You want your business to pop up when people search for the products or services you sell, don’t you? But it’s not that easy to show up.
You’re not only facing well-known national companies, but also a significant number of other local businesses, all trying to secure that top spot.
Whether you run a cozy café or a local consulting firm, the competition in search results can be tough. So, how do you make it easier for folks right in your neighborhood to find you when they need what you offer? Local SEO is the secret.
Here, we’ll share a few solid strategies that can help your business stand out in local searches.
#1 Publish Locally-Focused Content
You already know that content is one of the most important ranking factors on Google, right?
But what you might not know is that Google’s ranking system is designed to present the most relevant and useful content. When someone searches for something, Search algorithms look at many factors, including query words and location.
If you don’t sprinkle local flavor in your content, your blog posts won’t rank for local searches.
This is especially important when it comes to SEO for financial advisors. That is because client acquisition is a struggle for the majority of advisors.
If you’re trying to attract clients in, say, Charlotte, generic blog posts won’t help. Something that resonates with the local audience is way more likely to get clicks from people in your area.
There are tons of ways to do this. You can cover local events, write about financial trends in your city, or break down state-specific laws.
Just make sure to use local keywords. Advisor Rankings notes that finding the right keywords is important to ensure your website shows up in search results. So, do a bit of research before you lay down your content strategy.
#2 Secure Backlinks from Local Media
Backlinks, which are links from other websites to your website, act like votes of confidence for search engines.
When you get backlinks from local media outlets, it can boost your regional search ranking. These local backlinks tell search engines that your website is a relevant and authoritative source within your specific geographic area.
One effective method to secure backlinks is to regularly publish press releases about newsworthy updates related to your business. This could include new product launches, significant company milestones, or community events you’re hosting or sponsoring.
Local newspapers and media outlets are often looking for local stories, so make sure your press releases highlight your connection to the community. Focus on making your content genuinely newsworthy rather than just promotional.
Building relationships with local journalists and bloggers is another smart strategy.
Offer your expertise or insights on topics relevant to your industry and your local area. A technique called the tabloid technique can also be effective. This involves finding newsworthy topics, gathering local data related to them, and then pitching that data to local journalists. Local directories for business can also be used to source local backlinks. When getting your business listed on these directories, make sure that you choose relevant and reputable ones.
#3 Create Location-Based Landing Pages
If you serve more than one town or neighborhood, this is a must.
Location-based landing pages go beyond a generic ‘Contact Us’ page and provide specific, relevant information to potential customers in those particular locations.
These location-based landing pages are incredibly important for local SEO. They significantly enhance your visibility in local search results and help you capture high-intent local traffic.
Crafting these focused pages enables you to personalize your brand’s presence for every distinct market you cater to. This makes your business feel more local and relevant and helps build local authority and trust with both search engines and potential customers.
Moreover, focusing on location-specific keywords on these pages can help you bypass the tougher competition you might face for more general search terms.
To create effective location-based landing pages, use localized URLs, page titles, and content that includes the specific city or neighborhood you’re targeting.
Include your accurate and consistent NAP information on each page and embed a Google Map to make it easy for customers to find you. Use original, high-quality images and videos that are relevant to that specific location.
So, there you have it! These three strategies are your roadmap to standing out in those regional online searches.
It might seem like a lot to take in. But remember that even small, consistent steps in the right direction can make a big difference over time.
So, focus on the people in your area, serve them well, and let your online presence reflect that. That’s how you win at local SEO.