Why Local SEO is Important For Small Business?

There is no second thought that Search Engine Optimization(SEO) plays a vital part in your online business. In this article, we will talk about – why Local SEO? SEO keeps on changing its reach and importance. The search engines regularly update their search algorithms in order to provide the most relevant results to their users’ queries. Similarly, local SEO has made a huge impact on the digital world. If you are running a small business, every digital marketer will suggest you do local SEO for your business to get maximum exposure. Many small business owners overlook the importance of local SEO and then think why their website is not showing up on top search results. So, I am writing an article on why local SEO is important for small businesses.

What is Local SEO exactly?

Local SEO emphasizes on effective local online marketing. For small businesses, the most important aspect is that their website should show up in local searches to a relevant audience. The targeting results are based on geographic location. In other terms, we can say Local SEO is a term used to SEO on a local geographic location. Any local business can make use of this local SEO. This local business can be anything – doctors, lawyers, bankers, tailors, plumbers, or any local business that sells some products or provide services. Now, if any person searches business for your products or services online (say ‘good tailors in Bangalore’), if you have done good local SEO, he/she will find your website on top of search results which indirectly will help you to grow your business. (I hope now you understand – why Local SEO?) The basic point is you have a physical address (e.g. shop or any place) in a city where people can come buy your product or services. Thus, it not only helps in promoting your website but also helps in branding your business i.e. your name, services, address, etc.

Why Local SEO is important?

Google and other search engines are paying more attention to local searches. Thus, local search results are considered to be more relevant for local searches. If you are searching for something on google.co.in (Google India), Google also delivers results that are relevant to a specific locality based on the IP address of the user. If you are mentioning a specific city or area, Google will narrow down their search and will look for specific locations. Local SEO can do a lot of things for your business that can give you a boost in the rankings. There are lots of other reasons why local SEO is mandatory for your business:

• People Tends To Search Online To Find Better Options Out There

This is an internet era. While sitting home, people can search for whatever information they want. If they have to buy anything local, they prefer to do a pre-search (i.e google local businesses) to find (i.e. use the internet to find) the better options available in their area or cities rather than going to market directly and searching. It helps the local searchers to find local businesses. It is good if your business is ranking in top search results, it can help you to get more local customers. That is another reason why local SEO is important.

• Local SEO Provides High Conversion Rate

Local SEO helps in driving targeted traffic, it provides a better conversion rate. Users who are searching for more localized terms of content are more likely to convert on average. Because the person is often in the area of the business they are searching for, there is a higher chance that the person will contact your business. On average, you can easily convert 1 out of 3 leads into your potential customers, thus providing a 33% conversion rate. Cool! Isn’t it?

• Local SEO Helps To Create Your Brand

The main reason for using local SEO is that it will target the people in the area where your business is established. On your website, you can mention all the services you provide with their price. You can also put the images and recent updates about your business. It gives more authenticity to your business. It will help to reach out to more customers and establishing your brand.

Also Read: How to Monitor Your Brand Using SEMrush

• Local SEO Can Help In Business Extension

Your website is the virtual office of your business. By using Local SEO, you are making it easier for your users to interact with your business. You can ask users to provide their reviews on your services (or products). People prefer to look for other customers’ reviews before purchasing anything. You can also provide a feedback or suggestion section where anyone can give you suggestions or certain ideas that can help in improving or extending your business.

• Local SEO Can Help In Building Long Term Networks

Local SEO can help you to find your niche sellers and marketer who are selling the same products as yours. It can help you in the creation of potential partnerships between two business providers. You can interact with other website owners and can initiate a new business idea together for future profits. That’s why Local SEO is mandatory in building long-term networks.

How Can You Implement Local SEO Yourself?

There are many local SEO strategies available that can help you to do Local SEO manually. The first and foremost thing to do is getting a Google Place listing. It includes listings of the physical address, phone number, and other related information. Your local listing is what will display on localized search engine results. You do not need to shell out any penny, it is totally free. It helps you to make your business to appear on Google Maps. The next import thing is to get listed in relevant local directories. These are also known as citations. Verify and make sure that most places online that quote your physical business information is the same as your Google Places listing. Your company NAP (Name, Address & Phone Number) all need to be on the same page and in the same format as your local listing. Then you need to focus on other SEO techniques as well.

You may love to read the following articles on SEO:

• How To Do On Page SEO
• Off Page SEO Strategies
• 30 Important SEO terms You May Not Know
• SEO Checklist Before Publishing
• Common SEO Mistakes Most Bloggers Do

If you are finding it difficult to do Local SEO yourself, you can always pay and opt for companies that provide Local SEO. Just make sure to do a cost-benefit analysis before choosing any company.

I hope, after reading this article, now you understand why local SEO is important for your business. If you need to beat your competitors in your geographic area, you need Local SEO. Do share your feedback and suggestions, why Local SEO is important as per your thoughts.