Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is an essential element of any successful online marketing strategy, and local SEO should be no exception. By optimizing a website for local searches, businesses can gain targeted traffic which converts into visits, calls, emails subscriptions or sales. Local SEO practices differ significantly from traditional ones so to ensure your business’s presence online is optimized properly for local searches it is wise to create a checklist outlining all steps needed to optimize it for local searches.
This local business seo checklist aims to assist companies in optimizing their websites and Google Business profiles for local search results. By following these steps, businesses can increase their chances of ranking on Google 3-pack, Knowledge Panels, or mobile SERP carousels.
1. Optimize Your Google My Business (GMB) To optimize a local SEO campaign, one of the first steps should be creating or claiming a Google My Business (GMB) listing and making sure all NAP information (name, address and phone number) information is consistent and correct across online listings. GMB ranks highly among search ranking signals that influence local search results including the Google Maps 3-pack, Local Knowledge Panels, and mobile SERP carousels. The best way to begin is by creating or claiming your GMB listing and making sure all NAP information (name, address and phone number) information matches all online listings – create or claim and update.
2. Optimize Each Location’s Google Business Profiles
For larger companies operating across multiple geographic areas, it is crucial that each of your locations’ Google Business Profiles are fully optimized and up-to-date. By including images, descriptions of products/services offered, accurate opening hours and linking your GMB profile directly to its respective page on your website you can increase traffic and conversion rates while making your company stand out in search results.
3. Integrate local keywords into your online content Keywords are one of the cornerstones of SEO strategies, but their significance becomes even more pronounced for local searches. Local keywords refer to search queries related to specific regions or cities; including them can help search engines match up your online content with related search inquiries more quickly.
4. Utilize structured data markup
Structured data markup is a form of code which tells search engines what kind of information resides on a web page, such as categories, events, product information and ratings. By including structured data markup on your website you’ll help Google better comprehend each piece of content and rank it appropriately in local search results.
5. Create Trust With Reviews
Reputation management is an essential element of local SEO strategies, including managing online reviews. While negative comments will inevitably arise, employing an organized review management plan can reduce their negative effects and leverage positive ones to foster new customer trust.
Are you ready to give your local search marketing a boost? Download the comprehensive local business SEO checklist now – this free resource includes every tip, trick and step necessary for ranking higher in local search results.
