Local SEO Google

Let’s start with the basics, what is Google Local? Google Local is a free service provided by Google, allowing businesses to better interact with potential customers in their area. It also allows local residents to learn about local businesses, as well as rate and comment on their services. An example of a search could be “Italian restaurant in Paris”. You will see in the screenshot below that three local Italian restaurants have been displayed. These lists follow a defined format with clearly visible notices. If you click on one of the restaurants, then it will display additional information about that business.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR MY BUSINESS?

Google Local is not only beneficial for small local businesses, where a large part of its business will come from the surrounding area. International companies such as McDonalds will benefit from showing their nearest point of sale. The benefits of listing your business on Google Local are :

  • Google Local is usually listed at the top of search results, so it’ll be the first thing people see. Traffic to your site will increase, possibly significantly.
  • Google Local on a mobile phone makes it easy for users to call your business or get navigation directions.
  • Reviews give users confidence in your business. Trust increases the likelihood that they will become a customer.
  • Users will often be local to your business, giving you a distinct advantage over businesses further away.

The sum of all of these benefits is increased exposure and traffic to your site.

GUIDELINES TO HELP YOUR LOCAL GOOGLE SEO

  • Make sure the information you submit is accurate and relevant to your business. You can check your business location on Google Places.
  • Make sure the keywords you use reflect and respond to local searches (don’t tamper with Google’s SEO guidelines).
  • Make sure there are no duplicate ads that could hurt your SEO.
  • Encourage reviews, ask customers to complete a review on Google, send an email with links to your past and current customers.
  • Keep your listing up to date.

Google Local is intrinsically linked to your website and the information Google has collected from it. Google places great importance on the ability of your websites to display correctly on mobile devices. As of April 2015, if your website is not mobile-friendly (responsive), it will likely appear less often in all search results, including Google Local. LMS Digital can help you have a website that is compatible with mobile devices.

Once people come to your website, it is important that their expectations are met, as this could be their first impression of your business. A well-designed, structured and intuitive website with relevant and engaging content will help convert these visitors into potential customers.

The information above is a guide to help you be successful with Google Local. There are many other factors to consider in addition to the above. LMS Digital agency has a lot of experience and success in all aspects of digital strategy and marketing. If you would like additional information on any of the above, please contact us to arrange an informal meeting or phone call.