We love our technology, no one can deny that fact. For business owners, the Internet is a very potent tool in helping to bring businesses to greater heights. One way of bringing in good business is through the use of digital marketing. There are many mediums and methods that fall under this term, but none are as popular as search engine optimization (SEO), and, it is especially useful for small businesses that have a physical location.

What Is Local SEO Used For?

One might think that since you own a business with a storefront, you aren’t going to need SEO as much as, say, a business that caters to the online market. That’s a common misconception and it’s forgivable. However, to think in such a manner would mean that you’re also missing out on a lot of prospective customers, especially in your local area.

Consumers are dependent on technology now more than ever. The smartphone has undoubtedly become the world’s most popular prosthetic. What else do you depend on when you find yourself visiting a place for the first time? No, not physical maps and newspaper ads. Those are for the traveler of a different age. We use the Internet. Naturally, we’re going to gravitate towards the businesses that are ranked on the first page of Google. And, typically, these results are based on the surrounding area in which we are searching.

It’s exactly this sentiment that drives the importance of investing in Local SEO, to funnel prospective customers to your business.

Okay, great. How do I get in on it?

N-A-P

Name, address, and phone number. Make sure that they are correct and that they are consistent throughout all your marketing media. This includes your website, Google (and Bing) business pages, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and all of your social media profiles to name a few. Google and similar search engines favor businesses that show consistent N-A-P across all digital channels. After all, how will your customers be able to find and contact you with incorrect or inconsistent information?

Citations

Any mention of your business on online review sites like Angie’s List, BBB, and Yelp is going to help boost your local SEO ranking significantly. Make an active effort to get your business mentioned on the relevant authoritative sites for your niche.

GMB

The most important aspect of local SEO is getting your Google My Business listing sorted. This gives your business a sense of credibility and it also helps organize the information about your business.

Mobile Optimization

As previously mentioned, the majority of consumers own a smartphone and they use it extensively. The algorithm used to rank websites is constantly changing. It’s because of this that it’s imperative that you’re always up to date on the latest SEO News. One recent change was on the emphasis on mobile-friendly pages since a majority of web searches are now made through a mobile device.

Maps

This goes beyond the obvious advantage of being able to show your customers where to go and how to find your business. Maps also give Google clues from your content and your embedded map. This abundance of information is what helps your page get ranked higher in local search results.

There you have it, a short summary of the most important techniques you can use to boost your local SEO ranking. By implementing these tips into your digital marketing strategy, you will be well on your way to ranking on the first page of Google for your local business.