Hey there, local business owners! Ever wonder why your competitors seem to be dominating the local search results? It’s not always about luck. Often, it’s about knowing the secrets to Local SEO that give them a competitive edge. The good news? I’m about to let you in on them. Get ready to discover 10 Local SEO secrets your competitors *really* don’t want you to know!
Key Takeaways
Before we dive in, here’s a quick rundown of the key points we’ll cover:
- Mobile Optimisation is King: Ensuring your website is mobile-friendly is crucial for user experience and search rankings.
- Reviews are Gold: Actively encouraging and responding to customer reviews builds trust and boosts your visibility.
- Location-Specific Landing Pages: Creating dedicated pages for specific service areas (like East Auckland) can significantly improve your local rankings.
- Uncovering Hidden Keywords: Utilising tools like Thumbtack and Google Suggest to find valuable, niche keywords.
1. Dominate Mobile-First Indexing: It’s All About the User Experience
Let’s face it: most people use their smartphones to search for local businesses. Google knows this, and that’s why they’ve switched to mobile-first indexing. This means Google primarily uses the mobile version of your website for indexing and ranking. If your site isn’t optimised for mobile, you’re already behind.
What does mobile optimisation entail?
- Responsive Design: Your website should adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes.
- Fast Loading Times: Mobile users are impatient. Compress images, leverage browser caching, and minimize HTTP requests to speed things up.
- Easy Navigation: Ensure your menu is easy to use on a small screen. Consider a hamburger menu (the three horizontal lines).
- Touch-Friendly Elements: Buttons and links should be large enough to tap easily with a finger.
- Avoid Intrusive Interstitials: Pop-ups that cover the entire screen on mobile devices are a big no-no.
Test your website’s mobile-friendliness with Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test. It’s free and will give you valuable insights.
2. Harness the Power of Customer Reviews: Your Social Proof Superhero
Reviews are the lifeblood of local SEO. They’re not just nice to have; they’re essential for building trust and improving your search rankings. Think of them as word-of-mouth marketing in the digital age.
Why are reviews so important?
- Increased Visibility: Google considers review signals when ranking local businesses. More positive reviews can lead to higher rankings.
- Enhanced Credibility: Potential customers are more likely to choose a business with plenty of positive reviews.
- Valuable Feedback: Reviews provide valuable insights into what you’re doing well and where you can improve.
How can you get more reviews?
- Just Ask! The simplest way to get reviews is to ask satisfied customers. Make it part of your customer service process.
- Make it Easy: Provide direct links to your Google Business Profile review page in emails, on your website, and even on receipts.
- Automate the Process: Use email marketing software to send automated review requests after a purchase or service.
- Respond to Reviews: Always respond to reviews, both positive and negative. Thank customers for their feedback and address any concerns professionally.
3. Location-Specific Landing Pages: Speak to Your Target Audience
Generic landing pages simply won’t cut it in local SEO. You need to create dedicated landing pages for each location or service area you target. If you serve East Auckland, for example, a landing page specifically tailored to East Auckland residents is crucial.
What should a location-specific landing page include?
- Location-Specific Keywords: Use keywords that include the location name (e.g., “Plumber East Auckland,” “East Auckland Electrician”).
- Local Address and Phone Number: Display your address and phone number prominently on the page.
- Google Map Embedding: Embed a Google Map showing your business location.
- Local Testimonials: Include testimonials from customers in that specific location.
- Relevant Content: Write content that addresses the specific needs and interests of people in that location. Mention local landmarks, community events, or local partnerships.
4. Unearth Hidden Keywords with Clever Tools
Keyword research is the foundation of any SEO strategy. But instead of just relying on the usual keyword tools, try these tactics to uncover hidden gems:
- Thumbtack/Bark.com: These platforms connect customers with local service providers. See what keywords people are using to search for services like yours.
- Google Suggest (Autocomplete): Start typing a keyword related to your business into Google, and see what suggestions pop up. These are popular searches that people are actually using.
- “People Also Ask” Box: This box appears in Google search results and contains questions related to your search query. These questions can provide valuable insights into what people are interested in.
- Competitor Analysis: Use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to analyse your competitors’ websites and see what keywords they’re targeting.
