Local search engine optimization (SEO) marketing is the process and strategy of getting your website ranked locally in the search engines, and converting them into customers. This process isn’t rocket science, and when executed in logical order will ensure your local business grows faster than your competitors.
First of all, let’s define a local company. A local company is one whose customers are within a limited geographical area, usually 5 miles or less.
These are the things you need to do to target your specific market, command a top local search engine ranking, convert the highest percentage of your site visitors into customers that buy your services, and save time in doing so:
- Distribute your business name, address and phone number (NAP) to the most important local directories
- Gain positive reviews through diligent reputation management
- Constantly promote your local properties with relevant offers and events
- Gain local social media followers and engage with them
Distribute Your Business Name, Address And Phone Number (NAP) To The Most Important Citation Sites
At a minimum you want to cover the top Google citation sites (local directories) used to validate your company’s local presence. Here is a list of the top local directories. I recommend that you go farther than this, but make sure to place your company’s information into at least these Google citation sites:
Bing
CitySearch
CitySlick
CitySquares
Foursquare
Google
JudysBook
Kudzu
LinkedIn
Local.com
Manta
Mapquest
Merchant Circle
Supermedia
ThinkLocal
WhitePages
Yahoo!
Yellowbook
YellowPages
Yelp
Gain Positive Reviews Through Diligent Reputation Management
See the results of one of our customers that have been managing their positive reviews and reputation management for several months”
- They occupy the top “A” Google Maps ranking
- They have the most reviews
- They have the highest rating
The results:
- Top search engine rankings
- Increased Sales due to high revie scores and positive reviews
Constantly Promote Your Local Properties With Relevant Offers And Events
One of the biggest factors in online conversions is a compelling offer. Make sure your offer is directed straight at your audience, is relevant to their needs and will be perceived as having true value.
As the year progresses, your offerings change and events occur that should be reflected in your local accounts like your Google Plus Local page. Make it fresh so visitors see that you are on top of your online presence, and will be more interested in calling you when they see your offers and positive reviews.
Gain Local Social Media Followers And Engage With Them
Now that you have your network and system setup you need to find the people in your local area that are ideal prospects for your business and engage with them. There are many effective ways to do this at social media sites like Twitter, Google+, Facebook, LinkedIn groups, Facebook and Facebook groups, Pinterest and Instagram. Every business is different, but I recommend at least a Twitter marketing effort to find those people and get messaging started.
Find people that are active locally then engage with them. You’ll enjoy it, and you’ll see the relevant traffic to your websites and online properties grow along with your sales.
Read more about 21stsoft local SEO marketing services and results.