Many small businesses desire to target a local audience, but fail to implement the strategies that appeal to their target market. Unless you’re an SEO expert, it’s difficult to know what you should do to attract those who are local to your product/service. When you search online, most of what you find in regards to search engine optimization has to do with keyword optimization, building strong inbound links, creating content, etc. Here are a few tips that will help your small business enjoy more success on the internet.
Choose – and use – your keywords correctly. It’s natural to want to show up in the search results for as many keywords as possible, but it isn’t always to your advantage. For example, you may be a local pediatrician who caters to the health of children, so ranking for the keywords “family doctor” or “primary physician” won’t do you much good. Instead, localize your keyword phrases (e.g. “wichita pediatrician”).
The overuse of keywords can be to your detriment, both in terms of SEO and a bad experience for potential customers. Content that is obviously written with search engines in mind is a huge turn-off, and will quickly drive the reader to your competition. Use variations of your keywords (such as children’s doctor or physician) in addition to pediatrician, but don’t cram all three in your content at every opportunity.
In local search, the details are essential. More than anything, those searching locally want to quickly find the solution they need. Your website should be informative; many people who are looking locally are on the go and using a mobile device, so make sure your phone number, physical address, business name and email address are readily available and easy to find at first glance.
Social media gives a big boost to local search. Today, social media optimization plays a huge role in local search. With more and more of the population using smart phones equipped with apps such as Facebook, they can quickly search for information on the go. Social media allows those in your local area to interact with you – and better yet, you can promote special deals, coupons, company news and other pertinent information to stir interest and grow your web presence.
Improve your search engine ranking and grow your local customer base! Put these small business local search tips to use in your business today.
E.B.B. Interactive helps many local, small businesses with their internet marketing needs. Interested in giving your local business an online boost? Call 877-323-0661 to hear about our special small business internet marketing packages.