5. Optimise Your Google Business Profile (GBP): Your Digital Shop Window
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is often the first thing potential customers see when they search for your business online. It’s crucial to keep it up-to-date and optimised.
Key Optimisation Tips:
- Claim and Verify Your Listing: Ensure your GBP is claimed and verified.
- Complete All Sections: Fill out every section of your profile, including your business name, address, phone number, website, business hours, services, and attributes (e.g., “wheelchair accessible,” “free Wi-Fi”).
- Use High-Quality Photos: Upload plenty of high-quality photos of your business, inside and out.
- Write a Compelling Description: Craft a clear and concise description of your business that highlights your unique selling points.
- Choose the Right Categories: Select the most relevant categories for your business.
- Regularly Update Your Profile: Keep your profile fresh by posting updates, offers, and events.
6. Build Local Citations: Strengthen Your Online Presence
Local citations are online mentions of your business name, address, and phone number (NAP). They’re like digital breadcrumbs that help Google verify your business’s existence and location.
Where should you build citations?
- Online Directories: Submit your business to reputable online directories like Yelp, Yell.com, Thompson Local, and Scoot.
- Industry-Specific Directories: List your business in directories specific to your industry.
- Local Chamber of Commerce: Join your local Chamber of Commerce and get listed on their website.
- Social Media Platforms: Create profiles for your business on relevant social media platforms.
Consistency is key when building citations. Ensure your NAP information is exactly the same across all platforms.
7. Leverage Local Link Building: Connect with Your Community
Local link building involves getting links from other local websites to your website. These links are a strong signal to Google that your business is a legitimate part of the local community.
How can you build local links?
- Sponsor Local Events: Sponsor local events and get your business listed on the event website.
- Partner with Local Businesses: Collaborate with other local businesses and cross-promote each other’s websites.
- Offer Scholarships or Grants: Offer scholarships or grants to local students and get your business mentioned on the university or school website.
- Create Local Content: Create content that is relevant to your local community, such as blog posts about local events, landmarks, or businesses.
8. Voice Search Optimisation: Ready for the Future
Voice search is becoming increasingly popular. People are using voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant to search for local businesses. Optimising your website for voice search is crucial for staying ahead of the curve.
How can you optimise for voice search?
- Focus on Long-Tail Keywords: Voice searches tend to be longer and more conversational. Focus on long-tail keywords that answer specific questions.
- Answer Questions Directly: Provide clear and concise answers to common questions on your website.
- Use Schema Markup: Schema markup helps Google understand the content of your website and provide more accurate answers to voice searches.
- Ensure Your NAP Information is Accurate: Make sure your business name, address, and phone number are accurate and consistent across all platforms.
9. Track Your Results and Adapt: Monitor, Measure, and Improve
Local SEO is an ongoing process. It’s important to track your results, analyse your data, and adapt your strategy accordingly.
What should you track?
- Keyword Rankings: Monitor your keyword rankings in local search results.
- Website Traffic: Track the amount of traffic coming to your website from local search.
- Google Business Profile Insights: Monitor your GBP insights, such as the number of views, clicks, and phone calls.
- Customer Reviews: Track the number and quality of your customer reviews.
Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track your results and identify areas for improvement.
10. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Try New Things and Stay Ahead
Local SEO is constantly evolving. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new tactics and stay ahead of the curve. Keep up with the latest industry news and trends, and be willing to adapt your strategy as needed.
Some things to experiment with:
- Local Guides Program: Encourage your customers to become Local Guides on Google Maps and leave reviews and photos of your business.
- Google Posts: Use Google Posts to share updates, offers, and events directly on your Google Business Profile.
- Local Influencer Marketing: Partner with local influencers to promote your business to their followers.
Closing: Time to Take Action
So, there you have it – 10 local SEO secrets your competitors probably don’t want you to know. Implementing these tactics can significantly improve your local search rankings and attract more customers to your business. Don’t just read this and forget about it! Start taking action today.
Remember, local SEO is an ongoing process, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
Ready to take your Local SEO to the next level? Get in touch today for a free consultation! Let’s discuss how we can help you dominate the local search results and grow your business.
