To increase visibility in location-based searches, you\u2019ll need local SEO. It\u2019s a strategy that helps startups, brick-and-mortar-stores, and smaller businesses stay relevant.<\/p>\n
Use this local SEO guide to stand out online and drive more foot traffic to your offline store.<\/p>\n
Optimise Your Business Website for Local SEO<\/h2>\nProvide your NAP details<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n![\"Provide](\"https:\/\/www.crazydomains.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Provide-your-NAP-details.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone Number.<\/p>\n
![\"Provide](\"https:\/\/crazydomains.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Provide-your-NAP-details-sample.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Search engines \u2014 like Google \u2014 take your NAP data into account and use it to decide what businesses show up on geo-targeted searches.<\/p>\n
So make sure you input correct and consistent details on your website. You\u2019ll also want to display it in visible areas, like on the header or footer.<\/p>\n
Sure, this sounds like common sense advice. But you\u2019d be surprised on how many misleading data float around the internet these days!<\/p>\n
Target local keywords<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n![\"Target](\"https:\/\/www.crazydomains.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Target-local-keywords.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
When targeting keywords, go local.<\/p>\n
Local keywords comprise your targeted niche and geo-specific terms, like \u201cpediatric dentist North Melbourne\u201d or \u201cplumbing repair Adelaide\u201d.<\/p>\n
![\"Target](\"https:\/\/crazydomains.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Target-local-keywords-sample.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Local keywords produce lower search volumes. But keep in mind that you\u2019re looking at traffic that\u2019s more likely to convert.<\/p>\n
Search Engine Journal<\/a> details a great step by step guide to leveraging local keywords.<\/p>\nYou can also use the Google Adwords Keyword Tool<\/a> or Ubersugges<\/a>t to find top local search terms in your industry.<\/p>\nLocalise your link building strategy<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n![\"Link](\"https:\/\/www.crazydomains.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Localise-your-link-building-strategy.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Link building is a key strategy to ranking in organic searches. \u201cLocalise\u201d by earning quality local backlinks.<\/p>\n
Search engines favour authority over the volume of backlinks you have. So, focus on earning backlinks from sites with relevant content and high domain authority.<\/p>\n
You can also try the following tips:<\/p>\n
\n- Join local social media communities in your niche\/industry.<\/strong> This helps you network with like-minded people or businesses.<\/li>\n
- Sponsor community events.<\/strong> Most local businesses find a way to get involved in local events. Not only is it a way to show support, but it\u2019s also an opportunity to get your website featured on their event page.<\/li>\n
- Guest post.<\/strong> Reach out to industry bloggers and local news sites. Remember to create quality content to earn a reputation as a trusted contributor.<\/li>\n
- Reach out to local influencers\/bloggers.<\/strong> Influencers often require money, but you can always negotiate or go for micro-influencers.<\/li>\n
- Host local events.<\/strong> Putting up an event page on your site usually results in mentions by local news sites.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Secure a spot in Google\u2019s Snack Pack<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.crazydomains.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Secure-a-spot-in-Google\u2019s-Snack-Pack.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
All local businesses aim to get to Google\u2019s Snack Pack. It displays the top three businesses in a specific location and niche. You\u2019ll see it right on top of local SERPs (search engine results page).<\/p>\n
![\"Secure](\"https:\/\/crazydomains.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Secure-a-spot-in-Google\u2019s-Snack-Pack-sample.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
With its prominence, companies that appear on the Snack Pack invite more conversions.<\/p>\n
How do you win the snack pack?<\/h4>\n
We won\u2019t fluff our words here. Getting a spot in Snack Pack isn\u2019t an easy, overnight thing.<\/p>\n
You need to consider these small, yet crucial details:<\/p>\n
\n- Specify your business category.<\/strong> The more specific the category, the better. For example, instead of just \u201cdentistry\u201d, think of the particular service you offer. You can say general dentistry or cosmetic dentistry.<\/li>\n
- Insert your niche in your business name.<\/strong> Example, John Doe Pediatric Dentistry, Carlton Periodontics Group.<\/li>\n
- Don\u2019t forget your meta tags.<\/strong> Double check your title and description tags and make sure they fall within character range (title tags are 50 to 60 characters, description tags are between 160 to 200 characters). Also, focus on your local keyword and place it on the beginning of each tag.<\/li>\n
- Add your local information in all your web pages.<\/strong> Primarily your business name, address and phone number.<\/li>\n
- Remove bad backlinks.<\/strong> These are irrelevant inbound links directing to your website.<\/li>\n
- Grow your social media engagement.<\/strong> Increase your followers and likes on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. Google considers these social signals as additional points to place you on the snack pack.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Setup a Google My Business (GMB) profile<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n![\"Setup](\"https:\/\/www.crazydomains.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Setup-a-Google-My-Business-GMB-Profile.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Google My Business signals are the top ranking factor for Google Snack Pack<\/a>. It\u2019s a free business directory, so you should have no problems with getting listed!<\/p>\nListing your business in GMB tells Google that your business exists<\/a>. Once you create a listing, GMB verifies and matches your business to specific local searches.<\/p>\nWhen setting up your GMB account, remember to specify the following info:<\/p>\n
