What Is Local SEO?
COVID-19 has changed the landscape of every industry in America. In this word, there are no guarantees and only those with the most ingenuity have managed to thrive.
Google My Business
Many local small businesses across America are struggling as a result of COVID-19, but not all hope is lost for them. Local SEO is one way that they can carve out a niche and get their business back on track by using on-page techniques to optimize themselves for search queries within their location and external methods like Google My Business listings to ensure they keep up with the latest changes in presentation online which affect what potential customers see when they are searching for services or products locally.
What is LOCAL SEO you ask? We’re going to tell you all you need to know right here. If you run a small business you know how important marketing is to your business. It’s even more critical with the COVID-19 pandemic changing the business dynamic. Local SEO means using on-page and external methods to optimize a business for location-specific searches. Local SEO is different from Organic SEO (also known as on page SEO). The two main areas of focus for Local SEO are organic SEO (things you can manipulate on your webpage to affect search) and GMB. When you look at a SERP (search engine results page) you’ll notice 3 areas in order:
- Paid Ads (these are at the top)
- GMB (also referred to as the local pack)
- Organic (always located after the local pack)
Google My Business
GMB for short, this free Google product is the number one tool for Local SEO. It is tied closely to Google Maps and provides many functions that benefit your business. It’s where your Google Reviews can be found. You can upload photos including your logo and cover photo. You can create posts to tell the world about your business and products or services. GMB allows you to create an entire website that is automatically updated from the posts and photos you upload. Pretty sweet and did we mention FREE?
You can set up a GMB account for your business even if you don’t have a website. In some cases the GMB listing exists already but just hasn’t been claimed and verified by the business owner.
Maximize Your GMB Listing
MAKE SURE YOUR GMB LISTING IS 100% COMPLETE AND ACCURATE. Make sure you have the full business NAP (name, address, phone) and that it’s 100% correct. You should include your business hours, business categories, the services you offer, and the geographic area you serve. Make sure you include a brief description of your services. Take full advantage of GMB and include photos of your business (inside and outside) and add your logo. If this is a new listing you’ll need to wait for the postcard from Google to verify your business.
Post To Your GMB Account Regularly
Once your GMB listing is verified and published you should be posting to it regularly. You should create posts and add photos to your account five days a week (at least to get the ball rolling). Go ahead and set up the free website that is available on GMB whether you already have a website of not.
When You’re Asking What Is Local SEO, We Can Help!
If you need help setting up and maxing out your GMB we can set everything up for you for a very minimal fee. We’re always happy to answer any questions as well.
What Is Local SEO? – Conclusion
If you run a small business, it’s critical to have an effective marketing strategy in place. You may not be aware of the benefits that Local SEO can bring your business so I recommend reading our article on how local seo is changing with COVID-19 pandemic. One key takeaway from this post is that there are two main areas of focus for Local SEO – organic search engine optimization (on-page) and GMB or Google My Business Listings which make up external methods. We provide free consultations as well as customized packages to help businesses succeed at online marketing regardless if they live in a metro area like the Quad Cities or Cedar Rapids, Dubuque or Burlington. Get in touch today to schedule yours!
Hello, I'm Chuck Hersey, a co-founder of Team 218 Web Services. With over 20 years of experience in web development and SEO, I've helped numerous small businesses and nonprofits establish a strong online presence through effective, high-quality websites. Since starting Team 218 in 2014, my goal has been simple: to provide Iowa businesses and nonprofits with comprehensive, affordable website solutions that are easy to manage and designed to help them grow.
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