How to Boost Your Website’s Local Search Optimization

Today, there is a lot of focus on local search optimization. There was a time when users were searching for global information. However, smartphones have changed the how, when, and why people are performing online searches. Quite literally, people what personalized information that is locally relevant. They are seeking local answers to their questions and solutions to their problems. This is because different locations may define a problem differently. For example, the local real estate agent will have more relevant housing marketing insight. Don’t your agree?

SEOmoz reports that 76 percent of users utilize search engines to find local business information. Moreover, 67 percent used search engines within the past 30 days to find local information, and 23 percent use online social networks as a local media source. For this reason, there is no longer an option regarding local search optimizing a business website. It is a necessity. To that end, here are some tips to get you started.

Local Search Optimization Tips

1. Local Search Terms – When optimizing for local search, it is important to understand what people are looking for and how they are performing their queries. Local search terms will typically include the name of a city or town. Regardless, content creation is about giving users the information they are seeking. Start with local search terms, but create content that is locally unique and useful.

2. Optimize Existing Pages – The first step is to inform people you are targeting a specific location. The way to do this is adding your city or town to your page titles and descriptions, including your business name, address and phone number to all pages, and providing a map on your website. Also, consider adding links to local resources such as local government, entertainment, charities, and more. Google uses all these items to weigh local relevance.

3. Localize Content – Craft most content around your city or town. However, avoid keyword stuffing. The idea is to produce content that local users will find relevant to them, not just generic information with local keywords. Additionally, consider developing content that is relevant to your local audience’s needs. For instance, if your ideal customer is a parent, think about addition blogs about local events for families.

4. Local Directories – After optimizing your website, make sure your information matches on all the major online directories. This will include your Google My Business information, Facebook, Yelp, Foursquare, and others. Not only do you want to match your business name, address and phone number, but also check you business hours, payment methods, business categories, and all pertinent data.

5. Mobile Users – As of today, mobile users represent most search engine queries. However, it is not enough just to have a mobile-friendly website design. Mobile users search to feed immediate needs. Therefore, it is also important to have some content that provides fast answers to spontaneous questions. Work at producing content that gives a lot of information is as few words as possible.

What haven’t we covered yet that is important to you? If you would like even more local search optimization tips, or to talk about a related topic, please contact us.