The Impact of Local SEO and Local Search for Small Business

“Let’s have some local food.” “Can we go to the local market instead of the supermarket this Sunday?’’. What do we mean by local? The word local is derived from the Latin word locālis, which essentially means “belonging to a place.” The internet has opened the doors for us to explore different cultures, geographies, and communities, through different digital platforms and even run an online business from a small room, a beach, or perhaps even the mountains. Despite being more connected than ever before, local search engine optimisation (SEO) or local SEO is one of the most crucial digital marketing strategies for businesses, especially small businesses.

Before spreading your wings and entering other parts of the country or the world, why not become a local champion in your locality? In a world where decision-making on new brands, products, services, and businesses largely relies on local searches, reviews, and recommendations, it is a cardinal sin to sideline local SEO just to save a few bucks.

While the number of “near me” searches has increased by a staggering 500% in the past few years, more than 46% of all Google queries are for local businesses. If you want your business to be seen online, it is time to start local search optimisation right away (if you haven’t yet).

This blog sheds light on what is local SEO, the importance of SEO for small businesses, and other aspects of this interesting digital marketing niche.

What is Local SEO?

Before we understand what we mean by local SEO, we need to know what we mean by SEO. SEO is the acronym used for search engine optimisation; a process used to ensure a website or a particular web page, blog, and other content ranks well in search engines. In short, SEO helps business improve their digital presence and – online visibility.

Local SEO is a subset of SEO that primarily caters to the specific needs of small and medium-sized businesses. As the name suggests, local SEO is nothing but SEO carried out to gain visibility in your local area. For example, let’s say you own a pet store. When someone in your area types “pet store near me”, your store will only appear in the local searches if you have optimised local SEO.

Why is Local SEO important and What are the Benefits of Local SEO

Now, let’s take a look at why small businesses should prioritise local SEO and the benefits of local SEO.

1.Local SEO Attracts Local Customers

When we talk about local SEO, the keyword here is “local.” The goal here is to implement SEO strategies to attract local customers and dominate local searches. Consistent local search engine optimisation with Google My Business, curating geo-targeted content, and optimising content using local keywords associated with your business and industry is a great way to increase your online visibility and attract local customers as your business appears in local searches.

2.Gain Competitive Edge with Google Business Profile Optimisation

There is a high chance that other businesses are similar to yours in and around your area (you’re lucky if there aren’t). How will you outperform them or attract more customers? This is where SEO for local businesses enters the scene.

If someone in your area types “restaurants near me”, the local searches will display your restaurant (assuming you are running a restaurant) along with other restaurants in your area. However, your restaurant will miss out on – if you sideline local SEO.

While creating your Google Business Profile is a good start, you need to back it up with consistent efforts, updating your business information, and engaging with customer feedback.

3.Better Conversion Rates

If you think local SEO is just a -, think again. Around <href=”#local-seo-facts”>78% of location-based searches translate into offline purchases. Since local SEO – more customers to your website or business listing, it improves your chances of converting them from mere prospects to paying customers.

Additionally, one of the major benefits of local SEO is that it allows you to position yourself as a local expert or someone familiar with the area.

4.Budget-friendly Markeing

Your local business is predominantly for the local audiences and so is local SEO. Traditionally, posters, pamphlets, and – were the go-to marketing tactics deployed by local businesses to advertise or market themselves. However, they are expensive and not as personalised as – SEO for local businesses enables you to reach a targeted audience without shelling out a lot of money, making it a budget-friendly advertising platform compared to the traditional channels.

How to Do SEO for Local Businesses

We have a general idea about the benefits of local SEO. Now, let’s understand how to implement it.

• Optimise Your Website for Local Searches

Start by conducting thorough keyword research. Look for local keywords relevant to your local business and audience. Identify the keywords or search terms your target audience is using to find businesses similar to yours. Incorporate those keywords strategically throughout your website to help your audience find your website and attract a targeted group of customers.

• Claim Your Business and Optimise Google Business Profile

It is worth noting that Google My Business has now become Google Business Profile. It is a free platform where you can list your small business to improve its visibility across local searches.

Add your location, contact details, products, services and a description of your small business. Google will now add your business to the local business listings. Now, it is time to optimise your Google Business profile. Upload the latest photos, tell your audience what they can expect there, and the timings, and encourage them to leave reviews. Lastly, ensure that you update your details so that your customers are aware of any changes.

• NAP Citations

NAP stands for name, address, and phone number. NAP citation is nothing but the name, address, and phone number of local businesses that appear on social media and local directories. NAP citations are an important part of local SEO as it assures Google that your business listing is accurate and that the online reviews are organic and credible. NAP citations establish trust among your potential customers and search engines.

Wrap Up

Are you still wondering why local SEO is important for small businesses and how to do local SEO? We hope not. If you are a small business owner or on the verge of launching one, local SEO is the way to go. It empowers your business to gain much-needed visibility, attract customers, and let people learn about your business.

Today, online reviews and a business’s online reputation play a key role in influencing the customer’s decision-making process. So, why not harness the benefits of local SEO and make your small business the talk of the town?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is local SEO important for restaurants?

Just for any other type of business, local SEO is important for restaurants to boost their visibility in local searches, attract more customers, and gain an upper hand.

How is local SEO different from regular SEO?

While the objective of regular SEO is to put your business, blog, or – on the global map, local SEO aims to attract local customers in and around your area.

Can you do local SEO without a website?

Yes, you can perform local SEO without a website by creating and optimising your Google Business Profile.