\n- Add a unique business description that includes your website link.<\/li>\n
- Add your local phone number and address similar in your website, social media accounts, and other local directories.<\/li>\n
- Add your business hours.<\/li>\n
- Choose the right business category.<\/li>\n
- Upload high-quality business photos.<\/li>\n
- Verify your GMB listing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Build local citations<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n![\"Build](\"https:\/\/www.crazydomains.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Build-local-citations.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Did you know that local citations are the fourth most important factor for local search ranking<\/a>?<\/p>\nYou build local citations through mentions of any NAP or other business information online.<\/p>\n
Get quality citations through online business directory<\/a> listings. This includes your GMB listing as search engines trust them.<\/p>\nAside from GMB, you can opt to list your business on directories like Yelp, Foursquare, and Yellow Pages.<\/p>\n
\nRecommended: Local SEO Tips for Small Business<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nThere are several other ways to build citations for your local SEO campaign, including:<\/p>\n
Industry- and geo-specific directory listings<\/h4>\n
For example, you have a dentistry business in Australia. You can list your business in Australian Dentists Directory, Australian Health Directory, Dental Find, and more.<\/p>\n
Create or earn supplementary citations<\/h4>\n
These are citations you earn through publications involving the use of news sites, government databases, maps, etc.<\/p>\n
Get online reviews<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n![\"Get](\"https:\/\/www.crazydomains.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Get-online-reviews.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Online reviews play a key role in influencing a buyer\u2019s decision. And while this is a wide-known truth, what most people don\u2019t know is that reviews actually impact local search ranking.<\/p>\n
In fact \u2014 the volume, frequency and diversity of online reviews rank third on Moz\u2019s 2018 Local Search Ranking Factors<\/a>.<\/p>\nHow to earn online reviews?<\/h4>\n
<\/p>\n
NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone Number.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Search engines \u2014 like Google \u2014 take your NAP data into account and use it to decide what businesses show up on geo-targeted searches.<\/p>\n
So make sure you input correct and consistent details on your website. You\u2019ll also want to display it in visible areas, like on the header or footer.<\/p>\n
Sure, this sounds like common sense advice. But you\u2019d be surprised on how many misleading data float around the internet these days!<\/p>\n
Target local keywords<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
When targeting keywords, go local.<\/p>\n
Local keywords comprise your targeted niche and geo-specific terms, like \u201cpediatric dentist North Melbourne\u201d or \u201cplumbing repair Adelaide\u201d.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Local keywords produce lower search volumes. But keep in mind that you\u2019re looking at traffic that\u2019s more likely to convert.<\/p>\n
Search Engine Journal<\/a> details a great step by step guide to leveraging local keywords.<\/p>\nYou can also use the Google Adwords Keyword Tool<\/a> or Ubersugges<\/a>t to find top local search terms in your industry.<\/p>\nLocalise your link building strategy<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Link building is a key strategy to ranking in organic searches. \u201cLocalise\u201d by earning quality local backlinks.<\/p>\n
Search engines favour authority over the volume of backlinks you have. So, focus on earning backlinks from sites with relevant content and high domain authority.<\/p>\n
You can also try the following tips:<\/p>\n
\n- Join local social media communities in your niche\/industry.<\/strong> This helps you network with like-minded people or businesses.<\/li>\n
- Sponsor community events.<\/strong> Most local businesses find a way to get involved in local events. Not only is it a way to show support, but it\u2019s also an opportunity to get your website featured on their event page.<\/li>\n
- Guest post.<\/strong> Reach out to industry bloggers and local news sites. Remember to create quality content to earn a reputation as a trusted contributor.<\/li>\n
- Reach out to local influencers\/bloggers.<\/strong> Influencers often require money, but you can always negotiate or go for micro-influencers.<\/li>\n
- Host local events.<\/strong> Putting up an event page on your site usually results in mentions by local news sites.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Secure a spot in Google\u2019s Snack Pack<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
All local businesses aim to get to Google\u2019s Snack Pack. It displays the top three businesses in a specific location and niche. You\u2019ll see it right on top of local SERPs (search engine results page).<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
With its prominence, companies that appear on the Snack Pack invite more conversions.<\/p>\n
How do you win the snack pack?<\/h4>\n
We won\u2019t fluff our words here. Getting a spot in Snack Pack isn\u2019t an easy, overnight thing.<\/p>\n
You need to consider these small, yet crucial details:<\/p>\n
\n- Specify your business category.<\/strong> The more specific the category, the better. For example, instead of just \u201cdentistry\u201d, think of the particular service you offer. You can say general dentistry or cosmetic dentistry.<\/li>\n
- Insert your niche in your business name.<\/strong> Example, John Doe Pediatric Dentistry, Carlton Periodontics Group.<\/li>\n
- Don\u2019t forget your meta tags.<\/strong> Double check your title and description tags and make sure they fall within character range (title tags are 50 to 60 characters, description tags are between 160 to 200 characters). Also, focus on your local keyword and place it on the beginning of each tag.<\/li>\n
