For a small company to get exposure on local search engines, they need to use local SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Google Maps, Google Local, and the standard Google search results are the best places to find local SEO on Google's search engine results pages (SERPS).
Relevance, distance, and prominence are the three factors cited by Google as determining local SEO rankings. You can find the complete Google reference here.
Factors that contribute to a better chance to rank on local search results involve:
1. Relevance
Business Listings are crucial to establishing your small business; creating your company profiles on multiple directories is key to ranking.
Places you start create your business are:
- Google My Business
- BingPlaces
- Yellow Pages
- maps.apple.com
- foursquare.com
- bbb.org
- mapquest.com
- facebook.com
- yelp.ca
Other than Facebook, these local guide citations are mainly for local Canadien businesses.
You can find the complete list of Canadien directories here.Audit Your Website to Learn How To Improve Your Online Presence.
Other local SEO factors:
On-Page SEO
The foundation of a good website starts with the structure of pages; those pages need to be appropriately optimized and organized.
On-page SEO factors you want to be aware of:
- Keyword Research
- Page Title Tags & Meta Descriptions on Webpages
- Mobile-Friendly (for Mobile Searches)
- Schema Markup
- Local Keywords on Landing Pages & Service Pages
- Social Media Profiles
- Phone Number
2. Distance
In the context of a search, the term "distance" speaks for itself. It refers to how far away your small business is from the service area being searched.
Managed Local Citation Services:
These services aim to find inaccurate information, such as a company's name, location, and phone number (NAP).
- Moz
- Yahoo Local
- Whitespark
3. Prominence
Brand recognition, customer satisfaction, and more are all elements in determining a company's prominence. There are other factors such as:
Online Reviews
- Yelp Reviews
- Google Reviews
- Other Positive Reviews & Testimonials
Off Page SEO
- Backlinks/Inbound Links (Especially Local Links)
- Brand Mentions (how often is your business name searched)
- Content Marketing (Articles written by bloggers)
Search Engine Results
- Business SEO is vital for local search ranking.
What is local SEO?
Making your company's website more relevant, distant, and prominent is the goal of this strategy. Customers may get the most relevant local search results by utilizing these techniques.
Why is Local SEO Important?
Customers' decide what to shop or buy has changed over the last few years. With the pandemic acting as fuel to something already rising, local businesses are forced to adjust their online presence.
According to Google, each month there are:
- 5 billion Restaurant and food-related searches each month
- 60% of users contact a business directly using search results
- 74% of in-store shoppers search online before going to the store
- 51% use google to research a purchase they plan to make online.
- 59% Use google to research a purchase they plan to make in-store or online
Using local SEO helps reach your customer's needs when they're looking for items and services like yours at the perfect time when they want them.
For example, searches are more likely to go on google for Chinese cuisine when they are in that mood than after seeing a Facebook ad or a piece of direct mail. The intention at that moment calls for something with the least amount of effort and the fasters.
Local SEO measures the searcher's purpose by looking at things like relevancy (for example, Chinese cuisine vs. German food), distance (0.6 miles vs. 20 miles), and popularity (for example, is this Chinese restaurant excellent based on Yelp, Tripadvisor, and other ranking factors?).
A local business's marketing plan wouldn't be complete without Local SEO. SEO has altered to emphasize local search in recent years, even if you don't have a physical location.
As an illustration, one of my Shopify online stores related to motorcycle Bluetooth headsets was ranking for the Keyword in french, "Communication Bluetooth à moto."
This product page started to rank on page one of search results a few years ago. Even though I am no longer selling this product, search engine result pages now include company listings in Google Maps and organic listings in the motorcycle field.
Consequently, the market has become more competitive and congested as Google has discovered terms that better match searcher intention with local search results.
Local SEO is an essential internet marketing strategy for every small business, regardless of the company's size.
Local SEO October 2023 Updates
Over the past few weeks, there have been several updates around Local Service Ads (LSAs), Google search, and Google Business Profile (GBP).
While these updates may not be major by themselves, it’s worth discovering what’s new and if these new features could apply to your business.
