13 Useful Local SEO Tips for Small Business Owners

Local businesses are feeling the brunt of the Coronavirus pandemic. More than ever, business owners need to take charge of their local marketing strategy to get their products in front of buyers. There are many local SEO techniques available for digital marketing.

Research shows nine-in-ten American adults use the internet. Some for business, some for entertainment, and a large majority to search and review local businesses. 

When it comes to local search engine optimization, you need to understand how it plays a role in online searches. Couple that with general local marketing practices and you'll experience more success.

Do your competitors have the upper hand when it comes to attracting local traffic? It's time to change that. Keep reading for 13 local SEO tips every small business owner should use. 

 

1. Hire a Local SEO Specialist

Most business owners can create and implement a local SEO strategy. The question is, do you have time? If your budget permits, consider hiring the services of a local marketing agency, or research freelance SEO strategists in your area. 

Make sure they have experience in local SEO since there's a difference. You want to reach a target audience, that is interested in your product or service.

2. Invest in eCommerce Websites

A lot of brick-and-mortar businesses fail to see the value in a website. In a time when people are being urged to stay home and order online, you have to find ways to compete.

With an eCommerce site, customers can place orders online. You can ship the products or set-up in-store pick-ups. ECommerce websites work for almost every business model. 

If you don't sell products but offer a service, online booking apps are a great tool.

 

3. Create a Google Knowledge Graph

Have you ever entered a local business or professional into the Google search engine? Did a profile appear in the right column of the search page that gave a bio about the person or business? That's a Google Knowledge Graph or Google My Business Page.     

On average, about 93% of online activities start with a search. With this local SEO tool, your business stands out allowing the user to access your information faster.

 

4. Create Social Media Channels

Don't view social media as a time killer or one more thing you have to deal with as a business owner. Instead, see the value in this local SEO tip. 

Millions of people spend a lot of time online on social media sites like Facebook and Instagram. Find the ones that are the best fit for your business. Create a business channel and meet your target audience there. 

Social sites have gone from a place for people to socialize. Many offer business platforms with tools to help you grow your business. 

 

5. Buy Online Ads

Whether via Google or popular social media platforms, buying online ads and padding them with local keywords, is a beneficial local SEO strategy.

Ads are targeted to a specific audience and with the insights you receive, the ads can get retargeted to a defined sub-group. 

 

6. Create Authoritative Content 

One way to get people engaged and returning to your website is by posting regular content. Blogs help site owners achieve this goal. Write blogs that show you as an expert in your industry.

As an added touch, generate content involving satisfied customers from a community angle. 

 

7. Get Approved for a Google Local Services Listing

Local SEO for small business owners in the services field is Google's feature called Local Services Listing. Businesses must go through an approval process. Once approved, you're automatically recommended in a top of the page banner.

Ex. If someone searched for a plumber in your city, Google recommends people from the LSL first.

 

8. Use Targeted Keywords for Local Businesses

We've mentioned keywords several times in this article. SEO in general includes targeted keywords that describe your business or product. With local SEO, your keywords would include your city, state, product, or service, business name, etc.

This is one of the key differences in local SEO vs SEO.

 

9. Get Listed in Local Online Directories

Online directories are generally targeted towards a local market. If your city or county has a chamber of commerce, chances are they offer a local business directory for their market.

There are also industry-related directories with sub-categories based on location.

 

10. Optimize Product Descriptions

When building an eCommerce website product descriptions are vital to getting traffic. Optimize your descriptions specific keywords. Ex. If you own a bike shop the local SEO description includes the type of bike, color, if it's gender-specific, price range, etc.

Think of every possible combination someone would enter into a search engine. 

 

11. Utilize Link Building Techniques

Link building is the process of gaining validity to your website's content by linking to reputable websites. For example, if an article is released about a product you're selling, you would write a blog about the item and include a link to the article.

 

12. Incorporate Local Images and Video

Not only are we in a digital era but we are also in a visual era where images and videos rule the day. Only use vibrate and relevant visuals in marketing. Keep it simple, short, and classy. 

Use images and video on your website and social media and don't forget your local SEO tips. 

 

13. Monitor Analytical Data and Insights

A website, social media, and POS system is designed to provide key data reports on how your business is doing. Read it, analyze it, and use it to build stronger marketing campaigns in the future.

 

It's Time to Take Your Business to the Next Level

With these local SEO tips, you can get your small business the attention it deserves. As you begin to see successes, improve on the techniques that worked. If something didn't benefit your company it would be okay, not every tactic work for every business.

Do you have a small business in the Allen - Fairview area? Consider joining our Chamber of Commerce. Click here to learn more about the chamber and our member benefits.