Local SEO is a crucial marketing strategy for brick-and-mortar businesses. Having your website optimized for local search puts your business in front of the people who need it most, closer to the point of sale. The importance of local SEO is emphasized by the fact that 72% of people who do local searches visit a store within five miles.
Why does local SEO matter for physical businesses?
Local search brings customers who are ready to buy now. 97% of people use the internet to look for a local business, and competition in local search is lower than for high-value keywords with online purchasing intent. Local SEO helps your business get noticed by customers in a more relevant and personalized way, increasing organic traffic and earning qualified leads.
What factors affect local search rankings?
Several elements shape local SERPs, including:
- Distance from the geo-location of the user’s search
- Mention of relevant keywords and categories
- Presence of correct NAP (name, address, phone number)
- Optimized meta information
- The number of reviews and their content
- Social media links, which signal to Google that your business is active
- A clickable NAP phone number, which users prefer
How should brick-and-mortar businesses approach local SEO?
Local customers want answers now and look for them locally. To compete, you must appear where they are looking. Brick-and-mortar businesses need to consistently display local signals and make sure the right SEO tools are in place. Local SEO involves optimizing your site for users based on their proximity to your business, and your website will be shown in the Google local pack when target customers are in your area.
FAQ
What is local SEO?
Local SEO is the process of optimizing a website so that a brick-and-mortar business appears in search results for users near its location. Your site will be shown in the Google local pack when target customers are in your local area.
Why is local SEO important for brick-and-mortar businesses?
Local SEO puts your business in front of nearby customers who are ready to buy. 72% of people who do local searches visit a store within five miles, and 97% of people use the internet to look for a local business.
What factors influence local search rankings?
Local SERPs are shaped by distance to the searcher’s geo-location, mention of relevant keywords and categories, correct NAP information, optimized meta data, the number and content of reviews, social media activity, and a clickable NAP phone number.
Related coverage
- Local SEO Boosts Search Engine Visibility For Businesses With Bricks-and-Mortar Locations
- SEO for Business Owners: Understanding the Power of Search Engine Optimization
Related coverage
- Local SEO Boosts Search Engine Visibility For Businesses With Bricks-and-Mortar Locations
- SEO for Business Owners: Understanding the Power of Search Engine Optimization