Local SEO: Is It Really So Great for Small Businesses?

Local search engine optimization (SEO) is a way to apply SEO that best fits the needs of your local target market. It has many benefits for small businesses that rely on the local area for customers. Using local SEO also means having more options to make the work easier.

Here is a look at what a San Diego local SEO agency helps your business do using local SEO:

• Defining local SEO and its function in digital marketing
• Knowing when and how to apply local SEO strategies
• Five uncommon local SEO tricks that you should apply

There is much to discuss, so get ready to take notes.

Let’s go!

Watch this video to learn about the Digital Authority Partners approach to local SEO!

What Local SEO Can Do for Your Goals

All small businesses go through a period of struggling to find their niche in the local market, and that can take a while to build. Local SEO helps speed up this process by bringing you closer to your audience than you could alone. It makes you more visible to people and boosts foot traffic.

Most people today are looking for businesses and options within their vicinity, and local SEO lets them find you quicker and easier. The algorithms of search engines are geared toward serving local results. For instance, a suggested search almost always includes a “near me” option.

Local SEO tactics set your website up in a way that better matches and responds to these types of searches. That gives you more chances to rank higher in search results and reach members of your target market before others. In that sense, local SEO is more than great; it is invaluable.

When and How to Apply Your Local SEO

All small businesses stand to gain from local SEO, which means it is a must rather than an option for success. If it can benefit you, it can benefit your competitors, too. Missing the opportunity to keep up with or overtake them can become costly for your business over time.

Methods for applying local SEO are plenty, and they range from easy to complex, some of which might require an in-house expert or a San Diego local SEO agency. Typical local SEO tactics that boost your rank include creating business profiles on platforms and directories such as Google.

Many other local SEO tactics rely on knowing and grasping your local customers’ problems and how you can tailor solutions for them. It takes a lot of in-depth research and collecting granular data to create a fantastic local SEO strategy, but you can get it running smoothly with preparation.

Five Less Common Local SEO Tricks To Try

Probably the best way to understand the value of local SEO for your small business is to test it out in the field yourself. You can find plenty of guides on the usual practices online, but you might also want to try a unique approach. Below are five of the less common local SEO tricks for you to try:

     1. Generated Content With Local Users

In local SEO, building and maintaining a close, positive relationship with your customer base is key to success. With that in mind, you should know that they are not just buyers but also partners in how you market your business. In other words, their input is highly valuable.

You can gather user-generated content (UGC) through posts on social media or your website. For instance, posing a striking question is a great way to get them to share their thoughts. Talk to your audience, find ways to connect with them, and use those as prompts for new content.

For example, an outdoor shop in Serra Mesa could survey customers on which pieces of hiking gear are best for beginners and use their input to advertise and highlight its products. New customers and locals can feel reassured that other customers liked the item they are about to  purchase.

     2. Optimize Pages for “Near Me” Search

The difference between national and local SEO lies in the scope of your strategy, which means that you get varying results depending on which one you use. For example, with national SEO, you need not specify your location to reach your goals; you only need good target keywords.

With local SEO, the area must be specific, and you do it by including your target county, city, or neighborhood in your keywords. Adding your address to your websites and business profiles is another way to signal to search engines, especially Google, how close you are to the searcher.

     3. Utilize Your GMB Profile in Marketing

Most local SEO strategies cite Google My Business (GMB) profiles as important because they make you more visible in searches. Most do not, however, mention that you should keep them active like you would with a social media profile. A GMB profile has just as much utility as a social media profile but with more benefits.

When someone searches for a business on Google, you want to appear at the top. However, the link to your business means nothing to the searcher if they get no information on your business on the search results page. Do not settle for the bare minimum; add photos to help them find you or post price lists, if possible.

For instance, restaurants in La Jolla, especially those near the beach, can showcase their stunning views on their GMB profiles. They can also take a more proactive approach and pinpoint the interesting areas near their establishments to further increase their appeal.

     4. Use Schema Markup to Display More

Schema markup is one of the best ways to boost SEO, including local SEO. These annotations to your web page’s HTML code give search engines a quick view of the content. Hiring a San Diego local SEO agency is one way to deal with this technical issue.

You can also use Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper to guide you on the best data to include. It is a convenient way to utilize schema markup without having to struggle with any of the coding. All you have to do is follow the steps on the service and create the HTML file afterward.

     5. Build Local Partnerships Around You

A great way to emphasize the local in local SEO is to focus on building your relationships with other local businesses around you. They provide the benefit of increasing your reach (just as you would increase theirs) and giving you access to untapped market segments for more leads.

Start this process by finding businesses that offer products and services related to your own. An example is boat and jet ski rental businesses working together to offer tourists and locals in San Diego a trip to remember. Create mutually beneficial strategies that work for all.

Summing Up

Local SEO is not something that small businesses should take for granted because its benefits help your business grow. Following the tips here or hiring a San Diego local SEO agency are the best ways to build an effective strategy that fits your business needs.

Need help creating a local SEO strategy that works? Contact Digital Authority Partners to learn how we can help.