Business owners know the joy of ranking on the first page of Google every time a user performs a search that is relevant to their business. It’s even better when they can outrank their local competitors in the process.
Google’s ranking system requires you to use competitive strategies to appear in front of the right people. But did you know there are ways to further outrank your competition and reach a wider local audience? You can implement Local SEO strategies to improve your organic and paid ad performance, target more relevant users, and strengthen your local ranking.
We’ve provided 3 tips you can start applying to your website and Google Ads campaigns today.
1. Strengthen Your Google Ranking with Local Keywords
Not surprisingly, Google needs to know your business’s location and who your target market is to present you to the right local users. You want to show up in front of relevant people within your service area, which you can help achieve by applying location signifiers to your content, specifically to your keywords. From your website to landing pages, your content should make it clear where you are and where you serve.
Apply these few strategies to strengthen your ranking through local keywords:
Add your location everywhere.
Feature your city name or region in the following key places:
- Title Tag
- H1 tag
- URL
- Body content
- The ALT description of any images
Pro tip: Beware of keyword stuffing.
Although you want your content to feature quality local keywords, be careful not to include too many. Google may think you are “stuffing” your content for the benefit of crawlers and not writing with your readers in mind.
Get location-specific with your keywords.
Include location signifiers to your keywords. For example, an Atlanta diner using the keyword phrase “best burger” should add a few words, making the keyword “best burger in Atlanta.” The restaurant is likely to show up in front of users in town searching for the “best burger near me” and those searching for the “best burger in Atlanta.”
Define your area or region.
Some businesses in well-known places can get away with applying just a city name to their keywords (like Chicago, New York City, and Los Angeles). If your city shares a name with a better-known location, include the city and state in your content. For example, a dermatologist in Dallas, GA should specify their city and state name to keep from appearing in searches for a dermatologist in Dallas, TX.
2. Feature Multiple Webpages for Each Location You Have
If your business has multiple office locations or serves various regions, you will benefit from adding additional pages on your website or ad campaign that are dedicated to these areas. It’s important that you optimize your online content to rank for the locations you serve. Otherwise, your audience may miss out on finding your business.
Multiple-location SEO on your website
Google appreciates businesses that provide correct, well-organized information on their websites. By dedicating individual webpages to each service location or physical location, you are setting yourself up to receive organic traffic in each area and create a better user experience for those who find you.
One landing page per location
You could be sabotaging any digital marketing efforts if your landing page reflects too much information. Whether there are multiple addresses or too many service areas listed on the page, Google’s algorithm will not know how to analyze the different locations presented or show them to the right users.
If you have more than one storefront or service area, you should create a landing page specifically for each one. This will help Google know who should be receiving your ads.
3. Create Multiple Service Pages on Your Site
Similar to tip #2 about locations, it’s wise to add a new page to your site for every service or product you offer. Google can better categorize each page and present the right one in searches that are relevant for that page’s content.
Another benefit to having one page per service is visitor satisfaction. People typically explore a company’s website to discover exactly what it is the business can offer. Visitors don’t want to dig for that information, either. You should capture the attention of your viewers by featuring one page per service and making each page easily accessible from the homepage or through the menu. Your readers will better understand your company without having to work for it, and they will learn the specific ways your company can help them.
The SEO Experts at M&R Marketing Can Help Improve Your Local Ranking!
There are several steps needed to improve local SEO and help boost local ranking, and we know that can feel like a lot of work. Luckily, you have access to the pros at M&R Marketing! Our team knows the right tips and tricks and can implement them on your behalf, freeing you up to do what you love: serve your clients. Let us apply our expertise to your online marketing efforts to put your name in front of the right local users. Speak with one of our account managers to get started: 478-621-4491