5 ESSENTIAL FACTORS TO RANK ON LOCAL SEARCH

Using Google My Business page

SEO or Search Engine Optimization is the practice of getting unpaid website traffic through organic search engine results, rather than paid or direct traffic. In simple terms, it means improving the visibility of your website on the local search engine. Now how is local SEO different from SEO? Local keyword optimization focuses on improving your website’s visibility on local search engine results.

HOW DO YOU RANK HIGHER ON GOOGLE SEARCH?

GMB Screenshot

 

What differentiates local SEO from SEO is the local SEO 3-pack. What is the local SEO 3-pack? It is a list of the top 3 local businesses for your search query, and the information is pulled from your Google My Business (GMB) listing. Which is why having a Google My Business profile is crucial for local SEO. Below are the 5 essential factors to rank on local search.

Also read - What is SEO

  • Create a GMB profile:

The first step to an effective local SEO strategy is creating Google My Business account for your business. It helps you rank higher on google local search results and google maps. After creating a GMB account, make sure to verify your business ownership by providing up-to-date information about your products and services, and share regular posts.

  •  Build NAP consistency:

Building local citations on sites like Bing Places, Yext, Manta and more, helps Google in verifying that the business is legit. Make sure your citations include:

  1. Your business name, address, and phone number (NAP)
  2. Business description
  3. Website link
  • Manage your reviews:

If you had to choose between two businesses, one with zero stars rating and the other with a solid star rating – which one would you choose? The one with the star rating, right? Google knows that reviews play a huge part in a consumer’s decision-making process. Hence, you will usually see the first 3 results in a local search aka the local 3 pack, have a lot of star rating and reviews.

  • Update your products or services:

One of google my business best practices is to add information about your products or services – this can even help you fill in more details in your account to rank for relevant local searches. Make sure that you provide correct information about your products including your name, description, and price.

  • Uploading post and photos on GMB:

According to Google, if a GMB profile has photos, customers are 42% more likely to request driving directions and 35% more likely to click through to its website. Furthermore, businesses with more than 100 photos get 520% more calls, 2,717% more direction requests, and 1,065% more website clicks than the average business according to a BrightLocal study. Now, this does not mean that you go ahead and post 100 images to your profile today. Keep an interval of 6-7 between posting new photos, upload your logo as your thumbnail, use something that represents your brand in a best way, as a cover photo. Refer to Google’s photo guidelines for more specifications.

CONCLUSION:

In conclusion, Google My Business optimization is simple after you create your profile. This can help you rank higher on local search results and drive more sales for your business. However, to build an effective SEO strategy, there is a lot more you can do. If you want to rank higher on local and global search results, feel free to reach out to us on business@sociomark.in or DM us on our socials!

 Author : Bhavesh Jame (Sr.SEO Executive)

Reviewed By : Heta Baandal , Managing Director - Sociomark

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