The Importance of Local SEO

Search engine optimization (SEO) is the common practice of implementing online tactics to optimize websites and naturally increase their visibility and rank in the search engine results pages (SERPs). While general SEO can help your business rank for keywords nationally, local SEO can target specific audiences in your area to attract leads and increase conversions. Moreover, with local SEO, businesses are able to promote their products and services to local customers in a targeted area. Learn more about the advantages of implementing a local SEO campaign for your business.

Local Keywords Rank Higher in Google

It goes without saying that consumers are more likely to search for information or services offered in their specific geographical area. This means keywords that help a business rank locally are often more beneficial than those that help businesses rank nationally. According to Think with Google, 76 percent of people who look for a nearby business on their smartphones visit them within a day’s time, and 28 percent of these searches end in a purchase. Thus, the ability to target local keywords is crucial if you want to reach a local audience.

Local SEO Can Increase Website Traffic From Users in the Area

One of the biggest benefits of using local SEO includes boosting traffic to your website and specific webpages. Local website traffic can optimize your website’s visibility, directly boost your sales and make your brand name more recognizable to a local audience. This is especially useful for small, local businesses that are looking to promote their business from within a small geographic area.

Local SEO Can Convert Online Searches into Offline Purchases

According to a survey conducted by Retail Dive, 67 percent of consumers say that they research most products online before shopping for them in brick-and-mortar stores. And with an estimated 30% of traffic going to the websites on the first page of search engine results, it is a no brainer that benefits accrue to local businesses that appear at the top.

With local SEO, you can ensure that your brand appears in front of the eyes of almost every customer who searches for local products specific to your business-niche, converting online searches into offline purchases

SEO Grants a Free Source of Local Advertising

Local advertising is extremely beneficial to any business. In a way, local SEO is a form of local advertising that connects consumers to your website at no cost. Local SEO allows you to put important information about your site online, such as the address and phone number of your business. In addition, you can highlight and promote the type of products or services you offer on your website using SEO techniques.

This helps increase your business’ exposure on the web, which can make your business better known to residents in the area. Since local SEO does not cost anything to implement, it is considered a free and effective form of online advertising.

Local SEO Can Help You Get Reviews From Nearby Clients

Before trying a new product or service, many people look online for reviews. If your business does not have any reviews, potential consumers may be hesitant to give you their money. Local SEO is an effective way to get quality reviews from previous customers. Many local listing directories allow consumers to list reviews of their experience with a local business or their thoughts about a specific product or service. You can even encourage your customers to leave a review of their experience. This will give potential customers the confirmation they need to proceed with their purchase from you.

Reach Customers in Your Area Who Need Your Service Now

When a web user searches for a specific service, they frequently want it in the very near future. Consider the case of local restaurant searches, where an estimated 64% of searchers convert “immediately” or “within one hour.” This means that for every two people who search for “restaurants in Northern Virginia” one of them is likely looking for some place to have their next meal. If you’re the restaurant they discover in the search results, you stand a significant chance of earning their business.

This, of course, applies to all local business; local SEO allows you to reach local customers who are likely in need of your products or services immediately. If a web user with an immediate need sees your local listing (and not your competitors) they will likely choose to buy from you. when they make their search, they are more likely to choose your business instead of your competitors who may be located further from them.

Local Search Can Target Leads from Mobile Users

Unlike other forms of advertising, local SEO is able to target both desktop and mobile web users. Considering the rise of mobile search for local services, this can be especially economical for local business. According to Search Engine Land, an estimated 79 percent of all mobile phone owners and 81 percent of tablet owners use their devices to conduct local services.

This means that for local businesses looking to promote their products and services, local SEO that’s optimized for mobile search can be especially lucrative. With more searches taking place on mobile than ever before, taking advantage of mobile, local SEO is a must.

Contact a Digital Marketing Firm Today

Are you ready to begin structuring your own local SEO campaign? If so, contact a professional digital marketing firm to help your business reach your local audience through the use of local SEO . Want to target local and nationwide? With the use of both local and organic SEO, you can also grow your business locally while expanding it to a national level over time. For more information, contact 321 Web Marketing today.