46% of all Google searches have local intent. That’s an impressive 37,000 local searches per second. It matters because 76% of consumers that perform a local search on their phones visit a store that day, as shared by Backlinko. While Google’s traditional ranking factors apply to local SEO, there are various other strategies that businesses, especially small ones, can leverage to increase exposure in local listings.
DesignRush, a B2B marketplace connecting businesses with agencies, leveraged its 13,000-agencies-strong network for quick insights or QuickSights on the key local SEO tips small businesses should leverage to improve online visibility.
TARGET LOCAL KEYWORDS
In the opinion of Sachin Sahu, business head at Boodle Web Mart, small businesses should target local keywords and incorporate them in their Google Business profiles to increase search visibility.
small businesses should target local keywords to rank higher on Google. Also, they should emphasize on GMB (Google my Business) listing to bring it [to] first position They should discover the key phrases their audience uses. Then, place these keywords in appropriate places on their websites and optimize the description in GMB with key phrases.
"A Semrush survey shows that a high volume of reviews can help improve visibility in Google Maps results, Therefore, small businesses should encourage all of their satisfied customers to leave feedback on Google. Along with a well-optimized Google Business profile, they will manage to achieve higher positions for local queries."
-Nice Digital Studio Co-Founder Nikita Rudnyk
FULLY OPTIMIZE YOUR GOOGLE BUSINESS PROFILE
Dave Place, owner of Let's Design Your Site, adds that businesses should make sure they complete all the details in their Google Business profiles to improve relevance.
“Google Business Profile helps improve local SEO efforts by making it possible for local businesses to appear high in search results when users search for nearby places,” said Place. “All businesses serving their local markets, particularly small ones, should ensure their Google Business Profile is well-optimized to reach customers. This includes completing all elements of their profiles such as location and images as well as adding relevant keywords to improve relevance.”
GATHER ALL REVIEWS ON YOUR GOOGLE BUSINESS PROFILE
Lastly, UR Digital Managing Director Pulkit Agrawal claims that small businesses should aim to collect all their reviews on their Google Business profiles, which they can also use for their websites.
A lot of local businesses do not have a streamlined process when it comes to reviews,” said Agrawal. “They are collecting it on different platforms. Whilst it is fine, it is not an ideal process. Research suggests that high numerical Google ratings are the #1 local search ranking factor. Therefore, make sure you collect all your reviews on your Google Business Profile to improve your local SEO efforts and exposure. Then, repurpose them on your website to kill two birds with one stone.
About DesignRush:
DesignRush.com is a B2B marketplace connecting businesses with agencies through expert reviews and agency ranking lists, awards, knowledge resources, and personalized agency recommendations for vetted projects.