Local SEO helps you get customers using a location keyword in their search (such as “Irving Park Plumber”) or who simply search from a device with geolocation enabled, such as a smart phone. Local SEO also helps you to rank higher on Google Maps pages.
So how can we achieve good local search rankings?
According to SEO on-page signals such as NAP (name, address, phone), optimized meta tags and titles, and domain authority are the most important ranking factors (20.3%) for local SEO.
Here are a few best practices for local SEO:
1: Verify your Google My Business listing
Google My Business connects your business with customers. The verification process may take 1-2 weeks.Once you’ve verified your account, make sure that your NAP (name, address, phone) is correct, choose the right categories for your business, and provide a unique, engaging description.
#2: Use consistent contact information across your online profiles
Make sure the business name, address, and phone number of each of your staffed locations (aka NAP – Name, Address, Phone) is consistent throughout the site (homepage, contact us page, footer, etc) and on other websites like Google My Business.
#3: Embed a Google Map in your website
Embed a Google Map on your website. You can use the map on Contact page or Footer section. But do not just embed a map that points to your address.
#4: Include Geo tag to show your location to search engines
Include geo tags if your business is location specific. . They let the search engines know where you’re based and improve your rankings for local search terms.
<meta name=”geo.position” content=”latitude; longitude”>
<meta name=”geo.placename” content=”Place Name”>
<meta name=”geo.region” content=”Country Subdivision Code”>
#5: Apply business-related rich snippets
These rich snippets help search engines understand your site content better, and show your local listings to more relevant local searches.
#6: Optimize meta tags and page content for local keywords
<title>New York Art Studio – Art Studio NYC – The Art Studio NY</title>
<meta name=”description” content=”The Art Studio NY provides a variety of art classes and event planning services. From New York art camps to bachelorette parties, we cater all needs.” />
Page content: It’s also important, but often overlooked, to include your location within your page’s content. Make sure your website shows your location in as many places as it makes sense.
Logo: The logo of your site should be optimized with local keywords.
Edited logo file name to add local keyword.
Edited alt tag of logo to add local keyword.
#7: Create separate web page for each location
If your business has multiple locations, it’s almost always better to build separate location pages with strong content for each location. It is important to make content in each location unique, instead of using the same content template and only replace location data. Here are a few ideas to make local content unique.
Adding testimonials from customers from each city you service.
Participate in local events, or sponsor local events, and write about those local events to create unique content.
#8: Submit your site to local directories to build citations
A citation is an online reference to your business’s name, address and phone number (NAP). Local directories are a useful resource for building citations. These citations are valuable even if they aren’t linked, as long as they’re displaying your NAP consistently.
#9: Put locations in Social Media profiles
Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, and Pinterest are the most popular social media sites you should appear to promote your local business..
Summary
People are searching for lawyers, schools, restaurants and local shops online, especially via mobile devices. If you run a local business, let’s follow the above tactics to optimize your website for local search, and earn your share of new business!
Source:searchenginewatch
Peter Zmijewski is the founder and CEO at KeywordSpy. His expert knowledge on Internet Marketing practices and techniques has earned him the title “Internet Marketing Guru“ He is also an innovator, investor and entrepreneur widely recognized by the top players in the industry.