As a small business, it can be hard to compete with larger companies for rank on search engines. You may not have the budget to focus on broad, highly competitive keywords.
However, you do have a superpower — you’re a local company. For many services, a customer can’t choose just any business. They need one nearby who can take care of their needs. Also, many people prefer to support local companies.
How can you use your local business “superpower” to improve your search rankings? By leveraging local search engine optimisation (SEO).
Here’s what you need to know.
The first keywords many people think of when they want their business to rank well are short and broad. For instance, they may want to focus on “hairdresser.”
What’s better, however, is to add a few words to that keyword to create a long-tail, locally-focused keyword. You might say, “Hairdresser in Bude” or “Women’s hairstyles in Bude.”
By including your city, neighbourhood, or even prominent street names, you can help your business rank highly for those who look for services using those terms. You’ll also do well for those nearby who search for “Hairdresser near me.”
The next step is to claim your business on Google My Business. There are so many benefits to having this profile completely filled out that they are hard to list.
First, a Google My Business page immediately boosts your reputation with Google, the premier search engine in the world. When you have a fully completed profile, it improves your professionalism and reliability in Google’s eyes, helping your rank more highly.
Secondly, your Google My Business page includes essential information for your customers, including your hours, contact information, and details about your products and services. You can also post photos and videos.
Finally, a Google Business page gives you a chance to show up in Google’s Local Pack, a sidebar of search results in the local area. This shows businesses on a map, along with their contact information and reviews.
If you want to do well with SEO, you have to have a Google Business page!
Having a small business can make it hard to get noticed, but local search makes a big difference. By using local keywords and maximising your Google Business page, you can make a big impact.
Interested in learning more about how to market your business? Contact us today!
