Smart Tactics for a Healthy Online Local Presence

Today local businesses rely on being visible online and otherwise.  

Showing up in the local online search results is crucial. Sure, you can run paid ads – (that’s always a great idea) but being shown organically is also extremely important.  

Local Search Engine Optimization works to optimize your online presence in the organic search results.

Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is like a certified business card. It helps your customers find you in the local search results and in the maps section of Google. Your GBP also allows you to add relevant and important information such as operating hours, phone number, address, reviews, etc.

• You must claim your listing.

• Your listing will then be verified by Google.

• Make sure all of your NAP elements (name, address, phone number) are accurate.

• Add a compelling business description.

• Select the appropriate business categories.

• Add all of your services.

• Add high quality photos.

• Regularly post:

  • Updates

  • Events

  • Offers

  • Specials

• Quickly and regularly respond to all reviews, positive and negative.

• 24 hours after the work is done, reach out via email to your client and ask them to leave a review on your GBP.

Localized Keywords

Google and other search engines must understand who you are, where you are, and what your business is offering.

• Include local keywords (e.g., “best Italian restaurant in [City]”) in page titles, headings, and meta descriptions.

• Use structured data (Local Business Schema) on your website so that search engines know what your business is, its hours, location, contact details and any other data you want it to know.

Local Directories

Your NAP (name, address, phone) helps search engines understand not only who you are, but much like Local Business Schema, they also help with other important details. Not only do they help you with legitimacy in search engine’s eyes, but they also:

• Improve local SEO.

• Increase online visibility.

• Enhance credibility.

• Provide better search engine ranking.

• Help with free promotion.

• Get backlinks (most are no follow though).

• Help with reputation management.

• Sites such as Bing Places, Yellow Pages, TripAdvisor, etc., need to be activated. Signing up and providing accurate data and maintaining that data is very important.

• Make sure your NAP (name, address, phone) is always accurate and up to date.

• Utilize an experienced marketing firm to manage your citations.

• Search engines prefer consistent NAP in search results.

• Consistent NAP can cause your business to rank higher than others with inconsistent NAP.

Customer Reviews

Your customers’ (and potential customer’s) trust is paramount. Google puts a big emphasis on GBP with a lot of good reviews. This shows Google that your business is trusted by its customers.

• 24 hours post project, reach out to your client and ask if they were satisfied and to please leave a Google review.

• Always keep an eye on your profile and quickly respond to any issues.

• Always respond to reviews appropriately no matter if they are negative.

Device Compatibility (Mobile) and User Friendliness

Google has been prioritizing mobile for several years. This is true in organic ranking and in ads. Over 60% of searches are done on mobile devices. You must make sure your website is mobile friendly, and easy to read on smaller screens.

• Make sure your website is mobile friendly.

• Make sure your website loads fast.

  • You can test both here: https://pagespeed.web.dev/

• Have a clear call to action.

• Make sure your phone numbers are clickable.

• Make sure your website is user friendly and easy to navigate.

Local Backlinks

Links from local websites and directories will help boost your authority and relevance in the local area.

• Hire a reputable digital advertising agency to help manage your local directory profiles.

• Earn links by sharing local-focused content.

Marketing With a Local Focus

Showing local potential clients that you are relevant in the area can improve so many areas of SEO. When you consistently deliver information of value to your potential clients, they understand that you are who they want to engage with.

• Show that you are an expert in the field by providing high quality and valuable content that is relative to the local area. Address how your business satisfies their needs.

• Use local reviews/testimonials.

• Answer questions that are specific to the local area.

Social Media

Enhance your brand development and take advantage of the unique opportunities provided by social media.

• Regularly post on whatever platform you decide to use.

• Engage with your followers often.

• Highlight successes you’ve had with local clients.

• Cross post blogs on your website to your social media accounts.

Search engine optimization with a local focus is really a long-term game plan. It builds a foundation that helps search engines see your business as trustworthy and worth showing. Google’s goal is simple: to give people the best, most relevant information.

When you work on the right elements, like optimizing your website, keeping your business info consistent, and earning good reviews — Google starts to view your business in a positive light. That means you’re more likely to show up when local customers are searching for what you offer.

And when you combine that organic visibility with local ads, you’re everywhere a potential customer looks on the search results page. If they keep seeing your business pop up in multiple spots, chances are they’ll view you as the clear choice to meet their needs.

Want to dominate your local search results?

We are experts in the field. Call us at Simply Online Marketing at (503) 263-8417. We can walk you through how to increase your business’ unique local brand visibility.