Local SEO - Visibility for Local Businesses

Local search engine optimization, also known as Local SEO (SEO = Search Engine Optimization), refers to the optimization of search results in the area of local search results.

Local SEO is becoming an increasingly important marketing measure. More and more people are using their mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, smartwatches) on the go and are specifically looking for local offers nearby. Therefore, businesses that offer their services or products at fixed locations should leverage the potential of Local SEO.

The high number of mobile user queries already shows how important local search engine optimization is. According to statistics, about 30% of mobile search queries are directed at businesses and locations nearby.

Source: https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/consumer-insights/consumer-trends/mobile-statistics-for-location-searches/

Why is local search engine optimization so important?

More and more local businesses recognize the importance of local search on Google. Google has become an important marketing tool for local businesses. The better the placement in the search results, the more potential new customers a company can generate from Google search.

Local SEO holds a high significance because users nowadays rarely resort to phone books or business directories to find regional and local businesses. What used to be a listing in the business directory is now a listing in Google My Business. The better a profile is maintained, the more easily it will be found in Google search.

Especially for locally operating businesses with physical stores, Local SEO offers enormous added value and should therefore be utilized. You have the opportunity to position yourself locally, reach your users directly on the go, and ideally guide them directly to your location.

A consistent and well-maintained entry in Google My Business, a current business site, and an ever-increasing number of reviews and your responses to them help you improve your local ranking to attract more potential customers.

Local SEO Ranking Factors

• Company's "Google My Business" page

• Mentions on external websites

• Signals on the company's own website

• Company reviews

• Social media signals

• Usage signals, including mobile usage

• Personalized search on Google

It can be assumed that these are not the only ranking factors for local search. Since Google uses over 200 criteria to answer search queries, general measures such as link building and properly used keywords can also be beneficial.

A prerequisite for local SEO is having your own website. Since many people search for nearby locations while traveling, you should ensure that you do not neglect the mobile-friendliness of the website when optimizing your Local SEO. In addition, users can directly review businesses and locations through Google. These reviews are desirable because they are already displayed to the user in the search results when the user searches for the corresponding business.

It's not just about findability on Google. Instead, Local SEO should be part of a holistic marketing strategy that also includes maintaining profiles on social networks like Facebook and Instagram. By providing direct feedback based on customer reviews and direct customer contact in social networks, the customer's bond to the company is ultimately strengthened.

Another ranking factor in local search engine optimization is the physical proximity to the user's location, although this is the least controllable.

Local SEO as Part of the General SEO Strategy

As Google's algorithm is constantly changing, local searches and related topics are becoming increasingly important. In addition to optimized entries on Google My Business, reviews, mentions, and reviews are essential.

To purposefully implement local SEO optimizations, it is not enough to maintain an entry in Google My Business. Instead, local SEO optimizations are always accompanied by classic SEO measures and, if necessary, a healthy marketing mix, for example through an appropriate social media presence.

Local SEO is becoming more relevant for mobile devices, as more than 60% of search queries in Germany are now made through mobile devices. In local search engine optimization, mobile devices and their characteristics must be considered to create responsive content accordingly.

Local SEO from Google My Business to Bing Places for Business with internetwarriors

Would you like to increase your organic visibility through local search engine optimization? Our experienced SEO team knows all the tricks and tools to be better found on Google. We analyze your business, assist you with optimization, or provide you with relevant optimized content for your business or online shop. Contact us, and we will be happy to create a non-binding, individual offer for you!

Did you enjoy the blog? Share it now!

Facebook

Twitter

Telegram

Linkedin

Envelope

Whatsapp

AUTHOR