Here are the latest Local SEO updates:
- Updates to LSAs and Local Ads
- LSA Image Carousels
- GBP Updates and Tests
- Hotel SERP Carousel
- GBP Social Media Links Global Roll Out>
- Expandable Business Groupings
- New Local Pack Design?
- Conclusion
Updates to LSAs and Local Ads
LSA Images Carousels
Local search results, on Google now include a carousel of images in some cases. Clicking on these images will direct you to the Google Business Profile.
Source Khushal Bherwani @b4k_khushal on X (Formerly Twitter)
LSA Photo Guidelines
Additionally, the guidelines around Local service ads have now been consolidated with those for using photos in local searches.
This goes into effect on November 13, 2023. The policies you need to be aware of are the same, but consolidating the guidelines should make it easier for users to find and follow.
You Can Now Get LSA Leads via Text
Now, Google has introduced a feature where you can receive your Local Services Ads leads through text messages.
They have included a checkbox in the settings that allows you to activate this option.
Additionally, you can modify the phone number to which these leads are directed.
New LSA Categories
Lastly, Joy Hawkins recently discovered that are now 15 categories available for Local Services Ads.
This means that businesses, like barbershops, hair and nail salons, and tattoo and piercing studios, can now make use of LSAs.
GBP Updates and Tests
Google Business Profile frequently introduces tests and updates. It's essential to take note of these changes in case you come across any new features.
Attributes
One recent addition to business profiles on Google includes "owned" and "owned" attributes. These attributes join existing ones like "black-owned," "LGBT-owned," and "women-owned."
Attributes serve as statements that provide information about your business, helping potential customers decide if they want to visit.
Business owners must take control of these attributes and use them if they apply to their business. You can find details on how to edit your features here.
It's worth noting that Google may automatically modify business attributes. For example, a local SEO expert noticed Google changing payment options and removing information related to COVID-19 testing centers.
Estimated vs Precise Location
Although the option itself is not new, the user interface (UI) displaying it has undergone some changes, as pointed out by Barry Schwartz.
sources: Will Flannigan - X
Hotel SERP Carousel
A recent observation reveals that hotel SERPs now feature a carousel of images. This test showcases a collection of image cards below the search results, enabling users to swipe through the photos.
Source: @kovi_search on X (Formerly Twitter)
GBP Social Media Links Global Roll Out
We initially noticed this in August. Now, the option to include links to your social media profiles in GBP has been globally rolled out to all shapes.
Third-Party Book Online CTA
For those using third-party booking software, a new call to action (CTA) button has been introduced for GBPs. As shown in Joy Hawkins's example, a 'Book Online' button is displayed on businesses utilizing Service Titan software.
Clicking on this CTA directs users to the third-party Reserve with Google integration, which may be an addition.
Source: Joy Hawkins (@JoyanneHawkins) on X (Formerly Twitter)
Expandable Business Groupings
Google is currently experimenting with a user interface (UI) where they display a list of business categories related to your search. By selecting one class, you can view businesses that match your selection.
Source:Khushal Berwani made this discovery. They were shared on X ( Twitter).
Food Preferences SettingIf you're searching for restaurants, you might come across a settings option.
A test is being conducted to allow users to set their food preferences within search results. This includes filtering options based on cuisine and dietary choices.
Source: www.seroundtable.com
Previously, these settings were only available in Maps; however, this test brings them directly into search results.
New Local Pack Design?
It appears that Google is experimenting with a layout for the pack on mobile devices showcasing restaurant reviews and menus in a card format.
source: by @shemiadhikarath on X (formerly Twitter):
Conclusion
It's crucial to stay vigilant and track Google's moves as they're known for introducing new features and updates.
Have you come across any additions, tests, or changes? Please feel free to leave a comment below.
How do I improve Local SEO?
Improved Local SEO efforts rely on citations, links, favorable reviews, and consistent company profiles.
However, there are ten steps you can take to help your local SEO rankings.
1. Create a Google My Business account Having a free company listing on Google and the ability to interact with clients through Google Search and Maps is one of the many benefits of using Google My Business.
2. Title tags and meta descriptions should optimize search engine optimization (SEO). Search engines depend on metadata, so make sure your landing pages are updated with local keyword data.
