SEO seems to be the enigma of the marketing world, to people who do not work within the digital marketing industry. So much so, that SEO often met with a little bit of confusion when you try to explain it to someone for the first time.
The phrase “Local SEO” poses even more confusion! However, once you have a grasp on what SEO actually encompasses, it is easy to understand that there are many location-specific searches run on a daily basis in addition to wider scale searches.
Local SEO helps consumers find business listings relevant to them, based on their area or search term. As a brick-and-mortar business, it’s important to be found by people right in your area who are searching for exactly what you’re offering.
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO is the art of harnessing several ranking factors, to boost visibility in local search listings. These listings helps consumers find businesses that are directly relevant to their search, and helps business owners become visible to these consumers. There are several strategies employed to optimize business listings, and it certainly doesn’t involve distributing flyers or knocking on doors.
Ultimately, there are methods to ensure that your business shows up for the correct searches, that are most relevant to the search terms used. Local SEO just like “regular” SEO, in that way! Initially, your business details in your listings form the most integral part in marketing on a hyper local basis.
Just like with any SEO, long term strategy and maintenance is required in order to maintain good visibility in local listings. This means that the right information must be transmitted frequently, from well known local directories.
Why do businesses need Local SEO?
Long story short, people aren’t using the newspaper or paper directories to find local businesses anymore. They’re using the power of search engines.
More and more, consumers are turning to the web in order to find what they need, even if it’s just around the corner. Whether you run a boxing gym, a craft store, or restaurant, utilizing Local SEO is a fast way to get people contacting your business that are already searching for what you offer.
What are the benefits of Local SEO?
- Your business is easier to find, online
- It boosts your overall SEO
- It’s fairly inexpensive
Not only are you found more easily, but it serves to benefit the overall scheme of your general SEO results!
Not only that, but it’s one of the least expensive parts of a full scale digital marketing program and can often be run on its own. So if you’re short on a marketing budget, and want to boost local discovery, this may be an excellent place to start!
In conclusion…
All digital algorithms feed into one another. When you integrate optimization on your website, SEO, Local SEO, and even social media, this creates a digital ecosystem surrounding your business which grows as time goes on.
Local SEO is an excellent place to start if you’re a new business and want to get in front of people who are looking for what you offer. For a brick-and-mortar business, this is an excellent way to get your feet wet, in the world of digital marketing, and will certainly foster local discovery of you and your business!
Check out this article: 7 TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR SEO