What does Local SEO mean?
Local SEO is a special type of search engine optimization (SEO) .
With local SEO, local and regional companies can position themselves more successfully in
Google search results. Due to constant changes in Google’s algorithms, local search in Google’s search engine is becoming increasingly important. About 30% of all searches have a local background.
How important is local SEO for search engine optimization?
Nowadays, when looking for local and regional companies, the population is turning less and less to the well-known methods, such as the yellow pages or the local newspaper. It is easier and faster to open the browser and enter a search in the Google search engine to get the relevant search results.
Small companies or shops in particular benefit from the currently popular marketing measure of Local SEO.
The smartphone is currently used by around 80% of all smartphone users for search queries. Since users are often on the go when searching for nearby businesses or stores, mobile SEO optimization also plays an important role. Here, it is important that your site is also optimized accordingly in the mobile area and is characterized by very fast loading times , responsive web design, and little data consumption in order to leave a positive impression on the users.
Google My Business is an important factor for local search (Local SEO)
Google My Business is a Google platform that combines various company services and makes them available to users. You need a Google account to be able to use Google My Business. The entry gives the company a public presence on Google, Google Maps, and Google+. Here, the companies can enter their opening hours, their industry, their logo, their address, and their contact options. The entry can be made directly on the relevant Google website. Google does not charge a fee for listing, using, and managing Google My Business.
Local SEO is particularly interesting for the following companies, since the physical proximity of the user is extremely important:
- retail stores
- doctors
- lawyers
- restaurants
- coffee shops
NAP: The Basis of Local SEO
One of the most important foundations for successful SEO optimization in the area of local SEO
is the so-called NAP.
NAP is the abbreviation of:
1. Name
2. Address
3. Phone
For a positive ranking, the NAP data should always be available on all websites and also be identical, such as:
- website
- blog
- rating portals
- business directories
- Social networks
- Google My Business
Local links (backlinks)
Similar to search engine optimization, backlinks play an important role in evaluating
Google’s ranking factors Here, too, the proximity of the backlink provider is of great importance in the local search.
Backlinks from regional magazines or newspapers, dealers, suppliers, or the chamber of crafts are very promising for local links.
Ratings: What role do ratings play in ranking factors?
Ratings are particularly important in local searches. For many users, it is very important to find a basis of trust for the company or the item on offer based on ratings. This has a positive influence on the purchase decision, and the user becomes a potential customer.
Social media for local businesses
Through social media activity, businesses can gain a lot of exposure through local search engine optimization. Here is a small excerpt from the most important social media networks.
- plus.google.com
- tumblr.com
- Etc.
You should give visitors to your website the opportunity to share your offers, services, and content on social channels.
As an online marketing channel, social media is attractive for a number of reasons:
Advertisers on Facebook, for example, have the opportunity to advertise particularly precisely due to the user profiles, which are on average very detailed. The possibility of strengthening communication with customers and potential customers also speaks in favor of social media.
Conclusion on Local SEO
With good local SEO, you can improve your rankings, score points over your competition, and thus attract new customers.
Every shop or company that offers local services should definitely use Local SEO marketing for search engine optimization. In this way, smaller companies also have the chance to be found among the TOP rankings on Google.
As an experienced SEO agency, we would be happy to support you in this exciting task! Contact our SEO experts without obligation.
