Asking “What is local SEO?” doesn’t occur to many location-based businesses because they’re still trying to wrap their brains around the SEO concept itself.

SEO means “search engine optimization.” It is the act of optimizing your website so a search engine like Google knows what you’re all about and to whom they should serve your content.

By extension, local SEO is the act of optimizing for an audience in or around your physical location. In the following article, we’ll discuss why you need local SEO as well as some tips for making it work for you. Let’s start optimizing!

Why You Need Local SEO

Local SEO gives you the opportunity to connect with people who live near your physical location. Why is that important?

There are many statistics that explain why. The most compelling we’ve found: 85 percent of people who engage with a brand do so locally.

This stat shows something fascinating about our “connected” world. While we live and work in a global marketplace, we’re still all about the businesses closest to where we live.

As a business owner with a physical presence, you need to be able to take advantage of that. How do you start? What follows are some of the most important local SEO tips.

But first, if you need a primer on SEO and which tools you should be using from the outset, make sure you read this post on the subject. If you’re already comfortable with SEO in general terms, read on.

Quick Local SEO Tips to Get Started

While there is quite a bit that goes into local SEO — and optimization algorithms are changing all the time — here are some pretty safe practices you should be putting in place.

Grow your online reviews: In 2017, a study of over 200 ranking factors determined online reviews were the most important when it came to local SEO. Make reviews work in your favor by asking for them. Every time you deliver a strong customer experience, steer them toward your listing on Google My Business, TripAdvisor, Facebook, or Yelp.
Brand consistently: Make sure names, phone numbers, and addresses are the same on Facebook, Google, and any other location your audience will use to find you.
Create relevant content: A high-ranking listing begins and ends with a well-optimized website. Consistent, relevant content remains the best way to optimize because it lets your audience and search engines know you’re open for business and knowledgeable in what you do.
Do local outreach: The best way to grow your popularity online is to grow it offline. Reach out to other local businesses. Choose those who compliment what you do or those with whom you have positive personal connections, and ask them to share your website, blog, or social media page with their audiences.

Discovering What Is Local SEO Can Transform Your Business

At Amistad Pros, we know the question, “What is local SEO?” can be a difficult one to grasp when your business doesn’t specialize in online marketing. We pride ourselves on being able to take on such tasks as local optimization for our clients.

If you need help getting your business in front of the right local audience, rely on our experience. Contact us with your needs today.