3. Generate a good amount of reviews about the product. Google and Yelp are great places for people to provide reviews about their experiences with your business.
4.Google Business Profile information should be corrected. Businesses may alter their physical addresses, phone numbers, and even their company names from time to time.
All business directories should include the same information about your company's name, address, and phone number (NAP). Remember to adjust your company hours as necessary.
5. Conduct keyword research using SEO tools to discover what content your local audience is looking for. For example, you may list area attractions or events that suggest that your site focuses on the local news to search engines.
6. Suitable for use on smartphones and tablet computers. To get the most out of your website, make sure it is optimized for mobile and voice searches.
7. Create a business page. Small companies can connect with local clients via a variety of business directories. Check out Yelp, Bing, Facebook, and special directories like Yelp Local (Foursquare, Factual, Infogroup, Apple Maps).
8. Search engine snippets. Improve your business's visibility on search engine results pages (SERPs) with technical SEO.
9. Placements in the community. It's referred to as "localized link building" by SEO professionals. Still, in reality, it's advertising your company to local journalists and local groups that could be interested in covering your story. Rankings may be boosted locally with the assistance of appropriate local connections.
10. Auditing your website. We do a free online presence assessment using our free SEO audit tool or a program like Moz, Yahoo, or Whitespark.
That is plenty to get you started on the path to rank locally.
Audit Your Website to Learn How To improve Your Online Presence.
What are Local SEO Citations?
It's a reference to a business mentioned online. On every website, article, or social media platform that says a company name, address, and phone number (NAP).
Prospective clients use these local citations to find appropriate companies, and they may also affect local search results.
A local citation may contain information such as:
- Business name
- Address
- Phone Number
- Business Category
- Hours of Operation
- Website URL
- Social Media Links
- Photos
- Verified Listings
- Reviews
- Owner Response to Reviews
- Email Addresses, and more.
A small business should validate and verify their online profiles and ensure the relevance of their business directories on these local citations.
What is the significance of local citations? The goal is not to mislead prospective buyers; an awful customer experience may significantly impact the business's image.
That's why the business's location, phone number, or hours of operation needs to be correct. With the importance search engines place on user experience, a poor local citation may drop visibility in search results.
When it comes to Local SEO, this is why citations are so crucial. Search engines and local customers depend on them for information about your business.
How to improve local SEO rankings on Google?
Business owners can include their establishment's company on Google Maps, and local search results Google my business.
To get the most out of your Google search results, here are some tips:
1. Enter complete and accurate information
A search engine must have as much information about your business to connect consumers with your company. Your profile should include your geographical location, phone number, and website.
2. Verify your locations
Businesses must verify their locations by uploading or claiming their listing on Google Maps or Google Search to appear in SERPs. Google My Business listing is the place to start.
3. Include the precise time
This information will help you attract new consumers. Customers and google can trust your business in the search engine results by including office hours.
4. Organize and Promote Google Reviews
Keeping an eye on reviews tells prospective clients that you care about their inquiries and complaints. People looking for additional information about your business can get a sense of what will come by reading the reviews online.
Learn how to edit your business information with a Free Website audit.
5. Include images
Images in search engine optimization have been around for a long time. Photos of your workplace, goods, and services are a great way to distinguish yourself from the competition in search results.
Other ranking variables can help small businesses emerge on desktop and mobile searches in the local pack section.
Click the link for the official Google Local Guides necessary steps for the most part.
According to Google, relevance, distance, and prominence play a significant role in determining
local search results.
Relevance:
When a user conducts a local search, Google returns a list of nearby businesses that match their criteria.
Based on what Google knows about your company, these listings appear in your neighborhood. Search engines are more accurate at matching businesses to prospective customers when they have more information about your business – such as your name, phone number, and website.
Distance:
Distancing isn't all that magical. It's essential to know how far away the search is from your company. If a person searches near your location, your company is more likely to show up in the local pack of search engine results pages.
Prominence:
Google defines prominence as how well-known a firm is. It would be best to get connections from local blogs, citations from local businesses, and additional digital marketing strategies to gain importance.
Positive ratings, local keywords, and schema markup are essential considerations.
In other words, everything that doesn't come under the categories "Relevance" or "Distance."
