Local SEO – How to Get the Most From Your Website - SEO

local seo

Local SEO depends on a handful of factors working together: website content, syndicated content, schema markup, and location-based signals. Getting the most from your website means applying the right combination of these techniques so your business ranks in Google’s local results.

Website content

Website content is a key component of local SEO success. The right type of content will help you rank high in Google’s local search results. It will also increase your chance of getting web traffic and leads. So which kind of content fits your local market?

There are no magic bullets, but several local SEO strategies are worth implementing. These include posting on Google My Business, engaging in social media, and building links to your website. Used together, these moves help you stand out from competitors and lift your local SEO ranking.

The title and URL for your page are the most important parts of your local SEO strategy, but other details matter too. Use high-volume keywords in the title, body, and meta description. Adding a relevant schema to your page increases your chances of landing a rich snippet in Google.

What does schema markup do for local businesses?

If you’re a local business looking to increase your Google Maps presence, schema markup could be the solution. Many local businesses have trouble getting noticed by search engines and miss out on potential customers.

A recent survey by Searchmetrics showed that a site with schema markup achieved an average of four positions higher in the SERPs than a site without it. Schema provides important business information to Google and gives the company a boost in search engine rankings.

Adding schema to your website can make your home page and products pages more visible. It can also improve your click through rates by giving users more detailed information. For example, a structured data element on a product page can tell Google what the price is, what the availability is, and how to find it.

The most obvious benefit of adding schema is the improved search engine rankings. Google has made it easier to include structured data on your website. With its Structured Data Markup Helper, you can add your data to a product page or a website’s home page.

How syndicated content helps local SEO

Syndicated content is a good way to boost the exposure of your business and improve your search engine rankings. The process needs care though. Done wrong, it can hurt your online reputation.

To succeed with syndicated content, publish high-quality, original content. Use rel=canonical tags on your syndicated pieces so search engines know the authoritative version lives at the original website.

Focus on building links and building your brand at the same time. By publishing quality content on your blog or website, you establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry. Readers see you as credible and are more likely to come to your website.

When promoting your blog, personalize the message. Mention your social media handles or the most recent article you published.

Location-based factors

A well-planned local SEO strategy can increase the visibility of your business in Google. The top three local ranking signals are proximity, prominence, and relevance. While there are more factors, these three carry the most weight for local SEO.

When a user searches for a product or service in a geographic location, they want information about that location. Google’s algorithms factor in the location of the searcher to return relevant results.

Google also uses your business’s NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) information to determine how to rank your business. Keep these details consistent across all online directories.

Update your Google Business Profile regularly, including hours of operation and contact information. Link your profile to your website. If you have a physical storefront, add a map with driving directions.

Google’s Local Pack ranks businesses based on their proximity to the user. Even if a searcher doesn’t mention the city name, proximity remains one of the most important factors.

FAQ

What are the main factors that affect local SEO rankings?

The top three local ranking signals are proximity, prominence, and relevance. Location-based factors like NAP consistency, your Google Business Profile, and Google Maps presence also play a large role.

How does schema markup help with local SEO?

Schema markup gives Google structured information about your business, products, and pages. A Searchmetrics survey found that sites with schema markup ranked an average of four positions higher in the SERPs than sites without it, and structured data can also improve click-through rates by enabling rich snippets.

Should local businesses use syndicated content?

Yes, when done carefully. Publish high-quality, original content and use rel=canonical tags so search engines recognize the original website as the authoritative source. Pair syndicated posts with link building and brand-building efforts to get the most value.