Right now, as you're reading this, potential customers are searching for businesses exactly like yours. They're typing "near me" into their phones, looking at Google Maps, and making decisions about where to spend their money.

Eight in ten people search for local businesses online at least once a week, and here's the part that matters most: 76% of people who search for something nearby on their phones visit a business within a day.If your business isn't showing up in these searches, you're invisible to customers who are ready to buy right now.

The good news? Local SEO isn't complicated. It's a set of specific, doable actions that help your business appear when people in your area are searching. This guide will show you exactly what to do.

What is Local SEO, and Why is It Important?

Local SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is the process of optimising your online presence to attract more business from local searches. These are searches with location-specific intent, often including phrases like “near me” or “in London.”

Why Local SEO Matters:

1. Increased Visibility: Local SEO ensures that your business appears in Google’s local pack, maps, and organic search results.
2. Builds Customer Trust: Listings with accurate information, reviews, and photos create trust.
3. Influencer marketing: Partnering with influencers to amplify reach and build authority.

The basic practices for Local SEO:

1. Google Business Profile (GBP) - cornerstone of Local SEO

• Claim your listing and ensure it is verified.
• Complete all fields, including your business name, address, phone number (NAP), hours, and website link.
• Add photos of your business and keep them updated.
• Choose relevant business categories.

2. Maintain NAP Consistency

• Ensure your business’s Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) are consistent across all platforms, including your website, social media, and online directories. Inconsistencies can confuse search engines and harm your local rankings.

3. Local Directories

• Citations; mentions of your business on websites like Yell, Bing Places, Apple Maps, Local Chambers of Commerce or Google Business Profile build credibility and improve rankings.

4. Create Localised Content

• Develop blog posts or landing pages that focus on local topics, events, or news.

5. Encourage Customer Reviews

• Online reviews play a significant role in local rankings and customer trust. Politely ask satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, or other relevant platforms.

6. Partner with Local Businesses

• Collaborate with complementary businesses in your area. For example, a bakery could partner with a local wedding planner to cross-promote services.

Conclusion

Local SEO is a powerful way to connect with customers in your area and expand your business. By optimising your Google Business Profile listing, ensuring consistency, creating localised content, and encouraging reviews, you can greatly improve your visibility in local searches. These are foundational steps in a successful local SEO strategy. If you need assistance with these basics or more advanced strategies, we're here to help! Let us take your local online presence to the next level.