Local SEO, also known as local search engine optimisation, is the process of optimising your website to improve its visibility for local searches. Local SEO is an essential tool for small and local businesses, as it helps them to be seen by potential customers in their local area. In this guide, we will go through the basic steps you can take to optimise your website for local SEO.
Create a Google My Business profile
Google My Business is a free tool that helps businesses manage their online presence across Google, including search and maps. By creating a Google My Business profile, you can ensure that your business appears in local search results when potential customers search for your business name or related keywords. You can also create Google updates, and manage your Google reviews through your profile.
Optimise your website for local keywords
When optimising your website for local SEO, it is important to use local keywords in your content. This means using location-specific keywords such as the name of your city, as well as using keywords that are relevant to your business. For example, a cake shop in Brighton might choose to optimise its website with keywords such as ‘Brighton cupcakes’. We use ‘Web Design Reigate’.
Get listed in local directories
Getting listed in local directories can help improve your visibility in local search results. This includes directories such as Yelp, TripAdvisor, and other industry-specific directories. Make sure that your business information is consistent across all directories and that you include your business name, address, phone number, and website URL.
Optimise your website for mobile devices
More and more people are using their mobile devices to search for local businesses, so it is important that your website is optimised for mobile devices. This means that your website should be responsive, meaning that it adjusts to the size of the screen it is being viewed on.
Get customer reviews
Customer reviews can have a big impact on your local SEO. Positive reviews can help improve your rankings in local search results, while negative reviews can have the opposite effect. Encourage your customers to leave reviews on your Google My Business profile and other review sites.
Use social media to promote your business
Social media can be a great way to promote your business and improve your local SEO. Make sure that you have a presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Linked In and Instagram, and use these platforms to engage with your followers and promote your business.
In conclusion, optimising your website for local SEO can be a great way to improve your visibility in local search results, and attract more customers to your business. By following these basic steps, you can improve your chances of being found by potential customers in your local area.
