Local Search 101: How You Can Use It to Improve Your Website's SEO

Local search is an important part of the SEO strategy for companies that want to appear on search engines and reach their local customers. But what exactly is local search and how can you use it to improve your website's SEO? In this article, we will explain what local search is as well as give you tips and strategies to increase your visibility on local search results.

What is Local Search?
Local search refers to searches made with a geographical location as a search parameter, such as “hairdresser in Stockholm” or “best restaurants in Gothenburg”. Local search provides users with relevant results based on their geographic location and can include information such as business name, address, phone number, opening hours, and reviews.

How can you use local search to improve your website's SEO? Here are some tips and strategies to increase your visibility on local search results:

1. Optimized Google My Business profile
   An optimized Google My Business profile is a basic prerequisite for local search. Make sure your profile is complete and includes accurate company information, opening hours and pictures. Use relevant keywords in the description of your business and upload images that showcase your business in a good way. Learn more about Google My Business here.
2. Local keywords on your website
   Include relevant local keywords on your website, especially on pages that describe your products or services. Make sure your keywords feel natural and relevant, and avoid over-optimizing your site for keywords.
3. Quotes and links from local sources
   Try to get quotes and links from local sources such as websites, blogs and social media. These links can help increase your credibility and visibility on local search results.
4. Reviews
   Reviews are an important part of local search and can help increase your visibility on local search results. Try to get as many positive reviews as possible on your Google My Business profile and other relevant sites.
5. Responsive design
   Make sure your website is responsive and optimized for mobile, as many local searches are done from mobile devices. A responsive website can also increase your visibility on local search results. Learn more about Responsive Design here.
6. Local Classifieds
   Local ads can help increase your visibility on local search results and reach potential customers near you. By using advertising platforms such as Google Ads or Facebook Ads, you can create ads that target people in specific geographies and search for relevant keywords.
7. Use Schema Markup
   By using schema markup, you can make it easier for search engines to understand what your website is about and what kind of business you run. You can also include specific information about your business, such as opening hours, address and phone number, which will then appear directly on the search results page. Read more about schema markup here.
8. Use local hashtags on social media
   Use local hashtags on your social media posts to reach an audience near you. This can help increase your visibility and engagement on social media while increasing your visibility on local search results.
9. Be active on local websites and forums
   Be active on local websites and forums, such as Yelp or TripAdvisor, and engage in local discussions. This can help increase your visibility on local search results and build trust and credibility for your business.
10. Analysis and optimization
    Last but not least, make sure to analyze your results regularly and optimize your strategy based on what works and doesn't work. Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to gain insight into how your website performs on local search results.

Summary
Local search is an important part of the SEO strategy for companies that want to appear on search engines and reach their local customers. By optimizing your Google My Business profile, using relevant local keywords on your website, getting quotes and links from local sources, collecting positive reviews, using local ads, schedule markup, local hashtags on social media, being active on local websites and forums, and analyzing and optimizing your strategy, you can increase your visibility on local search results and reach new leads.

Does that sound overpowering? Contact Us and we'll solve it!