SEO, or Search Engine Optimisation, is something of a moving target for small businesses – especially those looking to generate local traffic. We’ve all heard about how important SEO is, but when it comes to actionable steps, it can all get a bit confusing. If this story sounds familiar, don’t worry, because we’ve put together 3 surefire methods you can use right away to supercharge your local SEO.
1. Make sure you’re signed up to Google My Business
Google My Business, or GMB, is the magical fairy dust of local SEO. While it won’t transform your search results overnight, it’ll certainly bump you up for relevant searches. In a nutshell, GMB operates like a business directory and works by showing those searching for local businesses results from that directory. If you’re not on the list, you won’t be in the results – so sign up for a free Google My Business account right away.
2. Double-check your address is listed on your website
It may sound obvious to some, but you’d be surprised how many businesses don’t include their business address on their website. Google’s search algorithms – also known as bots – have become incredibly sophisticated over recent years, and delve much deeper into a website making semantic connections. In short, this means Google has the means to show locally tailored results by parsing the address from the website. So, if your address is nowhere to be found, add it today.
3. Optimise your content with a local-interest spin
You may have heard the phrase “content is king”, and it holds true to this very day. The driving force behind SEO results is always content. More specifically, it’s about Google delivering the most relevant content to people searching for it. When you’re targeting a specific local area, it, therefore, makes total sense to deliver local knowledge to those people through the power of content – blog posts, static page content, and so on. After all, who knows your local area better than you? And Google will take notice.
These tips should give you a solid start when it comes to improving your local SEO, but if you really want to make a splash, get in touch with Westcountry Media today.