As a business owner, you’ll have a general idea of who your target audience is. The key is to increase your visibility to your target audience to drive traffic and sales to your website and business. Local Search Engine Optimization for small businesses will increase your search engine visibility, thus increase your chances at success. The more customers that see your business, the more customers you’ll get. Whether you implement a search engine optimization strategy yourself, or work with an SEO agency, make the right decision for your business and invest in SEO. 

What is local search engine optimization?

Search engine optimization for small businesses involves keyword research, visible content, and link building. SEO is a number of strategies that work together to increase your online presence. For your small business to succeed among your audience’s searches, you have to become the result that shows up at the top of the page. In other words, when your target audience searches for something online, you want your business name to be ahead of competitors.

Local search engine optimization for small businesses requires a strong SEO strategy. You need a website that optimized with reviews, quality photos, and blog content to engage your readers. You can achieve your SEO goals for your small business. Here are six tips to improve search engine optimization for small businesses:

1. Create local business pages

You want your business name to be visible anywhere your audience is looking for your product or service. Submit your business name and address to local service pages, including Google, Bing and Yahoo. It only takes a few minutes to set up, and doesn’t require an SEO specialist either.

2. Add visuals and categorize accordingly

To enhance your local business pages, add a lot of quality photos, and go into detail about your services. If customers are meeting you for the first time online, clearly explain what you can offer them. Secondly, categorize your business. Local search engines need to know what category to rank your business in.

3. Don’t forget reviews

Google loves reviews. Search engines look at reviews as a major factor in ranking your website on local search pages. To generate real reviews (do not use fake reviews!), add a button to your website that prompts visitors to leave a review. If you have a brick-and-mortar shop, ask customers to leave reviews before they leave the store. Reviews means more content, which also helps increase your search engine ranking.

4. Optimize your website

Double-check your website’s contact information and hours of operation, and ensure it matches what’s on the local service pages. Optimize your website with the right keywords. Include specific cities or regional keywords to improve local searches. Your website should also be optimized with the right keywords that your target audience uses in their searches. You’ll want to invest in a keyword research strategy to do this.

Local search engine optimization for small businesses includes making connections with local businesses. Be present in online forums, connect with likeminded organizations and develop engaging content. The more people you’re connected to (and the more content you have to promote), the more likely they’ll visit your website and even link back to your content.

If you’re just starting a new business, or have an existing business and want to increase online visibility, start with local SEO. This is a great strategy that will increase your website ranking among a local audience. Resolve to optimize your website with SEO by partnering with an SEO specialist. Your custom SEO plan will increase your website’s visibility, thus putting you on a path toward a successful business year ahead.

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