How to Begin Local SEO for Your Business Website?

Local SEO is the process of optimising your website to rank higher in search engine results for local queries. It helps your business connect with potential customers in your vicinity and increase your visibility in local search results.

If you are looking for a powerful path that raises your growth tremendously in a short period of time, local SEO is your best bet. Here are some essential points you must know before going for a professional SEO in Geelong.

Let’s get started:

The Basics of Local SEO

Local SEO is centred around optimising your website and online presence to attract local customers searching for products or services similar to yours. It involves optimising for specific keywords, enhancing your Google My Business (GMB) profile, and building local citations.

Local search engine optimisation is different from traditional SEO in that it focuses on local ranking factors, such as location-specific keywords, proximity, and the quality of your online reviews.

To get started, you’ll need to grasp these fundamental concepts to create effective local SEO in Geelong.

1. Optimise Your Google My Business (GMB) Listing

GMB is a free Google tool that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google Search and Maps. When potential customers search for products or services in your area, your GMB listing can appear in the local pack, knowledge panel, or as a location pin on the map.

To claim and optimise your GMB listing, follow these steps:

• Go to the Google My Business website and sign in or create an account if you don’t have one.
• Search for your business using its name and address to check if a listing already exists.
• Claim your listing if it’s already there, or create a new one by providing accurate and up-to-date information about your business.
• Verify your listing through Google’s verification process, which may involve receiving a postcard with a verification code at your business address.
• Once verified, complete your profile by adding high-quality photos, a compelling business description, and updates about your products or services.

An optimised GMB listing can significantly boost your local search visibility and attract more customers.

2. Keyword Research and Optimisation

Keyword research is a crucial element of any SEO strategy, including local SEO. Identifying the right keywords that potential customers are using to search for businesses like yours in your area is essential.

To perform effective keyword research for local SEO in Geelong:

• Make a list of potential keywords and phrases related to your business and location.
• Use keyword research tools like Google’s Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs to discover relevant keywords with decent search volume and low competition.
• Consider long-tail keywords that include your city or region, as these are often less competitive and more likely to attract local traffic.
• Mix these keywords naturally into your site’s content, including your homepage, service pages, and blog posts.
• Don’t overstuff keywords; focus on providing valuable and relevant information to your audience.

3. Optimise On-Page SEO Elements

On-page SEO refers to the optimisation of individual web pages to improve their search engine ranking. To optimise your website for local search, pay attention to the following

on-page elements:

• Title Tags: Include your primary keyword and location in your page titles. For example, “Best Pizza in Melbourne City – Joe’s Pizzeria.”
• Meta Descriptions: Write captivating meta descriptions that prompt users to click on your search results. Include your keyword and location where relevant.
• Header Tags (H1, H2, H3): Use header tags to structure your content and make it more readable. Incorporate keywords where appropriate.
• Content: Create high-quality, informative, and engaging content that addresses the needs and questions of your local audience. Use keywords naturally throughout your content.
• Images: Optimise images with descriptive file names and alt text that includes relevant keywords and location information.

4. Build High-Quality Local Citations

Local citations are online references to your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) on various sites and directories. Building consistent and accurate citations across the web is essential for your local SEO in Geelong.

Remember that citations not only help search engines verify your business’s existence but also improve your local search rankings.

To build local citations:

• Ensure your NAP information is consistent across all platforms, including your website, GMB listing, and other online directories.
• Create or claim listings on popular local business directories such as Yelp, Yellow Pages, TripAdvisor, and industry-specific directories.
• Monitor and manage your citations regularly to update any changes to your NAP information.

5. Encourage Customer Reviews

Positive reviews not only build trust with potential customers but also contribute to higher search rankings. So, encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on your GMB listing and other relevant review platforms.

However, it’s crucial to follow ethical practices when soliciting reviews. Avoid fake reviews or incentives that may violate platform guidelines. Also, respond to reviews, both positive and negative, professionally and promptly to show that you value customer feedback.

6. Local Link Building

In local SEO, acquiring high-quality local backlinks can boost your website’s authority and search rankings. Backlinks or inbound links from other websites to yours are a fundamental aspect of SEO in Geelong.

To build local backlinks:

• Partner with local businesses or organisations and seek opportunities for mutually beneficial collaborations, such as guest blogging and co-hosted events.
• Sponsor local events, charities, or causes and ask for a backlink in return.
• Join local business associations or chambers of commerce, which often include directory listings and opportunities for link building.

7. Mobile Optimisation

With the increasing use of mobile devices for local searches, ensuring your website is mobile-friendly is essential for local SEO success. Google considers mobile-friendliness as a ranking factor, and a responsive design ensures your website looks and functions well on smartphones and tablets.

Hire an Expert SEO in Geelong:

Make My Website is a 5-star rated digital agency in Australia. Their services are available in various locations. So, whether you require web design in Melbourne or SEO in Geelong, reach out to MMW.

Good luck!