Search engine optimization (SEO) is a marketing strategy often employed by local businesses for developing an online reputation and presence. Social profiles and online assets are becoming increasingly popular methods to drive organic traffic and bring businesses to the top of search engines’ results pages. If you’re a local business owner looking to rank your business in Google, Bing, and other local search engines, the following tips will give you an idea of where to start.
Enlist the help of professionals
SEO marketing professionals often offer initial assessments, which will show you where you stand compared to your competitors. An initial assessment will also inform you of anything negatively impacting your search rankings, and provide you with options on how to effectively overcome these obstacles.
If you choose to enlist the services of a professional marketing team, it’s paramount to choose a company that will keep your brand’s best interests in mind. Local SEO software marketing companies like Link Graph offer a variety of services, including keyword targeting, publication targeting, content tailoring, outreach execution, and progress tracking. They even offer preset and custom packages, so you can choose the option best for your business.
Focus on keyword research
Did you know that nearly half of all Google searches are local? If you run a local business, you’ll clearly want to be within the top results for searches. However, it’s crucial to keep a realistic mindset when considering how potential customers will search for your services. Most people will type something into the search bar like “dance center in Naperville” or “dance lessons in Naperville.” In order to pop up at the top of the search results, you should follow a service in location (SiL) format. Try making a list of all the services you offer and all the locations you serve, then merge both together to create a multitude of keywords.
Specify social profile links on your website
You’d be surprised how many businesses don’t link to their different social media profiles. To promote your rankings, it’s essential to link all of your social profiles to your business’s main website. Linking social profiles allows you to pass authority to them and increase exposure.
It’s also important to include links to your social profiles in all company emails, as well as link each social profile to each other whenever possible. Using an organization schema makeup code on your website will further heighten engagement for your social profiles.
Post updates on a regular basis
Utilize the services of a calendar app, like Google Calendar, to keep track of how often you’re posting new content to each of your profiles. Upload content on a regular basis (daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on the platform). Ensure that the content you’re uploading is relevant, as this will keep reassuring viewers that you haven’t abandoned the profile.
Different types of content (pictures, videos, text), will keep viewers interested in your business. Keep things conversational and don’t overdo it with advertisements. This will help you ensure that you’re primarily writing for your viewers and not for a search engine. Potential customers will be able to tell the difference, and they won’t be impressed by an article that exists exclusively for marketing purposes. Additionally, use hashtags when appropriate to further draw attention to your profile.
Following these tips will help you increase your local SEO rankings, drive organic traffic, and develop the reputation of your local business. In turn, you’ll get your foot in the door with SEO marketing and gain an edge over local competition.
