LOCAL SEO TIPS TO IMPROVE KEYWORD RANK
GET YOUR WEBSITE INTO GOOGLE’S TOP 3 MAP PACK
While implementing these local seo tips keep in mind that 46% of Google’s searches are considered local queries while 65% of Google searches come via a mobile phone.
1. Google My Business
Fill out every field and option in Google My Business. One of the strongest ways to get your targeted keywords ranking with local SEO.
This includes:
- Uploading photos.
- Creating posts
- Description of each service you offer.
- Your Business description.
The more effort you put into your GMB page, the higher your odds are for inclusion in Google’s “Top 3 Map Pack.” Place your business on Google Maps as well.
2. Google My Business Categories
You may choose up to 5 categories. Begin with the most general and drill down to the most specific.
3. Photos on Google My Business Page
Photos uploaded to your Google My Business page are a strong local signal. You also may want to add longitude and latitude to the photos.
4. Bing Places for Business
Claim a Bing business listing. Like getting a local SEO citation directory entry.
5. Online Directories/Citations
Local SEO citations don’t have as strong an impact on local SEO rankings as a couple years ago but are important. Ensure NAP (Name, Address, Phone) is accurate and exact.
6. Listings on Review Sites
Yelp, Glassdoor, Angie’s List, BBB, etc.
7. The Number of Positive Reviews
Google says it is okay to request a review don’t incentivize it.
8. Reviews with Responses
Respond to every review even to say “thank you for your business and it was a pleasure working for you.”
9. Percentage of Negative Reviews Not Responded To
Respond to negative is a professional and business-like manner.
10. Create a Facebook Business Page
Easy to set-up and use as it is a strong and authoritative site.
11. Social Listings
Claim your brand name on social networks including Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, etc.
12. Mobile Ready Website
Google now uses a “mobile-first” index for ranking. This was due to the fact that 65% of Google’s searches come via a mobile phone.
13. Structured Data Markup Code
Google recommends SCHEMA and JSON for SEO and local SEO. Visitors never see the code. It is on the back-end for search engine categorization help.
14. Improve Site Speed
Google implemented a “speed update” to its algorithm which penalizes slower sites. Google did it because searchers expect to see a site appear in under 3-4 seconds even on their mobile device.
15. On-Page Optimization Of Local Content
Create content where you can include your targeted keywords, synonyms, related keywords, and geo-location keywords.
16. Title & Meta Description Have Localized Keywords
Use geo-targeted keywords in your META Titles, descriptions, and HTML headers.
17. High-Quality Inbound Links
Links from sites Google trusts and considers authoritative and reliable sites.
18. Variance Of Inbound Links
You’ll want a broad range of inbound links that are relevant, are authoritative, and not just from a handful of sites.
19. Links from Relevant Sites
Links from local news sites, community blogs, etc. These will help to prove your local trustworthiness.
20. Locals & Keywords in Anchor Texts
Inbound links from high authority sites using both your city and main keywords are like gold.
I’m a local SEO expert with the knowledge, insights, and real-world experience ranking small businesses into the Top 3 Map Pack. If interested in any of my services please contact me at (860) 659-7135. I charge $50/hour. No long-term, locked-in agency contract. Pay as go. I do require a ten-hour minimum retainer to start, but after that, it is your choice whether I continue or not.
CONTACT ME
For the past 5 years, I have provided digital marketing consulting services including SEO, Local SEO, Google AdWords management and WordPress SEO & Site-Speedups to small and mid-sized businesses in a variety of different industries.
I have over 13 years of digital marketing and SEM experience and have developed excellent technical and marketing skills and use tools such as SEMrush, Google Analytics, Google Search Console, SpyFu, Screaming Frog, Ahrefs, Majestic SEO and others but I typically use SEMrush and Google’s products.
I have been successful with SEO over the past 13 years staying current and up-to-date on the changes and new SEO opportunities.
I like reading SEO news blogs. There are many very smart SEO experts with share there diagnosis and advice to assist others to rank high in Google.
I have excellent analytical, statistical and problem-solving skills. I work long hard and long because I enjoy working in the digital marketing industry.
I also have 13 years running AdWords and I believe knowing both paid and organic search complement each other.
