All About Local SEO
If you’re not like us where you’re swimming in digital marketing every day, you might need a subject or two broken down in a way that’s easy to understand. That’s what we’re going to do in this blog. We break down local SEO in a way that is easy to understand, but doesn’t leave out the important details. While we can go on for days about SEO, we condensed it as best as we could for you! If you’re well versed or new to the subject, we think you’ll find this information useful.
Let’s begin with the basics, shall we? The term SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. When you optimize your website, you are working to increase the quality and quantity of unpaid traffic coming from the Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs). It’s fun to say out loud, try it! 
This traffic is often referred to as “organic traffic.” Local SEO refers to efforts you make to rank in a specific area, usually the area where a business is physically located.
How does local SEO work?
Using your location (GPS or IP), Google or other search engines will return results that are closest to you for certain search queries. For example, if you search for “urgent care near me” you should see a list of options based on their proximity to you. To make sure your business appears in the list of options, you must have optimized your site and online business listings.
Who benefits from local SEO?
Everyone benefits from Local SEO. The person searching for a particular type of business benefits by finding what they need quickly and conveniently. The business utilizing Local SEO benefits from the traffic brought by the online search.
Just a few great examples of businesses that benefit from Local SEO are coffee shops, lawyers, doctors, plumbers, and restaurants. This is because a quick search for one of these in a local area will reveal all the details a potential client or customer needs. Included in search results will be the name, location, rating and reviews, and possibly specialized details about the person or business. The addition of a mapped location and a call button make for a simple search and an easy to access service.
Who does not benefit from local SEO?
While most brick-and-mortar businesses will benefit from Local SEO, there are still a few that will not. These include online only E-Commerce shops, private online sellers, and businesses or individuals who choose to keep their information private.
For example, if you are a graphic designer and you have a website to use as a portfolio that you want only potential clients to see, you’ll probably want to avoid doing SEO. Some designers want to keep their work private to protect their designs.
Why is local SEO important?
Who doesn’t love a good group of stats? Statistics prove that local searches are a vital part of the lives of businesses and individuals. Here are a few facts showing why Local SEO is so very important:
- Studies have shown that 95% of smartphone users search for local businesses using their device.
- 61% of smartphone users who searched for a local business actually call the business.
- Studies have shown that 59% of smartphone users who searched for a local business will visit the business in person.
- 44% of smartphone users who searched for a local business clicked on Google’s 3-pack listing rather than continuing to search for more options. (source: SearchEngine Watch)
Did we satisfy your statistics raving for the day?
What is keyword research?
To make sure your business appears for your industry’s most common search terms, you need to do some research. There are tools available online, or you can ask an SEO company, to help you find those terms. Local SEO keywords will include things such as “near me” or a specific city name.
How Content Impacts Local SEO
We hear the word content used so interchangeably these days and although it represents many different things, words on a page is the main use of the word in our book. Content can also refer to videos, images, gifs, you get the idea.
The content found on a business website will significantly impact local search results. If the content is too thin or has the feeling that it is directly from an encyclopedia, the search results will be minimal. However, content that focuses on the local impact of the business and presents a knowledgeable, but not too lengthy, description of the business will give the best results. Also, we think it’s a great idea to have fun with your content! Give your content personality and make it as interesting as possible.
What is NAP and why is it important for Local SEO?
NAP. We know what you’re thinking 😴, but we’re talking about something else here. The SEO related term NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone Number. These are obviously important bits of information that every business needs to display. Potential customers are going to be looking for these particulars when the search for a business and they are going to expect consistency when they see the results.
Businesses should keep these three primary pieces of information up-to-date and consistent wherever they advertise. Everything should be consistent. All online information, whether on Facebook, Twitter, a website, etc., should be the same. Potential customers will be reluctant to call up a place with varying names, addresses, and phone numbers. Consistency is essential.
If you would like more information on how you can increase your local traffic, please give us a call. We provide SEO services, Google Business Listing optimization, content development, and more.
Natalie Thibault
Owner of Inque Media