Better Online Visibility
Local SEO can help you increase your online visibility by making your business more easily discoverable by new customers. By optimizing your Google Business Profile, you can appear in the Local Pack, which is a prominent section of the search results that shows the top three local businesses related to the user’s query. You can also appear in Google Maps, which is a popular tool for finding and navigating to local businesses.
By building citations and links from local sites that mention or feature your business, such as business listing pages established by your Chamber of Commerce, you can boost your authority and relevance in the eyes of Google and other search engines. This can improve your ranking in the organic search results, which are the main listings that show up below the ads and the Local Pack.
By optimizing your website content and keywords for local intent, you can target users who are searching for specific products or services in your area. For example, if you are a bridal boutique in Charlotte, North Carolina, you can use keywords such as “bridal boutique Charlotte NC” or “wedding dresses near me” to attract users who are looking for what you offer.
More In-Store Foot Traffic
Local SEO can help you drive more foot traffic to your physical location by making it easier for customers to find and visit you. According to Google, 76% of people who search for something nearby on their smartphone visit a related business within a day1. By appearing in the Local Pack and Google Maps, you can provide useful information to potential customers, such as your opening hours, phone number, location, photos, and reviews. This can encourage them to choose you over your competitors and plan a visit or call your store.
Local SEO can also help you tap into the local shopping boom that has emerged post COVID-19. More than half of consumers now prefer to shop locally and support local businesses or smaller brands2. By optimizing your online presence for local search, you can appeal to these customers who value convenience, quality, and community.
More Targeted Web Traffic
Local SEO can help you generate more targeted web traffic to your website by matching your content with the user’s intent. By using local keywords and creating relevant content that answers the user’s questions or solves their problems, you can attract more qualified leads who are interested in your products or services. For example, if you are a dentist in Denver, Colorado, you can create content that addresses common dental issues or questions that people in your area might have, such as “how to find a good dentist in Denver” or “what are the benefits of teeth whitening”.
By providing valuable content that meets the user’s needs and expectations, you can increase your click-through rate (CTR), which is the percentage of users who click on your link from the search results. A higher CTR can improve your ranking in the search results, as it signals to Google that your content is relevant and useful. A higher CTR can also lead to more conversions on your website, such as contact form submissions, phone calls, email subscriptions, or sales.
More Calls
Local SEO can help you generate more direct calls from potential customers who are looking for your products or services. By optimizing your Google Business Profile and website for mobile devices, you can make it easy for users to call you with one click. According to Google, 70% of mobile searchers call a business directly from search results3. By providing a clear and prominent call-to-action (CTA) on your website and Google Business Profile, such as “Call Now” or “Book an Appointment”, you can increase the chances of users contacting you.
More Sales
Local SEO can help you increase your sales by building trust and credibility with your customers. By managing your online reputation and reviews, you can showcase your customer satisfaction and loyalty. Online reviews are known to influence consumer decision-making when choosing a local business. According to BrightLocal4, 87% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses in 2020, and 75% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
By encouraging happy customers to leave positive reviews on your Google Business Profile, website, and other platforms, you can boost your social proof and word-of-mouth marketing. You can also respond to negative reviews in a professional and courteous manner, and try to resolve any issues or complaints. This can demonstrate your commitment to customer service and improve your online reputation.
Conclusion
Local SEO is an essential part of digital marketing for any local business. It can help you reach more customers who are looking for your products or services in your area, increase your online visibility and ranking, drive more foot traffic and calls to your physical location, generate more targeted web traffic and conversions on your website, and increase your sales and revenue. By implementing a local SEO strategy, you can grow your business and stand out from the competition.
