SEO for Small Business Owners
If you’re a proud local business owner, then you know that it’s important to make sure as many people see your website as possible. After all, the more people who see your website, the more customers you’re likely to have if your site is designed well and addresses their needs. One of the best ways to make sure as many people see your website as possible is to optimize it for local search.
Local SEO is a strategy that involves optimizing your website and its respective content to make it appear higher in the search engine results pages (SERPs) when people search for businesses or services in your area. It’s the digital response to the inevitable question, “Where can I find the best___ near me?” Since most people use Google to find local businesses these days, it’s important to ensure that your website is optimized for Google search so that you can capitalize on this traffic. Any business that tries to resist local SEO will not only lose out on potential customers but risk a dramatic drop in overall revenue by relying solely on local foot traffic.
These tips can help you get started with local SEO:
Make sure your website is responsive.
These days, more people are using their mobile devices to search the internet. People are on the go and need to be able to find information quickly and easily. Due to this, it’s important to ensure that your website is responsive. This means it will adjust to fit the screen of any device. If your website isn’t responsive, then it’s likely that potential customers will have a difficult time trying to view it, which could lead them to go to your competitor’s website instead.
Some tips for ensuring that your website is responsive include using a responsive theme or template, using responsive images, and using a mobile-friendly permalink structure.
Use local keywords.
When you’re creating content for your website, be sure to use local keywords. Keywords are the words and phrases people use when searching for businesses or services online that influence the overall ranking of your website in the SERPs. For example, if you’re a plumber in Los Angeles, then you would want to use keywords such as “Los Angeles plumbing” or “plumbers in Los Angeles.” By using local keywords, you’re more likely to appear in the SERPs when someone searches for businesses or services in your area.
Some tips for using local keywords include using them in your titles and headings, in the body of your content, and in your meta tags.
Create local content.
Another tactic to optimize your website for local SEO is to create local content. This could include blog posts about local events, attractions, or even profiles of local businesses or organizations. By building local content, you’ll be able to show potential customers that you’re an expert on the area, increasing the chances that they’ll do business with you.
Some tips for creating local content include writing about local news, writing about local businesses or organizations, and writing about local events.
Get listed in local directories.
Another thing you can do to optimize your website for local SEO is to get listed in local directories. Many online directories list businesses by location, so it’s important to make sure that your business is listed in as many of them as possible. You can also try to get listed in the local business directories of your city or town.
Some tips for getting listed in local directories include claiming your listing, adding your business to as many directories as possible, and making sure your listing is accurate.
Optimize your Google My Business listing.
If you have an official Google My Business listing, then it’s important to make sure that it’s optimized. This includes adding your business hours, address, and contact information. You should also add photos and videos, and make sure to keep your listing updated. By optimizing your Google My Business listing, you’ll be more likely to appear in the map results when someone searches for businesses or services in your area.
Redefine How Your Business Reaches Your Community
Local SEO can be a bit of a challenge but holds the power to transform how your local community finds your business online. By following the tips above, you’ll be on your way to optimizing your website for local searches and getting more customers. Without adapting to the ever-changing digital world, you risk being left behind by your competition.
If you are looking for local SEO and web support to get your business found online, contact the experts at Imagine Monkey. We specialize in helping small businesses with their digital marketing needs, including local SEO. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you stand out in your local community.
