Local search marketing is a form of advertising that is unmatched in its potential to create constructive social change. Local search engine optimization. (SEO) is essential for small businesses with a physical location. However, is this a B2B marketing strategy for professional service companies or companies that serve clients around the world?
Unless you are in a purely digital business, chances are yes. If you have a physical location, interact with your customers face-to-face, or sell services based on location, you may be missing critical search traffic by overlooking local SEO. Nevertheless, if you want to take advantage of this concept you will need to understand local SEO and for that, you need to know how Google works in this case. This requires you or your business to have a sturdy internet connection. You can choose from the popular Internet Service Providers (ISPs) such as Cox, which will have reviews from other clients. Cox Internet has an array of plans and packages that are suitable for their customers; however, they offer customization services as well. Their fast internet and high bandwidth will enable you to understand and tweak your local SEO in the right way.
How does Google work?
Google uses several methods to rank a high amount of sites on the go. These processes include algorithms. When you put a search query into Google, the algorithm sifts through the index and gives you a list of sites that are relevant to your query. These results are selected and classified based on relevance, exposure, and inbound link popularity.
The algorithm takes into account various internal and external factors to regulate which sites are associated with your query. SEO improvement affects the relevance, exposure, and link popularity of your site. After optimizing the appropriate elements your website will appear higher in search results.
What does local SEO mean?
Local Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is an approach that companies use to improve their online presence. It is designed to make you visible in search engine result pages (SERPs) when customers search for services associated with your offerings.
A company’s location is just as important to its customers as it is to search engine algorithms. While some B2B procurements are, essentially local people like to know that they can contact a local office even when doing business with international companies.
Local SEO isolates searches from your region (or whatever region you target) and targets those people so they see more of your pages and eventually lead them to where you are.
For a more specialized approach, you can use services specifically designed for the industry in which your company operates.
While standard SEO as well as the local one aim to increase your rankings in SERP, there is one major difference between them. The former aims to improve your business visibility on a global or national level, whereas the latter helps you capture the local market.
How to Boost Local SEO?
Here are a few ways in which you can improve your company’s local rankings:
Local listings
Local directories help your native customers find your company or brand. They also play an integral role in helping Google comprehend your company’s visibility and show how reliable your company’s information is.
However, you must ensure that your company information is reliable and precise in these listings so that Google can share it safely. Your quotes must be accurate and consistent across all posts, which can be a nightmare. Trusted sites rank higher since it is Google’s mission is to provide customers with the most accurate information possible.
Business listings
Own or claim ownership of business listings and ensure they are optimized. The significant one is Google My Business (GMB), however, do not rely on just one platform. It will be beneficial to consider others such as Bing Places, Yahoo Business Listings, etc.
Customer reviews
Encouraging customers to write reviews gives both your target and potential buyers and search engines a source of proof, as well as applicability and credibility to your business.
This makes the company more reputable in organic advertising. Reviews can also contain keywords that Google can use to better comprehend your business. Reviews give you a vital chance to include useful local and industry-specific keywords on your page. Additionally, highlighting and responding to reviews helps improve your standing with search engines as it shows how responsive you are as a business and that you value your customers.
Optimize site
First, your site must contain all current information about your business, including location and contact information.
However, your optimization efforts cannot be limited to just this. If possible, integrate city and regional information. Make sure you have a devoted contact page with details of regional offices, if applicable, and make sure all phone numbers are active on your mobile. Also, include an accurate map of your location.
Consider mobile interface
Smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives, so it is only natural that your customers will search for your brand or business on their phones.
Therefore, you must reach out to these users by optimizing your site for mobile devices. Ensure that the design of your website is mobile-friendly so that your visitors have no trouble navigating or finding the information they need.
Summary
Undoubtedly, many B2-B companies can benefit from a local search-driven strategy. Local search can improve your overall SEO strategy. This gives the company more rights to search results, improves on-site sales, and increases brand awareness.
