What is Local SEO?
“Local SEO is the optimization process for the local results in search engines and it’s focused on providing results that are relevant to a searcher and based on their current location. So, improving and increasing the traffic from local search queries with a geographic intent, is what we call Local SEO.”
Generic Local Search Query without Location Details – “Hotels near me”
Location Based Search Query – “Hospitals in Miami Beach”
Local SEO Best Practices
#1 Keyword Research and Targeting
Conduct the Basic Keyword Research
- Choose the right filters and settings
- Use Google keyword planner for local keyword research
Analyze the Search Results
- Targeted keyword is showing the local search results or not
- How the local results are appearing
Evaluate Local Listing Competition
Less Reviews = Less Competition = More Chances of Winning
#2 Website Content Optimization
#3 Site Onpage Optimization
#4 Local Business Directories Listing
#5 Google Maps Business Listing
#6 Managing Customer Reviews
#7 Social Profiles Management
Local SEO Facts
Google Local Search Study
Businesses on First Page Have an Avg. 4.4 Star Rating
A recent study from BrightLocal which examines Google reviews and how they relate to local rankings. This study is based on the analysis of 93,000 businesses’ Google reviews in 26 industries.
- A high star rating = Better Ranking on Google Local
- Businesses ranking in the top 3 positions = 4-5 stars avg. ratings (64% of businesses)
- Ranking in positions 7-10 = 59% having 4-5 stars avg. ratings
- 20% of businesses in positions 1-3 = Having No Reviews
- 26% of businesses in positions 7-10 = Having No Reviews
- Only 5% of businesses have an average star rating below 3 stars
- Photographers, alternative therapy businesses, and marketing services have the highest average star ratings
- Senior living services, car dealerships, and hotels have the lowest average star ratings
- Bars, restaurants, and hotels are the industries that are most likely to have Google Reviews
- Accountants are the least likely industry to have reviews on Google
Positive reviews send signals to Google that the business is trustworthy and provides a good experience for customers.
Challenges
- Local based pages were absent
- Location information/know-how and content density around specific neighborhoods was weak
- Town and city pages mismatch required accurate mapping, otherwise it was misleading.
- Not much visibility in search engines
SEO Approach
- Specific city targeting and research based on specific criteria. Created complete cities, sub cities and towns list.
- Created and managed the content by optimizing the pages and doing the right keyword research
- Complete site and competitive analysis of the site including off page and on page optimization
SEO Results
- Drastic improvement in search rankings on Google and other search engines
- Local listings established for some of their keywords
- Huge improvement in traffic and conversions from optimization strategy
Get Your Free Local SEO Audit Now! Contact Me Today!
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Dharam
Digital Marketing Specialist at SEM Expert India
Dharmendra Tripathi - A Digital Marketing Specialist, having over 17 years of experience working in digital marketing, specializing in SEO, SEM, SMO, Web Analytics & Brand Building, Paid Advertising and Social Media Management.
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Summary
Article Name
Drive Your Business with Local SEO Best Practices
Description
Improve and increase the traffic from local search queries with a geographic intent with the help of Local SEO Optimization. Get Your Free Local SEO Audit Now!
Author
Dharmendra Tripathi
Publisher Name
SEM Expert India
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fantastic capture!