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4 Factors of Local Search Engine Optimization
Do you have a small business and you are trying to get more customers? If so, you probably understand the importance of having your website appear on the first page of Google, Bing, and Yahoo. Also, keyword phrases relating to your services and products that are related to the area your business is in.
These 4 steps below will briefly explain exactly what is needed to get your website ranked for local search queries.
1. Google + Local Page and Facebook
First of all, you need to set up a Google+ Local page and Facebook. Click on each to start the process Google + Page and Facebook Pages
Category selection
Under category, Google recommends after you type in your category. Therefore, choose a pre-set category from the list.
- (Instructions on Google + Page setup)
- (Instructions on Facebook Pages)
The category you select will be the one to rank in Google’s “local pack of results”. Example image below.
Physical address
As long as your business address is consistent on everything, it is likely that will appear in Google’s pack of local results. The physical address is taken from your Google + Local page address, so it is important to use the same address on everything for your business.
For example, if you are a dentist in Los Angeles, you are most likely to be in the local pack for a search “dentist los angeles”. Also, if someone searches for “dentist” while on a computer or mobile device in Los Angeles.
Verifying Google+ Local page
Google will require you to verify your business after setting up your Google + Local page. Verifying ownership is important to keep your business protected. Google offer you a few methods, but the most common is a postcard sent from Google with a PIN. The postcard will take some time, but once you get it, log into your account and verify your business.
Local area code on all pages
The consistency of your business phone number on your pages has a positive effect on your search ranking position. Rather than using a free phone number or mobile number, be sure to use your business local phone number.
Business reviews on pages
The reviews received on Google business would make a difference on your rankings, maybe more than it would in other pages. But keep in mind that every review counts, even the in other pages.
Therefore, do not copy and paste the reviews on your website. These reviews must be exclusive, or Google will penalize you in the SERPs. So to avoid a penalty, you could add a plugin on your WordPress website or HTML no non-WordPress site.
2. Citations
Citation refers to your Name, Address, Phone Number (NAP) in directory sites like Google My Business, Yelp, and Yellow Pages. It is important for your NAP is consistent on all directory sites especially Google Business.
Consistency of citations
Make sure the NAP in all the directory sites for your business are the same as your website. You could use tools to help you verify these like MOZ Local, it will give you an idea of your citations.
Quantity of citations
The quantity of citations is also relevant to your ranking. Having citations in well-known directory sites builds trust in your site locally. Therefore, start adding your NAP to all relevant directory sites like Yelp, Yellow Pages, MapQuest and many more.
3. Landing Page, Domain Authority, and Keyword
The landing page linked to any other business pages, but especially Google + Local and Facebook. Needs to be optimized from an on-page SEO (internal link) perspective.
Location in landing page title
The local location you are ranking for must be in the Title tag of your landing page. For example, the landing page’s <title> tag should include Los Angeles if your business is located there.
Domain authority
The domain authority is another part to consider for local search results. You must have overall SEO on your website to achieve a good Domain Authority. Therefore, expect for your Domain Authority to take some time if you didn’t have any SEO on your website.
Achieving a good Domain Authority could be challenging. Website should have good organic SEO and high quality inbound links.
Keyword in the business title
Having the location in your business title could rank you for “business location”. But business don’t always put the name of the city in their name. Rather than doing that, your website could have the location in the URL. For example if your business is called “one dentist” located in Los Angeles, then you could use “www.onedentistlosangeles.com”.
4. Some other Factors
Being near the city center
Businesses that are outside a city center will benefit more than being farther away.
Physical location to the point of search
Google will know where a user is making a search. If the search is related to your business, it will show them the closest location to them first. The user will decide upon other factors talked before.
Third-party reviews
Encourage your customers to review your business in sites like TripAdvisor, Yelp and others alike. It will make a difference to your local business.
In conclusion
These are some factor to take in consideration. But sometimes it could get more complicated to get everything right. Therefore, do some research and apply it to your business, but in need of help contact an SEO to help your business.