What Is Local SEO?<\/h2>\n
Local businesses rely on their online presence to thrive, with 97% of users searching for local businesses online.<\/p>\n
And when we say local business, we\u2019re talking about businesses with a physical presence.<\/p>\n
Local SEO is search engine optimization for local marketing.<\/p>\n
How does Google determine local search rankings?<\/strong><\/p>\n [Discover how to win in local SEO] Instantly access the webinar \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n Many small local businesses still don\u2019t believe in the power of SEO. The truth is, when you have a small marketing budget, you should consider SEO.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s look at some myths that are holding most businesses back.<\/p>\n Myth #1: Organic search and local SEO are the same.<\/strong><\/p>\n FACT: Organic SEO is based on relevance to search terms. Local SEO, on the other hand, is based on location signals.<\/p>\n Myth #2: Reviews are a \u201cnice-to-have.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n FACT: Reviews are a \u201cmust-have.\u201d<\/p>\n [See what Google feature consumers use before walking into a business] Instantly access the webinar \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n Myth #3: \u200b\u200bHow consumers discover business hasn\u2019t changed much over the past few years.<\/strong><\/p>\n FACT: The way consumers discover your business is changing. You should, too.<\/p>\n Myth #4: Consumers want the \u2018best,\u2019 and they\u2019re willing to travel to get it.<\/strong><\/p>\n FACT: Consumers want \u2018the best,\u2019 and they want it close by.<\/p>\n Searches for \u201cbest burger\u201d increased by 400% YoY.<\/p>\n \u201cNear me\u201d or \u201cclose by\u201d type searches grew by more than 900% over two years.<\/p>\n Myth #5: Print and online advertising drive in-person visits.<\/strong><\/p>\n FACT: Local smartphone searches drive in-person visits.<\/p>\n A pretty storefront isn\u2019t going to cut it anymore. When a consumer\u2019s top priority is quality and convenience, your online reviews will speak 1,000 words.<\/p>\n [See what consumers are looking for aside from convenience] Instantly access the webinar \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n Myth #6: Google prioritizes the best ranking businesses, regardless of whether or not they\u2019re local.<\/strong><\/p>\n FACT: Google prioritizes local businesses in the results for local searches.<\/p>\n Now that we have debunked these myths, it\u2019s time to optimize your local SEO.<\/p>\n The following simple steps can help make the most of your local search listings and attract better reviews. Make sure you\u2019ve completed these best practices! The more qualified the customers you attract, the higher the chance that they\u2019ll have a great experience.<\/p>\n More than 70% of all searches go through Google. That means Google will often list verified results higher than those they\u2019re unsure about.<\/p>\n How to verify your listing:<\/strong><\/p>\n Businesses with profiles that feature photos see 35% more click-throughs than profiles without images.<\/p>\n In addition, listings with photos receive 42% more requests for driving directions.<\/p>\n [See what your profile should include] Instantly access the webinar \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n Keep these best practices in mind:<\/strong><\/p>\n Did you know? 31% of consumers report they are more likely to look at a local business\u2019s GBP listing before visiting than they did before the pandemic.<\/p>\n Information needed for your GBP listing:<\/strong><\/p>\n [Find out how to be consistent with your listing] Instantly access the webinar \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n Location keywords are powerful because 72% of consumers who search for a local business visit a business within 5 miles of their current location.<\/p>\n How to use keywords to your advantage:<\/strong><\/p>\n Reviews greatly influence consumers. 88% say reviews make the difference in their decision to try a new business.<\/p>\n Moreover, consumers are willing to travel farther and spend more to patronize a business with a higher rating.<\/p>\n\n
Local SEO Myths<\/h2>\n
6 Best Practices For Local Search<\/h2>\n
1. Verify Your Location<\/h3>\n
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2. Add High-Quality Photos<\/h3>\n
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3. Keep Your Google Business Profile (GBP) Up-To-Date<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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![\"Local](\"https:\/\/marketingnewsbox.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/local-seo-top-ways-to-get-higher-quality-reviews-via-sejournal-hethr_campbell.png\")
Screenshot from search for [Primary Children\u2019s Hospital], Google, June 2022<\/span><\/div>\n4. Use Keywords<\/h3>\n
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5. Increase & Manage Your Online Reviews<\/h3>\n