- Add your local information in all your web pages.<\/strong> Primarily your business name, address and phone number.<\/li>\n
- Remove bad backlinks.<\/strong> These are irrelevant inbound links directing to your website.<\/li>\n
- Grow your social media engagement.<\/strong> Increase your followers and likes on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. Google considers these social signals as additional points to place you on the snack pack.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Setup a Google My Business (GMB) profile<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Google My Business signals are the top ranking factor for Google Snack Pack<\/a>. It\u2019s a free business directory, so you should have no problems with getting listed!<\/p>\nListing your business in GMB tells Google that your business exists<\/a>. Once you create a listing, GMB verifies and matches your business to specific local searches.<\/p>\nWhen setting up your GMB account, remember to specify the following info:<\/p>\n
\n- Add a unique business description that includes your website link.<\/li>\n
- Add your local phone number and address similar in your website, social media accounts, and other local directories.<\/li>\n
- Add your business hours.<\/li>\n
- Choose the right business category.<\/li>\n
- Upload high-quality business photos.<\/li>\n
- Verify your GMB listing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Build local citations<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Did you know that local citations are the fourth most important factor for local search ranking<\/a>?<\/p>\nYou build local citations through mentions of any NAP or other business information online.<\/p>\n
Get quality citations through online business directory<\/a> listings. This includes your GMB listing as search engines trust them.<\/p>\nAside from GMB, you can opt to list your business on directories like Yelp, Foursquare, and Yellow Pages.<\/p>\n
\nRecommended: Local SEO Tips for Small Business<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nThere are several other ways to build citations for your local SEO campaign, including:<\/p>\n
Industry- and geo-specific directory listings<\/h4>\n
For example, you have a dentistry business in Australia. You can list your business in Australian Dentists Directory, Australian Health Directory, Dental Find, and more.<\/p>\n
Create or earn supplementary citations<\/h4>\n
These are citations you earn through publications involving the use of news sites, government databases, maps, etc.<\/p>\n
Get online reviews<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Online reviews play a key role in influencing a buyer\u2019s decision. And while this is a wide-known truth, what most people don\u2019t know is that reviews actually impact local search ranking.<\/p>\n
In fact \u2014 the volume, frequency and diversity of online reviews rank third on Moz\u2019s 2018 Local Search Ranking Factors<\/a>.<\/p>\nHow to earn online reviews?<\/h4>\n
<\/p>\n<\/p>\nYou can also use the Google Adwords Keyword Tool<\/a> or Ubersugges<\/a>t to find top local search terms in your industry.<\/p>\n Link building is a key strategy to ranking in organic searches. \u201cLocalise\u201d by earning quality local backlinks.<\/p>\n Search engines favour authority over the volume of backlinks you have. So, focus on earning backlinks from sites with relevant content and high domain authority.<\/p>\n You can also try the following tips:<\/p>\n All local businesses aim to get to Google\u2019s Snack Pack. It displays the top three businesses in a specific location and niche. You\u2019ll see it right on top of local SERPs (search engine results page).<\/p>\n With its prominence, companies that appear on the Snack Pack invite more conversions.<\/p>\n We won\u2019t fluff our words here. Getting a spot in Snack Pack isn\u2019t an easy, overnight thing.<\/p>\n You need to consider these small, yet crucial details:<\/p>\n Google My Business signals are the top ranking factor for Google Snack Pack<\/a>. It\u2019s a free business directory, so you should have no problems with getting listed!<\/p>\n Listing your business in GMB tells Google that your business exists<\/a>. Once you create a listing, GMB verifies and matches your business to specific local searches.<\/p>\n When setting up your GMB account, remember to specify the following info:<\/p>\n Did you know that local citations are the fourth most important factor for local search ranking<\/a>?<\/p>\n You build local citations through mentions of any NAP or other business information online.<\/p>\n Get quality citations through online business directory<\/a> listings. This includes your GMB listing as search engines trust them.<\/p>\n Aside from GMB, you can opt to list your business on directories like Yelp, Foursquare, and Yellow Pages.<\/p>\n Recommended: Local SEO Tips for Small Business<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n There are several other ways to build citations for your local SEO campaign, including:<\/p>\n For example, you have a dentistry business in Australia. You can list your business in Australian Dentists Directory, Australian Health Directory, Dental Find, and more.<\/p>\n These are citations you earn through publications involving the use of news sites, government databases, maps, etc.<\/p>\n Online reviews play a key role in influencing a buyer\u2019s decision. And while this is a wide-known truth, what most people don\u2019t know is that reviews actually impact local search ranking.<\/p>\n In fact \u2014 the volume, frequency and diversity of online reviews rank third on Moz\u2019s 2018 Local Search Ranking Factors<\/a>.<\/p>\nLocalise your link building strategy<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n\n
Secure a spot in Google\u2019s Snack Pack<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n<\/p>\nHow do you win the snack pack?<\/h4>\n
\n
Setup a Google My Business (GMB) profile<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n\n
Build local citations<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
\nIndustry- and geo-specific directory listings<\/h4>\n
Create or earn supplementary citations<\/h4>\n
Get online reviews<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nHow to earn online reviews?<\/h4>\n