Top Local SEO Ranking Factors
Local search engine optimization (local SEO) is a crucial element to your overall SEO plan. Why? There are 3.5 billion searches every day on Google, and according to Search Engine Journal, 46% of them are for local search results. Therefore if you have not started optimizing your business for local search, you really should. Local SEO helps to drive more local leads to your business, so here are the top Local SEO ranking factors to consider for 2020.
Google My Business Profile
Any search result Google shows has one thing in common. To provide the user with the best information regarding their search inquiry and intent. So as a business it is important to showcase the most accurate and up to date information that you can. If you want to make sure that your business appears in local search results, start with providing the correct information in your local listing.
When a company showcases incorrect, or inconsistent details, it can cause your search rankings to drop. Make sure that your business shows the correct pieces of information listed below:
- Business Name
- Business Address
- Business Phone Number
- Business Hours
This simple step will help to make sure your business is more relevant in local search results, and the first step towards Local SEO.
Proximity
The only part to Local SEO Ranking Factors that you don’t really have control over is the proximity of your business to the person searching online. If your business is located in Baltimore, Md your business is going to appear in search results for people searching in that area.
Proximity is one of the strongest determining factors when it comes to local search results. Google is determined to provide local searchers with businesses that are close by and can accommodate their search. You must take this into account when trying to optimize for local searches.
The best way to optimize your website for local keywords is to build content around these terms. For instance, if you are an appliance repair specialist, try building pages like appliance repair, Baltimore, Md. By incorporating these keywords and pages into your website your business will start to appear in more local search results.
Reviews
One of the most important local SEO ranking factors is generating positive online reviews. Reviews play an important role in converting search traffic into customers. In fact, in a study performed by Inc.com, 84% of people trust online reviews, just as much as they trust referrals from friends. This stat alone shows just how important reviews play in your Local SEO ranking factors.
If you are serious about converting more leads through Local SEO, you must earn positive reviews for your business. Try to generate 4-star and 5-star reviews on Google. If a company has low ratings it will negatively impact your local SEO ranking.
Generating reviews for your business can be a challenge, but it is well worth it in the end. Try the following tactics to help solicit online reviews
- Mention it to them in person after the sale
- send a follow-up email regarding their experience with your business
- put in a sign in your store window
- create social media posts encouraging online reviews
The more positive reviews you create on a consistent basis, the more your local SEO ranking signals increase. By doing this Google will place you higher in their local SEO rankings and help you reach more customers.
Mobile-Friendly Website
Having a mobile-friendly website plays a vital role in local SEO ranking factors. While mobile searches continuing to rise each year, it is more important than ever to optimize your website for mobile searches. By having a mobile-friendly website you are ensuring that searches are provided with a positive online experience when they visit your website.
There are many tools to check to see if your website is mobile-friendly. Below is a list of online tools that can hlep you determine if your website is mobile-friendly:
Bing Mobile Friendliness Test Tool
If you are designing a new site for your business, make sure to incorporate a responsive design. A responsive website design ensures that your audience is experiencing a friendly user experience regardless of what platform or device they are using.
Keyword Usage
The fifth element to local SEO ranking factors is keyword usage. Your keyword selection will determine where you will appear in search results. When users conduct searches, your keywords trigger where you show up in certain search results. If you want to appear in more local search results, you must choose the right keywords.
To find relevant local SEO keywords for your business, start conducting keyword research. The key to performing great local SEO keyword research is to stick with long-tail keywords. So instead of trying to rank for the keyword coffee shop, try to rank for the keyword, coffee shop in Federal Hill. These simple shifts in thinking will help you to drive more local SEO to your store or business.
Behavioral Signals
Another Local SEO ranking factor is your behavioral signals. These are actions that your audience users indicate how they interact with your local listings. There are many behavioral signals to monitor but below are the most common:
- Click-Through Rate
- Mobile Click to Calls
- Social Media Check-ins
All of these signals help search engines determine which businesses are more relevant than others. By monitoring your behavioral signals you will help your local listing rank higher in search results, and draw more customers to your business.
Need help implementing your Local SEO Ranking Factors?
If you are ready to tackle Local SEO for your business, you must be willing to commit to the 6 ranking factors listed above, and work on them in a consistent and methodical approach.
If you are ready to start optimizing for Local SEO, contact MarketKeep today to speak with a local SEO specialist. We will help you create a Local SEO plan that is implemented quickly, easy to track, and increases your engagement with customers online.
About MarketKeep
MarketKeep is a digital marketing agency for small businesses and start-ups based in Towson, Md. Our goal is to help small business owners plan, place, and optimize their digital marketing strategies. MarketKeep is proud to offer our clients the following services:
Website Design – As a website design company we build websites that represent you and your brand and instantly builds a connection with your customers online. To learn more about our website design capabilities please contact our website designers.
SEO Company – As a Maryland SEO Company, we partner with small businesses to help grow their organic presence online through on-page, off-page, and reputation management techniques. To learn more about our SEO services for small businesses please contact our SEO team.
Pay Per Click Experts – As your SEM Agency MarketKeep will plan, place, and optimize your SEM campaigns so that you are maximizing your SEM campaign. To learn more about our SEM Services please contact our SEM team.
Social Media Management – Tired of running your social media accounts on a daily basis? Not sure what to post? As your Social Media Marketing Assistants MarketKeep will plan, place, and optimize your social media strategies. To connect contact our Social Media Management Team today.
Local SEO – So many of us rely on our phones to find businesses and products that are close by. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to connect with customers in your backyard. As a Local SEO agency MarketKeep helps to position your business online to acquire Local SEO searches. Learn more by contacting our Local SEO Agency Team.