4 Simple Ways to Improve Your Local SEO

Local search engine optimization – also referred to as Local SEO – refers to a marketing strategy that enhances your online visibility in your local community. In our last blog, we dove into what Local SEO is, its benefits, what types of businesses can benefit from it, and more. Allow us to highlight four ways you can improve your Local SEO, ultimately taking steps toward gaining more customers and profit (yes, please!).

1. Keep Your Google Business Profile Updated

When an internet user types an inquiry into Google’s search bar, one of the first things the spiderbots will check for is if a Google Business Profile fits the description. Google prefers to auto-populate Google Business Profiles for the internet user, as they have been checked and verified by Google itself.

Google Business Profiles show up to the right of the ads and organic search results on the search engine result pages (SERP). It provides important information such as address, hours, phone, reviews, and more. Understandably, it’s important to keep your Google Business Profile updated to ensure Google provides accurate information and knows your business is active. Consider these tips to keep an updated Google Business Profile:

• Interact with your audience on the Q&A section
• Keep your business information updated
• Request & respond to Google reviews
• Upload new photos & videos

2. Earn & Respond to Reviews

A company’s rating and reviews are listed near the top of a Google Business Profile, making it impossible not to be noticed. Use this to your advantage! Request your customers or clients to give feedback about their experience with your company. Content coupled with a few photos (if applicable) is even better!

However, don’t miss out on an SEO opportunity after receiving a great Google review. In a timely manner, respond to the Google review by thanking the customer or client. Use this as an opportunity to slip in a few keywords or keyword phrases while not sounding robotic. Referencing the above example, Fox City Brewery’s marketing team could respond to a great review by saying, “Thanks so much for sharing your feedback of Fox City Brewery in Forsyth, Georgia!” By responding genuinely and with SEO in mind, you’re getting a few keywords into your response – your company name, the city and state where your company is located, and even “brewery in Forsyth, Georgia” keyword phrase.

3. Enhance Your Website

Local SEO loves a good Google Business Profile, but that doesn’t mean that a company should disregard its website. A well-written, user-friendly website is like a huge flag waving in the air to search engine spider bots – “hey, look at me!” Here are a handful of questions to ask yourself to determine if your website is on the right track:

• Is my website responsive?
• Does my website have internal links?
• Is my website written for people with SEO In mind?
• Do all of my website features work?
• Does my website load quickly and all pages load properly?

If you answered “no” to any of these questions, address the problems right away. If you’re not sure how to start, you can partner with a premier marketing company in Macon, Georgia!

4. Get Listed on Online Business Directories

People enjoy the convenience of online business directories, as they can get essential information from multiple companies all in one place. Having your business listed on one or more of the following business directories can greatly enhance your online presence:

The directories listed above are examples of structured citations. An online business directory that is a structured citation provides clear, concise information that has been verified. However, unstructured citations can be helpful, too!

Unstructured citations reference your business in places that are not necessarily a professional business directory. For example, if a person’s blog post or a journalist’s news article mentions your company, it likely won’t provide all-encompassing information as a structured citation would. However, it’s still another mention of your company on the internet, and that’s valuable.

M&R Marketing Can Implement Local SEO for Your Business!

Local SEO is vital for businesses that want to reach their local audience. If you’re unsure how to implement SEO or simply want to trust the professionals to do it for you, partner with M&R Marketing today. Call one of our account managers to learn more: 478-621-4491

Stay tuned for our four-part series about Local SEO:

1. What is Local SEO? Your Guide to Local SEO, Listings, and More
2. Simple Ways to Improve Your Local SEO
3. Every Google SERP Feature Explained
4. Strategies to Rank Higher in Google Maps