Looking for subtle changes you can make to help your business to grow? In today’s digital age, it is key for your business to be searchable and easily found online.
When potential customers are on the hunt for products or services, they are most likely to rely on a quick search to guide them in the right direction. If your business doesn’t appear on those search results, you could be missing out on traffic and potential profits. This is where local SEO can make a difference.
What is Local SEO?
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) can improve your website and your online content, helping you rank higher in search engine results. This boosts your website’s visibility, creating more interactions with your business. Local SEO goes a step further by helping your business show up in searches that are geographically relevant – meaning your business will appear when someone nearby searches for a product or service you offer, giving you confidence that local customers can find you!
Optimizing Your Online Presence
A simple yet effective way to improve local SEO is to make the most of your business’ online presence. Ensure the basics are easily available to potential customers:
- Business Name
- Address
- Phone Number
- Hours of Operation
Make sure this information is accurate and consistent on all other platforms where your business is listed. Consistency builds trust within search engines.
If you want to leave a strong impression on your potential customers, going a step further would include:
- Photos of your storefront, products, and/or services
- A bio that highlights what your business offers
- Links to your website and social media pages
It is important to make sure that links and webpages are accessible and easy to navigate. An accurate and well-rounded online presence gives your business credibility and increases the likelihood that customers will engage with your page more than once!
Local Keywords
Using local keywords is a great way to boost visibility for your business in search results. This can be done by incorporating your specific city/town or neighbourhood name into texts on your website, blog, image captions, bios and more. This will help search engines guide users who are looking for services in a specific area to your business.
“Our (town name) landscaping company has been …”
“Looking for an electrician in the _____ area?”
“Come visit our (town name) storefront to…”
These keywords go hand-in-hand with location-based content that helps link your business to local search terms. Use them naturally in sentences or phrases where a local keyword fits.
“A local’s Guide to Holiday Shopping in _____.”
“Here is what we have to offer to the ______ community!”
Mobile Friendly Websites
On the go or in a rush, most people turn to their phone to make a quick search. Make your site easy to use on a small screen to prevent mobile visitors from leaving your page for a site that’s more user-friendly on their phones.
Enlist in Local Directories
For CYC members, Directories like ours can offer a visibility boost. In doing so, you increase your visibility to potential customers who may not have been specifically searching for your business.