Some businesses want to target as many people as possible, no matter where they are in the world. But for others, it’s more appropriate to limit their marketing activities to a more local audience. For example, if you run a store and you don’t sell online, advertising to someone on the other side of the world is likely to be fruitless. But when it comes to SEO, as well as other advertising techniques, taking a local approach is different to going global. There are certain things you need to do ensure your message reaches the right people. Use these local SEO tactics to speak to the people in your community and surrounding areas and bring in their business.
Use an Expert SEO Company
Local SEO is a different beast to attracting international visitors. If you hire an SEO company, which you should for the best results, you need someone who knows what they’re doing. Make sure you find a service with experience in local search engine optimization so that they can get the best results. They need to know the right methods to use and understand who you need to reach. Try to investigate their past and current clients to find out about the results they have produced and the satisfaction of their customers. But even with the expert help of an SEO company, you need to ensure that you’re knowledgeable about the practice too.
Business and Contact Information
When you’re working on your website to optimize it for search engines, paying attention to your company information is essential. Your site needs to make it clear who you are and how to find you. A local business website isn’t much use if customers don’t know your address, can’t call you or can’t figure out where you are. They need to see right away what you do and where you’re located. Your home page, about section and contact information, need to be optimized. Make sure to use the city or region you want to target in your content and metadata.
Listings
Optimizing your business for search engines isn’t all about the information on your website. It helps to get your name out on local listings sites too, so people can pick you up through other channels. Look for sites that list businesses in your industry, as well as companies in your local area. It’s essential to ensure that you keep these listings updated. If someone has already created one in your name, you should try to get it deleted, so you have control over it.
Business Pages on Social Media
Social media is important to SEO, and Google+ might be the most important. Setting up your Google+ business page, with a map, photos, and correct contact information will help you get noticed in search results. Other pages are important too, such as Facebook or Twitter. It’s useful to have profiles that customers can use tag their location, from Facebook to Foursquare.
Pay attention to your local SEO techniques to get the most out of your internet marketing. Your site traffic should be valuable with plenty of conversions, not made up of people who won’t ever be anywhere near your business.
