Local SEO

What Is Local SEO

If you run a small business you know how important marketing is to your business. It's even more critical with the  COVID-19 pandemic changing the business dynamic. Local SEO means using on-page and external methods to optimize a business for location-specific searches. The two main areas of focus for Local SEO are organic SEO (things you can manipulate on your webpage to affect search) and GMB. When you look at a SERP (search engine results page) you'll notice 3 areas in order:

• Paid Ads (these are at the top)
• GMB (also referred to as the local pack)
• Organic (always  located after the local pack)

Google My Business

GMB for short, this free Google product is the number one tool for Local SEO.  It is tied closely to Google Maps and provides many functions that benefit your business. It's where your Google Reviews can be found. You can upload photos including your logo and cover photo. You can create posts to tell the world about your business and products or services. GMB allows you to create an entire website that is automatically updated from the posts and photos you upload. Pretty sweet and did we mention FREE?

You can set up a GMB account for your business even if you don't have a website. In some cases the GMB listing exists already but just hasn't been claimed and verified by the business owner.

Maximize Your GMB Listing

MAKE SURE YOUR GMB LISTING IS 100% COMPLETE AND ACCURATE. Make sure you have the full business NAP (name, address, phone) and that it's 100% correct. You should include your business hours, business categories, the services you offer, and the geographic area you serve. Make sure you include a brief description of your services. Take full advantage of GMB and include photos of your business (inside and outside) and add your logo. If this is a new listing you'll need to wait for the postcard from Google to verify your business.

Post To Your GMB Account Regularly

Once your GMB listing is verified and published you should be posting to it regularly. You should create posts and add photos to your account five days a week (at least to get the ball rolling). Go ahead and set up the free website that is available on GMB whether you already have a website of not.

If you need help setting up and maxing out your GMB we can set everything up for you for a very minimal fee. We're always happy to answer any questions as well.