How Can Local SEO Boost Your Profits?
In today’s competitive business landscape, attracting new customers can be a challenge. But what if you could leverage the power of the internet to bring more local customers through your door?
That’s where Local SEO comes in!
Local SEO helps you optimise your online presence for local searches, ensuring your business shows up at the top of results for people in your area.
By following a strong Local SEO strategy, you can watch your website traffic soar and your profits climb as a result.
What Is Local SEO?
Local SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is the art of optimising your online presence to attract more customers from local searches. It’s like putting up a giant neon sign online that says “we’re here!” to everyone in your area.
Imagine someone types “best pizza near me” into Google. Local SEO helps your pizzeria appear at the top of the search results, along with a map and other useful details.
This increases the chances of hungry searchers turning into dine-in customers.
Local SEO vs Traditional SEO
Both traditional SEO and Local SEO involve climbing the search engine ranks, but they target different audiences.
Traditional SEO aims for visibility in nationwide searches for generic terms like “red shoes”. Whereas, Local SEO focuses on local searches with specific locations, like “red high heels in Liverpool.”
It’s a subtle difference but an important one nonetheless, especially if you want to drive local footfall.
Why Local SEO Is Important
In today’s digital world, where people search online before venturing out, Local SEO is a golden ticket for local businesses. It’s not just about vanity; it translates to real customers walking through your door.
Here are just some of the reasons Local SEO is important for local businesses:
Local SEO offers increased visibility:
Imagine the exposure you get when your business appears at the top of local searches. That’s exactly what Local SEO does, putting you right in front of potential customers who are actively looking for what you offer.
Local SEO also attracts targeted traffic:
Local SEO attracts customers who are most likely to convert. Unlike traditional SEO, you’re not targeting generic searches from across the country. You’re attracting people in your neighbourhood who are ready to buy now.
Cost-effective marketing:
Local SEO is a cost-effective way to reach new customers compared to traditional advertising methods. For many small to medium enterprises, the entry point for traditional forms of advertising can be prohibitive. Local SEO provides an effective and affordable alternative.
Local SEO In Action
Here are just some of the many ways that local SEO can help your business to get noticed on search engines:
- The Google Map Pack: When someone searches for “local mechanics,” a map with three top businesses pops up (the map pack). Local SEO helps your garage to land a coveted spot there.
- Local business listings: Accurate and complete listings on Google My Business, Yelp, and Bing Places are crucial for local SEO. They’re the online equivalent of the Yellow Pages.
- Positive online reviews: Great online reviews boost your local SEO ranking and build trust with potential customers. In fact, a whopping 90% of customers check online reviews before buying from a business.
By implementing Local SEO strategies, you can become the neighbourhood go-to for whatever your business offers, from the tastiest pizza to the most reliable mechanics.
Who Needs Local SEO?
Local SEO isn’t a magic bullet for every business, but it’s a game-changer for those who rely on local customers. There are a whole range of businesses that can benefit from Local SEO, including the following:
- Bricks-and-Mortar Businesses: Restaurants, cafes, shops, hair salons, gyms – any business with a physical location can thrive with Local SEO. It helps you get discovered by people searching for your products or services nearby.
- Service Providers: Plumbers, electricians, cleaners – all these types of local service providers can leverage Local SEO. It can help you to appear in searches for your particular services in a specific area.
Local SEO In Numbers
If you want some further confirmation that Local SEO really works, check out these eye-opening statistics:
Use A Local SEO Agency like Resident North
By effectively optimising your Local SEO, you can establish a strong online foundation that ultimately attracts more local customers over the threshold and helps to propel your business forward.
Just remember, Local SEO is an ongoing process. It takes time, consistency and dedication to reap the long-term benefits. Stick with it, however, and it won’t be long before you start to see a boost in profits.
You could go it alone, but why not let us do all the heavy lifting for you? After all, you’ve got a business to run!
For more details about our Local SEO services, drop us a message for a quote.
Image credit: Dayvi Wong
Simon Grant
