your area.

For this week’s Inside Track, we’re going to discover the power of local SEO. I’ll help you understand its importance and share some actionable tips to boost your online visibility and attract more foot traffic.

Are you ready to merge your onsite and online presence for the success of your business? Let's dive in and see how you can thrive locally today!

Understanding Local SEO

Local SEO is all about optimising your online presence to attract more customers from nearby areas. It isn’t just about ranking higher in search engine results. It's about getting found by the people who matter most – your local audience.

When someone searches for a product or service near them, they're often ready to make a purchase. That's why appearing in local search results is crucial for driving foot traffic and boosting sales.

And when it comes to local search, Google My Business (GMB) is your best mate. Your GMB listing is like your digital storefront that provides essential information about your business, such as your:

• Address
• Phone number
• Hours of operation,
• Customer reviews.

Optimising your GMB profile will help you rank higher in local search results and build trust and credibility with your potential customers.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LOCAL SEO

Optimising Your Google Business Profile

Claiming and optimising your GMB listing is essential for your business. After all, 84% of customer searches for businesses are discovery. It’s important to be ready and ensure that once your potential customers find your business online, all information is accurate.

Here's a step-by-step guide to how you can optimise your GMB profile:

1. Add accurate business information: Make sure that your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are accurate and consistent across all platforms. This information helps Google understand where your business is located and how to display it in local search results.

1. Upload high-quality photos and videos: Use high-quality photos and videos that showcase your products, services, and the personality of your business. This helps you stand out in search results and gives customers a glimpse of what to expect when they visit your business.

1. Encourage customer reviews and respond to them: Customer reviews play a significant role in influencing purchase decisions and building trust with potential customers. Ask satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on your GMB listing. Be sure to respond to both positive and negative reviews promptly and professionally.

GET HELP WITH YOUR GMB PROFILE

Local Keyword Research

When it comes to local SEO, targeting the right keywords is key to ensuring your business appears in local search results. Local keyword research allows you to identify the phrases and terms that local customers are using to find businesses in your area.

Let’s examine these tips to conduct your local keyword research effectively:

• Using location-based keywords: Include location-specific keywords into your content, such as "near me" or the names of towns or neighborhoods where your business operates. This helps Google understand the geographic relevance of your business and increases the likelihood of appearing in local search results.

• Utilising keyword research tools: Leverage tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Moz Keyword Explorer to identify relevant keywords for your business. and understand their search volume and competition level. These tools help you understand the search volume and competition level of keywords that your audience uses.
• Analysing competitor keywords and local search trends: Take a look at the keywords that your competitors are targeting in their content. Use it to analyse local search trends to identify emerging opportunities. This can help you uncover valuable insights into the preferences and behaviors of local customers and tailor your keyword strategy accordingly.

EXPLORE OUR LOCAL SEO SERVICES

How Inspire Can Help

My team at Inspire understand the importance of local SEO for businesses looking to thrive locally. We have worked with multiple clients across Scotland in implementing effective local SEO strategies that drive traffic and increase visibility.

The Visibility Team at Inspire can assist in improving your local visibility through:

• Local SEO Audit
• Google My Business Optimization
• Keyword Research and Optimization
• Content Creation:
• Review Management

If you're ready to take your local SEO efforts to the next level or have any questions about this topic, don't hesitate to reach out. I can give advice on how to effectively implement local strategies for your business over a chat. Just hit the button below and we’ll continue this exciting conversation!

GET IN TOUCH WITH DAVID