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Search engines are doing a great job of delivering content relevant to the intent of their users. Start a search on Google for any service, and Google will likely suggest search completion terms that include “near me” or cities nearby. GEO-targeted SEO helps you to show up in those searches.
Your business exists in one or more specific places. Utilizing geotagging and providing as much information about your locality as possible, your business can become the answer your customers seek!
Local SEO Strategies
GEO-Targeted Content Helps
In Maximize Clicks With Clickable Meta Titles, we discuss using good keywords in Titles and Meta Descriptions to increase ranking in search engine result pages. Adding location information in the title and meta description helps to focus on what those pages are about and makes it easier for search engines to decide what pages to rank.
- The 10 Best Things To Do This Weekend
- The 10 Best Things To Do In Columbus This Weekend.
The first title is too general. It might return relevant results as search engines improve their understanding of intent and utilize users’ locations when deciding which pages to serve.
The second title is better because it narrows the focus to a specific location the user wants.
It is also easier to rank for keywords. “Quality Accounting Services” is much harder to rank for than “Quality Accounting Services in Mansfield.”
It’s More Than Great Content
Great content is essential once searchers find your website\business. However, it only comes into play when visitors find your site.
Here are a few suggestions that can help them do that.
Get Your Business Listed On Google My Business
According to a 2019 study by BrightLocal, on average, businesses receive 943 Search views and 317 Maps views each month. Although these numbers are not current, they indicate the traffic volume you can draw to your website.
Establishing a business profile on Google My Business helps by:
- Telling your customers that you sell what they are looking for.
- Verifies that you are a legitimate business.
- Providing Social Proof in the form of customer reviews.
- Telling your customers where you are and how to buy from you.
Google wants to rank pages and businesses demonstrating expertise, authority, and trustworthiness (E-A-T).
Does it help? According to Google, it does.
Google states, “Local results are based primarily on relevance, distance, and prominence. A combination of these factors helps us find the best match for your search.”
- Relevance: How well a listing matches the intent of the searcher.
- Distance: Google pairs searchers with verified businesses in close proximity.
- Prominence: How well-known your business is.
Get your business and website on Bing Maps, Yelp, Facebook, or any other platform that offers business pages. Search engines often look at several sources when deciding which businesses are reputable.
Make Your Site Mobile Friendly
Studies suggest that more and more people are using mobile devices for searching, especially for “near me” searches. Google is placing much greater emphasis on the mobile experience.
Create a mobile-friendly site that is easy to use and responsive. Ensure your phone number is prominent and click-to-call ready.
Focus On Local Link Building
One way to establish authority is to get links from local entities that demonstrate authority:
- Your local chamber of commerce website
- Licensing bureaus
- Relevant Trade Organizations
- College/University websites.
Reaching the Right Customers
Reaching the right customers is about getting the message about your products/services to those who need them and are looking for them. Use GEO-targeted SEO, whether in your online content or your business profile on services like Google My Business, Yelp, and Facebook, to get your message where people will see it.