5 Simple Ways to Dominate Local Search

Can prospective customers find your business when they search? About 80% of prospects use search engines to find local services. Are you showing up where you want to be seen in local search results? If you are not, then making some adjustments to your site and your SEO (search engine optimization) could help propel your brand to the top and ensure you have the visibility you need online. Paying attention to one or more of the factors below could help you appear more frequently in search results and make the most of your local business.

Use Meta and Title Tags

Using your identified keywords with your town or area name in your title, meta tags, and description tags will help increase your ranking. You’ll be showing Google (or whatever search engine is being used) that it is indeed returning a good and valid result. As a bonus, your page data, including meta title or meta tags, are often displayed right in returned search results. Take advantage of this feature to make sure your listing is fully optimized. Aim for a title tag that lists your target location and a facet of your business and is about 50 to 60 characters in length. Description tags are longer and can be up to 200 characters.

Make Sure You Listed on Google My Business

Your business should be listed correctly on Google My Business with your full address and phone number, along with other important details like your hours and directions to your location. Once you add your listing and receive verification from Google, you’ll be listed online and be able to access analytics that show where your visitors are coming from and what they are searching to find you.

Claim your Listing

Your local listing on directories like CitySearch, AngiesList, Yelp, and other brands can be a valuable tool for SEO, but only if the information there is correct. You should claim your listing whenever possible and monitor it regularly. In some cases, the directory site may outrank your own page. Make sure that all details are correct and that you regularly monitor all reviews and responses. A directory listing can be a valuable tool and allow your local prospects to find you before a competitor can claim them.

Use Location in Content and URLs

It’s easy to overlook, but making sure that every page of your site mentions your location and a keyword will help you gain ground in search engine results pages (SERPs). Using local keywords in your URL, blog, and on-site pages ensures that Google and other search engines know they are providing relevant results and can help power your listing to the top.

List on Data Aggregators

Neustar, Infogroup, Factual, and Acxiom are all data aggregators and directories – and your information needs to be up to date and complete if you want to rank well. Simple spelling errors or missing information could cause Google to get confused and show another listing with clearer information instead. Check your details occasionally and make sure you update them if you move to a new location, get a new phone number, or if other things change.

These next-level local SEO tips will help ensure you show up where you want to in results and that your local brand does not get buried by the competition. Careful attention to each of these factors should help power your brand to the top and ensure you show up when someone looks for your product or service in your local area.