How Houston area business owners can use Local SEO to be found online.
Local SEO: The process of using tools and website optimization to be found by people using local based searches on Google (and other search engines.)
Local SEO is best utilized for businesses that are targeting a particular geographical area –like a restaurant or dentist office.
The process of being found online in 2019 can prove to be difficult for a lot local business owners. It takes time and when done correctly, can be very rewarding for businesses.
We have 3 tips that every business owner can start doing TODAY – without the help of a website developer.
3 Tips Every Business Should Do To Optimize For Local SEO
#1 – Seek Local Opportunities For Online Exposure
This might be something you are already doing and you didn’t even know it! Are you a member of your local Chamber of Commerce? Do you sponsor events that have a quality online presence? Maybe you pay to have your business listed on your HOA’s website? These are all great opportunities that help your Local SEO by providing quality links back to your website.
A New Idea: Can you find a local blogger or influencer with a high quality following? Think of it as taking the infamous word-out-mouth tactic to the wonderful world wide web. Online exposure through third parties is a great marketing strategy for local businesses, and it’s one that you can do on your own.
#2 – Claim & Optimize Your Free Google My Business Listing. - Like Now!
You have probably used a Google My Business listing without knowing it. This is that awesome business listing that shows up when searching for your business. We cannot stress the importance enough of having a GMB Account for your company. Here’s how to get started and how we suggest you optimize your Google listing.
Claim Your Business: Do a quick Google search on your business and see if you have a current listing on the right side of your desktop browser. Toward the bottom of the listing it might say, ‘Own this business?’ – YES YOU DO! Click on that to get started. If nothing shows up when you search, you can start with a fresh Google My Business listing.
Verify Your Business & Start Optimizing: Once your location is verified, start optimizing your Google Business Listing. Be sure that all your contact information is correct! You should manage your reviews, updates, products and offers here. Best part is, you can manage it from your phone! Yep, just download the app.
BONUS TIP:
Having a local area code for your phone number will help you rank higher on Google. It verifies that you are actually a local business and a good option for users.
#3 – Keep Your Website Content Search Friendly
Finally, your website should be search engine friendly. You can do this on your own if you manage your own website. Here are a few things you can do to optimize for Local SEO.
- Use the right keywords when writing content for your website.
- Write for your target audience. Be clear. Get to the point. Solve the problem the user has, and fast.
- Use the right heading tags (H1, H2, etc.) when creating new pages
- Add your city, state in your page title or headline.
- Do you blog?: Create content that pertains to the local community. Recap a time you had a local event with photos. Collaborate with other local businesses to see how you can share information online about their brand, and have them return the favor.
Local SEO + Strategic Marketing Plan
Local SEO coupled with a vigorous and technical search engine marketing strategy is how businesses obtain the highly coveted top organic search rankings.
Our passion is helping local businesses achieve those top rankings and maintain a strong online presence. Please reach out to us if you’re a business owner struggling with an impactful online marketing strategy. We would love to meet you!