3 Ways to Dominate Your Local SEO Rankings
in Marketing by Emily Snell
3 Ways to Dominate Your Local SEO Rankings
- Simulated Local Search
Essentially, a good SEO approach begins with keyword research, which should be done utilizing their preferred keyword tool. Simulating local search results when you're at a different place has become more difficult after Google deleted their location search filter. To compensate, many SEOs choose to do one of the following:
a.) Include the "near" option in their URL — SEOs add "&near=cityname." to the URL after entering a query. This will return results that would have appeared if you were physically present at that location.
b.) "uule" parameter - Each search query can be accompanied by a base64, which is essentially an encoded version of a location's "canonical name."
c.) Software that targets GPS locations - Using an algorithm is the simplest and most precise approach to geo target your keywords.
Once you've identified your target keywords, it's time to go to work. You should create content that is explicitly targeted at low-competition keywords, and constantly remember to include them in your HTML tags and anchor text.
- Take control of your Google My Business listing by claiming it
In this local SEO advice, the next step is to claim your Google My Business listing. In a feature known as the local SEO 3-pack, this listing displays at the top of local searches. It's a useful tool for attracting local customers to your business.
Start filling out your Google My Business listing once you've claimed it. To begin, double-check that your name, address, and phone number (NAP) are correct. Your company's legal name, not a nickname, should appear on your listing.
If your coffee shop's name was "Buzzards Coffee & Espresso," but customers only called it "Buzzards," you'd still need to provide the complete name on your listing. You'll also want to include other crucial details about your business, such as your email address and business hours. You should also double-check that you've chosen the correct Google My Business category.
This category aids in the placement of your listing in search results. It also has an impact on the types of features you can include in your listing. Selecting the restaurant category, for example, allows you to publish a menu and provide delivery services.
After you've entered all of your information, the last thing you'll want to do is concentrate on the visual component of your listing. Pictures play a critical part in assisting you in generating more local leads for your company. With 100 photos or more, Google My Business listings receive 1065 percent more clicks and 520 percent more phone calls.
To help generate more local attention, you can add images of your business, products, and personnel to your listing. So, if you want to dominate local SEO in 2021, start by claiming and enhancing your Google My Business listing to drive more local traffic to your business.
- Claim Local Listings
You can list your company in a variety of places on the internet. Here are a few of the most important:
The chamber of commerce in your area. Local consumers regard businesses who join their local chamber of commerce as more trustworthy. You'll also have access to other perks, such as networking events provided by the chamber of business.
Yelp for Business is a social media platform for businesses. Yelp isn't just for eating establishments. Customers use Yelp to look for dentists, locksmiths, movers, and just about every other type of company.
Bing Places for Business is a search engine that allows you to find businesses in your area. Because Bing searches account for approximately 7% of all searches, it's worth the effort to secure your Bing listing. The good news is that your Google My Business listing can be imported. You can also claim the listing manually. You might also be eligible for a Bing Advertising credit.
Citysearch. Consumers can use Citysearch to search for businesses by city, as the name suggests. Quick searches for restaurants, doctors, construction companies, and other services are available on their home page.
YellowPages.com. Remember those massive yellow-colored books with yellow-colored pages listing every local business? "YP - The Real Yellow Pages" is the new name for the online version. They also enable customers to submit feedback.
Is your company based in San Francisco? SFGATE's new local directory, Open For Business, is now accepting business registrations. Businesses can claim their listing here, ensuring that residents will be able to find and support them. Companies can also choose to sponsor their listing or join up to be a featured brand for more exposure and perks, in addition to the regular free listing.
Make sure each of your company's locations has a local listing. You should also locate and claim any industry-specific local listings, such as Zillow for realtors.
