If you run a local business, you’re likely striving to get more website traffic that converts into paying clients. Competing in local search results can be difficult, especially when your budget is tight. However, here are 3 strategies that are completely free, that you can implement to boost your local SEO in your area.
1. Increase Local SEO with Google My Business
One of the most powerful and free tools you can use to boost your local SEO is Google My Business. When optimized correctly, GMB can significantly boost your website’s ranking in local search results. Here is how you can optimize Google My Business for local SEO :
Respect the NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number)
Make sure your business’s name, address, and phone number are consistent across your listing and other online platforms – small variations can confuse search engines and lower your local ranking.
Keep your information accurate
Regularly update your hours, services, and other details to ensure they’re accurate and up-to-date.
Ask your clients for reviews
Encourage happy clients to leave reviews on your Google My Business listing. Aside from building credibility, positive reviews improve your chances of showing up in the “local pack” (the top three local results).
Use Keywords in Responses
When replying to reviews, try to use keywords that are relevant to your business, as long as they sound natural and not out of place. As an example, if someone praises your a renovation project you have done for them, reply with something like:
“Thank you for trusting us with your bathroom renovation project! We’re thrilled you’re happy with the results and look forward to helping you bring more of your ideas to life in the future.“
This can subtly reinforce your relevance for specific search terms. Overdoing this isn’t good though, you’ll end up sounding like you’re devoid of any personality 🤖!
Leverage Photos and Posts
Upload high-quality photos of your business, products, or services. You can also use Google My Business posts to share updates, events, or promotions, which keeps your listing up to date, fresh and engaging.
Visit business.google.com to set up or optimize your listing.
2. Increase Local SEO by Asking Business or People in your Region to link to your Website
An interesting fact: Google will prioritize your website when there are other websites in your region linking to it. This is called Geo-Relevant Backlinks. Building strong local connections can significantly boost your website’s visibility, and credibility! Here are a few ways to go about it:
Partner with Complementary Businesses
Reach out to businesses in your area that offer complementary services. For example, if you’re a renovation company, get in touch with interior designers, furniture stores, or landscaping companies. Propose a collaboration where you link to each other’s websites to provide mutual value.
Leverage Testimonials and Reviews
Offer to write a testimonial or review for a local business you’ve had a positive experience working with. Businesses are more than happy to showcase positive client feedback and may include a link to your website.
Support or Sponsor Local Events or Charities
Support community events or charitable causes in your area. In return, the organizers may include a link to your website on their event pages or promotional materials. The support doesn’t have to monetary either, it can be value you produce through your skillset.
Collaborate with Local Bloggers or Influencers
Find local bloggers or influencers who write about topics related to your industry. Offer your expertise, a guest blog, or an interview, and request a link back to your website.
Engage with Local Community Websites and Forums
Join local community websites, directories, or forums. Contribute valuable content or answers to discussions and include a link to your site when relevant.
Building local backlinks is about creating relationships and providing mutual value.
3. Increase Local SEO by Creating Local Content
Creating local content tailored to your area is one of the most effective strategies for improving local SEO and attracting clients in your region. Search engines aim to deliver the most relevant results to users based on their location (hence the benefits of a .ca domain, for example). When you create content specific to your region, Google perceives your business as locally relevant, improving your chances of ranking higher for location-based searches (for example: “best web design agencies in Montreal”). Here are a few ideas on how to Create Effective Local Content :
Identify Topics with Local Relevance
Focus on what your audience in the area is searching for by using tools such as Google Keyword Planner, SEMRush, or Ahrefs to discover location-based queries. People also often search for curated lists, guides and reviews to find the best services in their region. You can compile and curate these lists yourself. A company that does very successfully is mtlblog.com. Some examples of location-based queries are:
- Best web agencies in Montreal
- Top 10 website designers in Dorval
- Affordable web development services in Laval
- Guide to finding a web agency in Montreal
- Why Canadian hosting is critical for Canadian websites
Use Google auto-suggestions by typing in “Best [service] in [location]” and seeing what appears.
Incorporate Location-Specific Keywords in your Content
Use keywords that combine your service and location naturally in your content, titles, meta descriptions, and headers. For example:
- Why Nixi is the Best Web Agency in Montreal for Small Businesses
- Top 5 Website Design Trends for Businesses in Quebec.
Leverage Local Events, News and Testimonials from Local Clients
You can write about local events, partnerships, etc. You can also share success stories from businesses you’ve helped in your area. Some title examples could be:
- How We’re Helping Montreal Startups Succeed with Custom Web Applications
- How We Designed a Website That Increased Traffic by 50% for a Dorval Renovation Company
In Conclusion
By tailoring your content to your location, you not only improve your SEO but also establish yourself as the go-to expert for your services in your region.
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