3 Local SEO Tips To Generate More Leads
SEO is Seach Engine Optimization which is the process of making updates to your website in order to increase the number of visitors to your website from search engines (like Google). Local SEO is the same but to rank higher in the organic search results for local search terms and be listed in Google’s local map results.
In order to help improve your search visibility for local searches, here are 3 optimization tips.
Optimize your Google Business Profile
If you have not done so already, create a Google business profile by going to https://business.google.com/.
Then, complete any and all information in the info tab. The single most important field is your primary business category - choose your main service offered. Complete your service areas, business hours, phone (local preferably), website, products/services, and business aspects.
The second most important field to complete correctly is the business description. You get up to 750 characters so use as many as possible. Be sure to include your industry’s common keywords in your description. Also, include your location and important areas your serve.
Upload your logo and recent event photos showcasing your business. The pictures should include your customers in them and not empty rooms. Continue to upload new event photos throughout the year so that Google knows you are actively doing business.
Lastly, reply to reviews within 24-48 hours whether the review is positive or negative. If the review is negative, request to take the conversation offline through a phone call or email. If the review is positive, personalize the review to the specific customer. Be sure to include keywords in your response such as the city, venue, and the particular service or product provided.
Optimize your contact page
The contact page is one of the most important pages of your website. You must include in written text your official business name, physical address, and phone number. The business name must match the name on your business license and on your Google business profile. The address must match the address found in Google maps including abbreviations. If you do not want your address showing online, then list areas served. The best phone number to use is a local phone number and not a toll-free number.
Next, embed a Google map for your business. You can get this by googling your business name, and clicking on the map as part of your business knowledge graph in the right column. Then, click on the share icon and copy the “embed a map” code to place onto your contact page. This helps Google to know exactly where you are located.
Lastly, if you have multiple locations, be sure to have individual contact pages for each location. This helps Google to determine that you actually have multiple targeted areas.
Write content to make you an authority in your area
You want to be seen in Google's eyes as an authority in your area. In order to accomplish this, create service pages that target your city or area. If you are in the Chicago area (and travel), you should not only create pages targeting Chicago but also the outlying cities such as Oak Brook, Evanston, and Schaumburg. Depending on your target location, you can also create area-specific pages such as Bucktown, Streeterville, and the Loop.
Next, write area-specific articles that help wedding guests such as popular annual events - as these will affect hotel room availability. Offer a local’s point of local attractions with things to see and do. Also, offer local "best of" guides such as the best places to eat Chicago-style pizza, the best places to eat an Italian beef sandwich, and the best local breweries for a cold beer. Another local article is a list of the best locations for engagement photos.
Because venues are one of the first things booked by wedding couples, write articles about local venues with tips on having events at the venue. Describe to wedding couples the best location for the dance floor, where to place the DJ for entertainment, the best place for the photo booth, and the best place for the cake table while considering the background for pictures. Don’t forget to describe your ultimate event at the venue. If possible, showcase pictures of your events at the venue too!
Conducting a few SEO tasks to grow your local business does not have to be hard. It just takes time and effort. You don’t even need to be an SEO specialist. You got this!
