Creating the SEO strategy is something that can take quite a bit of time. This is especially true for small businesses or those hoping to branch out into local markets as well as others. This is where local SEO comes into play. This kind of SEO is focused on optimizing a brand’s online presence for their local area rather than dominating internet search results for a specific industry. A global retailer, for example, might aim to rank first for a search for a broad term like “online shopping”, but a business looking for local clients will focus instead on ranking well for a more specific search including a particular city and service. Let’s take a look at some effective SEO tactics to help grow your business.

Online Reviews

Not all effective SEO is carefully-created in-house. In fact, some of the most effective solutions are those that customers provide. One of the best ways you can attract attention online in your local market is via local customer reviews. This includes asking your clients for review on websites like Yelp, Urbanspoon, Yahoo Local, Angie’s List, and Facebook. You can accomplish this a few different ways. You can offer a promotion on future orders or purchases in exchange for a review, for example, which will encourage repeat customers to engage with your social media. You might also consider creating flyers or business cards to include in orders that mention leaving a review and include reminders to include your location and the service or product you provided.

Localized Websites

Another local SEO option to consider is to localize your website. This might seem like common sense, but it’s surprising how many people overlook this strategy. Work local keywords, locations, and zip codes into your website’s different pages, including your URLs, meta-descriptions, H1 and H2 tags, footers, and the website content itself. Doing this can help Google better understand your location and direct potential customers your way when they run a search including a matching area.

Google My Business

Finally, business owners should make sure they take the time to claim their “Google My Business” page. This is the page that pops up in results with an address, phone number, and hours of operations when someone searches your business’ name. Claiming this yourself helps ensure that the information is always up-to-date and offers potential customers an easy way to locate your business and reach you with questions, concerns, or purchases.

Local SEO is a vital part of any small business’ success plan! Take a look at the strategies above and see if you can implement them in your own SEO plan.