Learn more about how Google ranks local businesses on the Google Support Page.
How does Google determine local search rankings?
How much does Local SEO cost?
Depending on your area, industry, and company, you may expect to pay between $500 and $3,500 per month for Local SEO. It also depends on whether you handle it yourself or hire a local SEO freelancer or agency, affecting the price.
Yoast Local SEO ($69 / year) and Moz Local ($129 / year) are two of the most economical solutions for small businesses. Local SEO agencies might charge anything from $750 to $5,500 per month. Content marketing, schema markup, and link building are all included in these bundles.
Requesting a proposal is the most straightforward approach to acquiring precise price information. Don't hesitate to get in touch with me, chat with me, or give me a call to discover more about how much local SEO will cost your business.
What are Clifford local SEO services
For small businesses, Clifford offers a comprehensive range of local SEO services. Please find out more about each of them right bellow.
Technical SEO
My team and I handle technical SEO for you, so you don't have to. Our staff will do frequent tech SEO reviews to avoid any adverse effects on search engine rankings. We'll take care of everything from site performance to status codes to structured data to crawling.
On-Page SEO
These include internal linking, page names, meta descriptions, and the page's structure, among other things. On-page SEO refers to any actions taken to improve a website's ranking in search results.
Keyword Research
Using my services will save time and effort in doing keyword research for your small business. We employ various techniques to do the best keyword research and competitive analysis possible.
SEO Content
Digital Marketers like me always provide local SEO customers with SEO Content. Writing blog posts, landing pages, and more based on our in-depth keyword analysis is second nature for my staff and me. Creators and I will craft unique website content that will rise in the search engine result.
Social Media for Local SEO
Social networking sites such, as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn have transformed into resources for businesses to engage with their community.
Audit Your Website to Learn How To improve Your Online Presence.
What cities do you specialize in local SEO?
There are several cities in Canada where I specialize in local SEO, including the following:
Local SEO for Montreal and the surrounding Small Businesses
Other Cities Where We Specialize in Local SEO
Because I worked with many SEO agencies in Quebec, I know about local search engine optimization.
I started doing local SEO in 2015 by building an app called Trouvez un Pros.
This app allows local construction businesses to get found online. You can check it out here: Trouvez Un Pros
I have continued to expand with the same tried and proven strategies. Now, and 2023, you don't need an app.
Trust my team and I to help you grow your company via local SEO. We know the strategies that work and will put them to use to increase the organic traffic to your company.
Please feel free to contact me for more information, and how to get started on your local business.
What industries do your local SEO services cover?
Small businesses, coaches, public arenas, and owners in a variety of sectors may benefit from Clifford's local SEO services, including but not limited to:
Education
My team and i worked with a wide range of customers in the education industry, from preschool to university. Clients in the school sector need to focus on local SEO to increase the number of pupils they can enroll in the region.
Franchise
The majority of franchise SEO efforts are focused on local SEO. Franchisees use local SEO methods to bring in new clients from the surrounding area. Local SEO improves the visibility of franchisees on the local search engine results page.
Non-profit
The non-profit industry stands to gain significantly from local SEO. The primary objective of many non-profit organizations is to garner local support. Non-profits may use local SEO to target a specific area and develop their organizations.
E-Commerce
For numerous small e-commerce companies, we have improved their local search engine optimization and increased sales. Using e-commerce SEO services, you may increase your website's conversion rate by driving targeted visitors.
Real Estate
Local SEO services for real estate brokers bring in new customers in their region. To be successful in the real estate industry, you must have a local SEO plan. A key objective for us is to increase the visibility of local real estate brokers online.
Healthcare
This kind of SEO mainly focuses on local SEO so that individuals in the area may discover high-quality healthcare. New patients may be brought in through upgrading online listings, establishing a Google My Business page, and other methods.
Numerous sectors rely on our local SEO services, and our client list continues to expand.
How do i sign up my small business for local SEO support?
If you're unsure about taking on local SEO yourself, we can help. To learn more about local SEO for your small company, you can take the free website audit below or contact me by phone or email.
Audit Your Website to Learn How To improve Your Online Presence.
Dont forget to share this post!