Local SEO is crucial for businesses that want to attract customers in their specific region, enhancing both online and offline visibility. Here’s how to do it right:
A special place here is, of course, occupied by the SEO optimization of the site.
In the given article we will cover the following topics related to local SEO:
- Site extension
- Languages on the site
- Good hosting
- Google map
- Web Directories
- Google My Business
- Good local links
- Contact information
- Voice Searches.
Why is it important to do local SEO?
Because SEO helps you appear in organic search results and get customers who are interested in what you have to offer.
Plus, SEO is a long-term investment that often pays for itself thousands of times over!
Google searches for different keywords will show the most relevant results (in which your website would be great and - why not - even in the first place!) so that search engines recommend websites to customers who are searching online. It gives them a vote of confidence. Or, users believe in Google's opinion so much that only 7% of those who search end up clicking on the 2nd page of search results!
Remember! With professional SEO Optimization - search engines will organically show you on the first page of results.
One of the issues that local businesses have to deal with in website promotion and SEO optimization is the local approach to optimization.
In this article we recommend, from experience, applying SEO tactics that work to position you first in the search listings with the help of local SEO.
What does local search engine optimization mean?
If a user performs a Google search, they are located by GPS (if the search is performed from a mobile device) or by IP (if the search engine is accessed via a computer) in a specific country.
Search engines know where the device you are searching is located and will recommend the most trusted local sites.
7 Steps to Do Local SEO Like a Pro
Local SEO is crucial for businesses that want to attract customers in their specific region, enhancing both online and offline visibility. Here’s how to do it right:
1. Own a Proper Domain Extension
Make sure your website uses a domain extension relevant to your country or region. For instance, a ".md" domain is highly relevant for Moldova. However, don't stop there—Google evaluates over 200 factors for ranking websites, and your domain extension is just one of them.
2. Use the Local Language on Your Website
For better SEO, include the language spoken in your target region. This signals to search engines that your site is locally relevant. Structure your website URLs with the language included (e.g., seolitte.com/en/ for English or seolitte.com/ru/ for Russian) rather than using language parameters like seolitte.com/lang=ru.
3. Host Your Website Locally
If you’re targeting a specific country, host your website in that country. This will ensure your website has a country-specific IP address, which improves its relevance to local searchers.
4. Place Your Business on Maps & Register with Google My Business
Google My Business (GMB) is one of the most effective ways to get visibility in local search results. By placing your business location on Google Maps and registering it with services like Google My Business and Bing Maps, you ensure that local customers can easily find you.
5. Register on Local Directories
Being listed on local directories and business portals (like Yelp, local Chamber of Commerce sites, or other region-specific platforms) increases your online presence and authority. Also, obtaining backlinks from trusted local websites enhances your SEO.
6. Display Contact Information
Ensure your contact details, including a physical address, are visible on your website (such as in the footer). This helps search engines and users verify your location, strengthening your local SEO efforts.
7. Verify Your Address with Google My Business
Once your address is added to Google My Business, Google will send a postcard with a unique verification code to your physical address. This step is essential to confirm your location and boost your visibility in local search results.
Bonus: Voice Search Optimization
Voice search is becoming a popular method of searching, especially on mobile devices. Optimize your website for voice search by focusing on natural language and long-tail keywords, which are often used in voice queries. Platforms like Google Voice Search and Siri are becoming increasingly integral to how people search, so tapping into this trend is key.
By applying these steps, your local SEO efforts will help you rank higher in relevant searches, making it easier for local customers to find your business. If you’re not sure where to start or need help with the process, feel free to reach out to SEOLITTE for tailored local SEO services.
