The Importance of Local SEO for Small Businesses

American adults spend seven hours daily on the Internet, and many dedicate much of that time to online shopping. If you want your small or medium business to attract people searching for your services or products online, then you need to have a website that’s optimized for local search.

This is where local search engine optimization (SEO) can help your business.

Explaining local SEO

Local SEO is an SEO strategy for building your business’s online presence by making it more visible to nearby customers. It involves optimizing your business’s website and online profiles, such as your Google Business Profile and social media accounts, to rank higher in local search results.

A higher ranking makes your website more likely to appear higher in the search results every time nearby potential customers use search engines to look for a product or service you offer. For example, if you are a plumber in Chicago and someone searches for “plumbing services in Chicago,” your website will have a higher chance of being seen by that user.

Understanding the power of local SEO

The benefits of local SEO for small businesses are numerous and significant. Here are some of them:

Increased visibility in local search

In almost half of all Google searches, users are looking for information about local businesses. If your website is optimized for local, these users are more likely to become aware of and purchase from your business.

But more than that, SEO for local also puts your business in the “local pack,” referring to the top three listings appearing in a box above the regular search results. If your business lands in this spot, target customers are almost guaranteed to see it before anything else.

The box also contains a map showing your business’s location, among other helpful information, making it easier for potential customers to find your front door.

Higher conversion rates

When consumers search for local businesses, they typically intend to make a purchase sooner or later. In fact, Google says that 76% of mobile users visit or contact businesses they found on local searches within a day, and 28% of visits result in a sale.

Additionally, every time a visitor lands on your website, you have an opportunity to convert them into paying customers. Optimizing for local search increases traffic to your website, giving you more chances to convert leads into sales.

Greater trust and credibility

Besides increasing visibility, appearing in local searches can also enhance your business’s credibility. Consumers trust search engines, and being featured prominently in the results is similar to a vote of confidence.

You can also encourage past clients to leave reviews on Google Business Profile and review platforms. Reviews help increase local rankings, and potential customers use them to determine your business’s trustworthiness. Positive feedback can be incredibly impactful in attracting new customers and building a positive reputation.

Better marketing strategy

Local search optimization is a cost-effective way to promote your business, which is especially helpful if you have a limited marketing budget. Unlike traditional marketing, which targets a broad audience, local search optimization allows you to target only potential customers in your area.

Local customers searching for your business are usually already interested in your offerings, making them easier to convert. Therefore, focusing your marketing efforts on them lets you get more for every dollar you spend.

Improved competitiveness

Investing in local SEO for small businesses can help you outshine competitors. Large companies with multiple branches usually struggle to localize their presence because they have to maintain a consistent brand image across all locations. You can take advantage of this by optimizing your website for local search, giving you an edge over these bigger competitors.

Getting started with local SEO
If you want to reap the power of local SEO for small businesses, here are pointers to get you started:

• Create your Google Business Profile. You may find this tool referred to by its previous name — Google My Business. Make sure to fill out all relevant information, including your contact details, website, location, and hours of operation.
• Utilize local keywords. Include your business’s location in the keywords you’re optimizing for. For instance, instead of “HVAC repair,” you can use “HVAC repair in Houston.”
• Encourage client reviews. As mentioned above, reviews can significantly impact your business’s trustworthiness. Ask your clients to leave their feedback on Google or other relevant platforms.
• Leverage local directories. Submit your business information to local directories like Yelp, Bing Places, and even niche-specific platforms like Angi and Thumbtack for home service businesses.

With your target customers relying on search engines to find local businesses, local search optimization should be a critical component of your marketing strategy. If you find the process too technical, time-consuming, or overwhelming, consider investing in local SEO services from a reputable agency.

An SEO company has SEO experts who can develop, implement, and manage optimization plans on your behalf, ensuring you get the best results while having time to run your business. Boost your business’s visibility on the Internet and attract more clients to your door by investing in local SEO services today!