5 SEO Tips for Your Local Business

Google Local Search Statistics 2019. 88% of consumer local business searches on a mobile device either call or visit the business within 24 hours. ( 46% of all searches on Google are seeking local information. 97% searched online to find a local business (Source: Hubspot)

What is SEO

Search engine optimization is the process of increasing the quality and quantity of website traffic, increasing the visibility of a website or a web page to users of a web search engine. SEO refers to the improvement of unpaid results and excludes the purchase of paid placement. Wikipedia

Do you own or manage a local business?  Then being aware of the power of search results on your local business are going to be key to reaching your goals.  Here are 5 SEO tips for your business.

SEO TIP #1 Optimize Your Website

Website optimization is usually the first place to start when you are working to get better results for your business on search engines.  SEO experts almost all agree that the number one contributing factor to how Google ranks your website is based on content. So having quality content on your website that is useful to the visitor would be the place to start.  Use clear concise text, quality images, good spelling and grammar, and make sure that the user experience is easy to navigate.

The next onsite optimization that you can work on is having your Page Titles, and Headings strategically formulated to include your target keywords.

Quick win **make sure your images are all named and the ALT tag completed with relevant keywords**

Lastly when you are working through your content creation on any area of your website, consider the increasing use of VOICE SEARCH.  Will the headings and text that you are using lend itself to Voice Search? Again use clear, concise terminology and text.

SEO TIP #2 Optimize Your Social Media Profiles

Did you know that all of the social media profiles are indexed by search engines?  By optimizing your social media bios you can help your business have better results.  Optimizing in this context means to identify specific keywords you want to be found for, and using those words in your social media bios.

Furthermore, there is a benefit to using your target keywords within your social media posts, and hashtags.

Quick win ** Pinterest boards are highly indexed by Google.  If there is a keyword you are having trouble getting found for – set up and use a Pinterest board using those words.

SEO TIP #3 Use Local Directories

Local online business directories are an amazing way not just to help spread the awareness of your business, but they are highly recognized by search engines.  Local directories have a larger benefit – if they include a link back to your website that listing will provide you with a valuable backlink. Local directories such as online phone directories, Yellow Pages, Better Business Bureau, and  huge range of other websites offer free and paid options for backlinks.

Quick win **YELP has great SEO visibility.  Setting up a profile on Yelp can really help your rankings and your discoverability.**

**What is a “backlink”?  A backlink is a hyperlink from one website to another.  Backlinks are especially valuable in SEO because they act as an online “vote of confidence” and quality backlinks are highly favoured by Google**

SEO TIP #4 Add a Blog to your Website

Having a blog on your website that is updated on a fairly regular basis adds fresh content for your audience, and is very favoured by search engines.  In addition, using your target keywords in the blog (optimized for SEO) has great benefit for your search results. When you are preparing blogs with SEO in mind, think about using your keywords in the title of the blog post, in the ALT tags, Meta tags, and body of the blog post itself.

Having a blog section (or news section) is beneficial also because with the right strategy in place you will fresh valuable content to share via social media.

SEO TIP #5 Claim and Optimize Google My Business

Google My Business is the platform offered for free by Google for you to manage your business on Google.  It is probably the most important part of your local SEO strategy.

Claim, verify and optimize your profile.  Complete as many of the information fields available as accurately as possible and don’t forget to use search terms in your bio.

Google My Business has powerful insights which will show you how many people are finding your business on Google and what actions they have taken.

For example, you can drill down to see how many people searched for and found your business on their mobile device and asked for directions!

Quick Win **Add lots of photo to your GMB Profile, images get enormous search traffic**

How Does Your Business Appear on Search Results?

SEO or Search Engine Optimization is an ongoing effort that continually strives to improve and or maintain the visibility of your business in search engine results.  Having your business found on page one of relevant local search terms will give you an advantage over the competition and improve your website traffic, sales, and ultimately your bottom line.

If you are interested in more information on the SEO Services offered by Dufferin Media please visit this page . We custom tailor SEO Packages based on your business and your budget – but in general, the average monthly package is $200 to $300.

If you would like to book a call to discuss your SEO Strategy please CONTACT US