46% of all searches on Google are seeking local information.
If you’re running a local business, not capitalizing on these searches could mean you’re missing out on a lot of potential revenue. In this article we’ll be taking a look at some strategies to help you boost your efficiency in finding customers, generating leads, and growing your brand awareness!
1. Use Google My Business
Google My Business is a free tool that helps manage the online presence of businesses on Google. By verifying your business and filling out your business information, customers are more likely to find your business.
After creating and verifying your Google My Business page, you can then use Google Posts in your account. Customers are also able to share their reviews and you can even respond to them!
If Google is able to verify your business and current information, the search engine is more likely to display your business when a local Google search is made. Not only does this help out your SEO, but your customer experience is also improving now since they’re able to find you more easily.
2. Get Reviews From Satisfied Customers
There’s nothing that customers trust more than other real customers so if you find some that are happy with your business, ask them to write a great review! After you make a sale, consider using an internal survey to determine who the satisfied customers are and send a post-purchase email or text asking for a review. When customers do write reviews for you, whether or not they are good or bad, thanking them and addressing the complaints is a great way to show other customers that you care about your relationship with them.
3. Create Localized Content
You’re more likely to grab the attention of your local customers when you create content that focuses on local stories or events. Now that search engines have gotten a lot smarter, businesses don’t need to write solely to convince the search engines to place their website on the top of the ranks. Content creators can now write with the readers in mind and still have successful SEO.
By honing in on local news, you’re able to attract your local audience since it relates directly to them. Blog posts and videos are examples of content that could be created and can be educational or promoting local events or charities that your business supports.
4. Optimize Your Site for Mobile Devices
Over 60% of searches on Google happen on mobile devices. When people look up your site they’re most likely looking up reviews, contact information, or trying to find directions. By making it easy for your potential customers to navigate your site when they’re looking you up on mobile devices, you’re boosting their customer satisfaction and helping to build your reputation. Some basics to think about when designing for mobile would be making sure your website loads quickly and that the information is easily conveyed.
5. Perform a Local SEO Audit
SEO is something you should be constantly refining. Performing an audit helps clarify how your website is performing and areas it needs to improve in. An audit looks at some of the following:
- How your business appears in the SERPs
- If the information that shows up is accurate
- If your site is crawlable by search engines
- If your site has SEO elements that help its ranking
- How your site compares to your competitors
If you’re interested in seeing how your business is holding up against its competitors and are looking for an agency that is able to provide you with all of this information, we’d be happy to provide you with a free audit here!