Wondered why your local competitor is taking all of the spotlight in digital marketing? Spoiler alert! It's actually local seo services. Imagine a bakery located on Main Street that is known for their delicious pastries. This small business appears in the first page of results when locals look for comfort food. This doesn't just happen. Businesses that want to stand out in their locality can use this as a tool.
To begin with, Google yourself. You can Google yourself and find out what results come up. Then we have some work for you, champion. Do not worry though, because every underdog eventually gets their day.
The little Google My Business (GMB), or profile, is a powerful tool. Like a Times Square Billboard, only free. It's a great way to get some awesome reviews. Fill in the description with colourful photos. Make sure you have the right business hours. There's nothing worse than customers showing up at your doors and finding them closed.
Credentials, friends. Reviews now have greater clout. They are your digital word-ofmouth. Encourage them to speak about you. You should ask for comments gently. People dislike a hard-sell. You should always remember that customers will give you more trust if it is genuine, not if Bob your neighbor gave you four out of five stars just because he forgot to add the cherry.
Now we move onto a much less fun but essential part: optimizing the site. Keep location keywords handy. Use the phrase 'pizza restaurant in Springfield' a lot more often than what your web designer may like. That's what will get them through the doors. All of your information, including contact numbers, should be displayed everywhere.
It is eye-opening to see how competitors operate. You might find that your competitor's blog is generating buzz about coffee and pastry pairings. Share your recipe with your friends and family or tell the story behind your great-aunts' cinnamon rolls. This doesn't mean you have to share grandma’s recipes, just enough information to get readers interested while telling Google: "Hey we're back!"
Maps. A good treasure map is a favorite of all. Well, map integration does wonders. Google Maps makes it simple for your customers to find you. Fancier footwork involves pinpointing your location across online directories. It's all about consistency, so make sure your address is consistent across the board. You don't want to make internet use its telescopes in an attempt to find your address.
SEO can be a lot like raising a stubborn child. This won't happen overnight. Analytics will let you know which words are performing well and those that need more work. Adapt. Evolve. It's important to stay nimble during this dance-off.
Don't forget the golden rules: Make locals happy, keep them engaged and they will come back. Your local SEO can help you out, regardless of whether your customers are looking to get a haircut or if they just want a tasty treat. I promise, this is worth more than gold or even donuts.