Jay Leonard
While it can sometimes be neglected, local SEO is an important aspect of a businesses marketing strategy. Now with the rise of mobiles as a viable Internet browsing and searching option, it is even more significant to use local SEO.
Now SEO is an ever-changing process due to search engines like Google forever changing and refining their algorithms. As a result, staying in a lofty position for search engine results relating to your business can be an ongoing battle. Local SEO is not quite as difficult to get a high ranking as your standard SEO, but you still need to know what you are doing.
With that in mind, we reveal 4 local SEO strategies you can implement yourself without too much trouble:
Keyword Optimization That Utilizes Your Locality
Keywords are the backbone of any SEO campaign, and it is no different with local SEO. But the difference with keywords when it comes to local SEO is that they need to be more specific than terms that are usually targeted – and should include your location.
For example, if you run a sports shop in Florida, a keyword you could target is ‘Florida sport shop’. You don’t stop there either, as you should be even more specific with your terms when possible. While more specific keywords may not bring in a high volume of traffic, they are more targeted. And the more targeted they are, the better chance you have of converting that click into a sale.
Complete and/or Update Your Business Directories
Business directories are important to your customers because they let them know where you are located and provide basic details relating to your company. Not just that, but if users search a broad keyword term (as highlighted above) your business will appear alongside others in your sector.
These directories, as seen on Google+, Bing Places and Yahoo Local, need to be completed and filled with useful information otherwise they will not be of much use. And if you have changed your businesses phone, email address, website address etc. since your directory was last revised, then it is important that you keep these sorts of details up-to-date.
Use Social Media
Everyone bangs on about social media when it comes to virtually any sort of online marketing, but it really is that essential for improving visibility! In terms of local SEO, the use of effective social media will supply you with a quantity of useful links and social signals, with big help coming from Google+ (this is Google after all).
Of course, you need to supply your consumers with content that is worth sharing with others. But if you do that, then you have an effective method of link building in place (among the other benefits social media grant).
Encourage Reviews and Feedback
You should always encourage your customers to leave reviews for others to see. Well, that is if you are confident you’re providing a level of service that will receive a favorable score! Reviews are the best reassurance for other potential customers that are contemplating using your business; ultimately this type of feedback can make or break your company’s long-term future.
However, do not be discouraged by any negative feedback – in fact, use it to your advantage. Responding to this type of criticism in a patient, compassionate way shows that you care about both the sender of the negative comments and your other users.
This article was written for Business 2 Community by Jay Leonard.
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These are great strategies! We really agree with what you said about reviews and feedback. Negative reviews could have a big impact on a business considering one bad review can potentially turn away 30 new customers (http://www.chatmeter.com/so-you-got-a-negative-review-dont-panic-chatmeter-has-the-answer/). Businesses should always try to respond to unhappy customers, but just remember not to get into an argument with that person! It’ll lead to your business getting bad press. Definitely not worth risking over one bad review.