Introduction
Local SEO refers to an SEO strategy aimed at enhancing your business's visibility in Google's local search results. Local SEO works on 2 search terms:
City Name (like: Toy store in chandigarh)
Near me/Area (like: Toy store near me OR Toy store in sector 51)
Local SEO offers advantages to businesses with a physical location or those serving a specific geographic area like City, Area.
When a user searches on Google for specific or related keywords related to your business, Google Business Profile (earlier known as Google My Business) section is seen on top with the related businesses.
This technique increases the chances of getting genuine leads for the business.
For example, A user searches “Top Restaurants near me” then few top restaurants are visible in Google Business Profile Section (as you can see in an image)
Having an Optimized Local SEO is very essential if you are a local business.
If you don’t have good and optimized Local SEO or Google Business Profile, then you are probably missing out on many genuine leads.
This can be one of the main reasons why your competitors are succeeding, and You are not.
So, Let’s dive deep into Local SEO, How and Why Local SEO is a must for Local Business, What helps in improving the ranking of your business on Google Business Profile.
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO is one of a type of SEO or Search Engine Optimization. There are 4 Types SEO or Search Engine Optimization:
On-Page SEO
Off-Page SEO
Local SEO
Technical SEO
All these SEO’s are very important for the overall ranking of your Website or Business but, It’s the Local SEO, which is the most important area for Local Businesses.
Local SEO means optimizing your Business Profile and details on Google in such a way that when a user searches for that related keyword on Google, Your Business shows up on the top lists, which helps in generating really good leads.
How and Why Local SEO is a must for Local Business
Remember the last time you searched on Google for something in your city like “Chinese Restaurants near me” or “Laptop Repair shop near me” or in a specific area, and Google shows you the list of Local Businesses around you, and you select business from that list.
That Business generated a lead. Customer automatically calls them for the service.
Through this process, Local Businesses can generate good leads and increase their revenue by showcasing their products and services to the audience searching for that goods or services online.
From the above example, You can see how important it is for your business to be listed on Google, otherwise you will be missing out on many quality leads and eventually, revenue.
Local SEO is a must
Google works on algorithms. If a user searches a keyword, then Google shows relevant results to that keyword.
When the algorithms identify that you're searching for something nearby or within the area or locality, the Map Pack results will prominently show up on the first page of the search results.
Let’s get deep into the format of Google Business Profile and how it’s shown when a user searches for a keyword related to local business or related to their area, for example “Chinese Restaurants near me” or “Chinese Restaurants in Chandigarh”.
When locally searched, Google will show its Local Business Profiles on the top, above the organic results and it is proven that approximately 80% of the users stick to this section, making it a must have for local businesses.
In today's time, around 40% of searches on Google is a Local search and in Google shows Top 3 Businesses in Google Business Profile Section and users are more likely to take action with these 3 shown businesses. So, It's very important to list our business in top 3 positions so that we can increase the visibility of our business.
But, It is not as easy as it sounds. Everyone wants to be in the top 3 positions. Competition is high and it really requires strategies and tactics to attain the top 3 spots.
Below is a checklist which contributes to the optimization of a Google Business Profile.
Businesses will be displayed with Proper details like:
Description (Very important)
Timings
Services/Goods offered (Very important)
Call Button
Direction Button (Very important)
Message Button
Reviews (Very important)
Correct Primary category selection
Secondary Category Selection
Proper Images
Regular Updates
Events or Updates like upcoming sale (Important to get audience engaged)
Through this information, users can contact that business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Why is local SEO important for business?
Answer: Local SEO involves utilizing search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to enhance the prominence of your business within local search outcomes on Google. Any establishment with a physical presence or catering to a specific geographical region can derive advantages from the application of local SEO.
Question: Is a local SEO worth it?
Answer: In the contemporary era of digital advancements, individuals frequently depend on search engines to locate products and services within their vicinity. By directing attention towards local SEO, enterprises can precisely aim at these individuals, simplifying the process for prospective patrons to discover and opt for them instead of rival entities.
Question: Is SEO necessary for small businesses?
Answer: SEO is very important for small businesses because it can help in increasing their visibility and credibility, attract new customers and traffic, All this can help a local small business stay ahead of the competition.
Question: Which is better local SEO or paid search?
Answer: SEO works particularly well for local searches and helps you maintain a strong online presence over time. On the other hand, pay-per-click (PPC) is a method where you invest money to display your content to people searching for specific keywords online.
Conclusion
In conclusion, We can say that Local business is a must have thing for local businesses as it will help them to attract new customers, build new traffic, showcase their products and services to the genuine audience who are searching for that good or services on the internet.
Investing in local SEO is very important in today’s time when our user base is shifting from traditional format to modern social media approach of choosing goods and services.
We need to understand the behavior of a user, like how a user used to be earlier and how they are now responding to things.
Earlier, People used to visit the local market first but now, time has changed. People used to check about the product first on the internet or online then they visit offline or local markets.
That’s why it is very important to establish yourself on Google so that we can compete with the other businesses or competitors and get more sales and leads.