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Local SEO is becoming one of the most important components of SEO as it will really setup a business and brand for long-term success.
With Local search engine optimization you are optimizing specifically for local search results such as Google Maps. Since the local search results are constantly changing, you need to ensure you choose the SEO expert that has the experience and knows the ins an outs of local SEO. This is where I come in!
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO is the process of optimizing your website to accommodate the searcher based on his or her location. This means appearing the specific local search results such as listings & maps pages (Google’s, Bing’s etc..)
When searching for certain products or services, Google will return a list of results based on your location. As seen below, when searching for “Painters”, Google has displayed a map along with 3 local business results just below the paid ads.
With the explosion of mobile devices and rise of mobile searches, Local SEO is one of he most important tactics every business needs to start with (along with providing a mobile friendly website).
Local SEO Factors
There are a few major factors when optimizing for local search. Here are the 3 most popular:
Citations
A citation is when your business is referenced anywhere online. Also known as a “mention”, this reference may or may not include a link to your website. Online citations are important as they can be an indication of how authoritative your business is.
You can find common citation on business listings websites such as Yelp.com & Yellowpages.com. Other Citations may just include your business name, or even only your phone number.
Online Reviews & Ratings
Online Reviews are a key factor in local search rankings. A combinations of quantity, rating value & review contents all play a role in determining your “local rank” and whether you appear or not.
Business Listings
Along the same lines as Citations, the quality of your business listings will affect your Local SEO. Ensuring that your business listings are correct & consistent is crucial across the web. Inconsistencies can negatively affect your local search engine optimization.
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60
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72
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78
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88
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Of adults use smartphones and tablets to search for local product and service information
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Of consumers say that positive reviews make them trust a local business more
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Of local-mobile searches result in offline purchases
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Of consumers have read reviews to determine the quality of a local business