SEO, Spokane- Spokane Website Development Tips & Suggestions

Local SEO and why it is important

Local SEO for Spokane and Beyond

Local SEO, or local search engine optimization, is a crucial component of any successful digital marketing strategy for local businesses. It is the process of optimizing your website and online presence to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs) for location-based queries. By implementing local SEO tactics, local businesses can increase their online visibility, attract more relevant traffic to their website, and ultimately drive more foot traffic to their physical location. In this blog post, we will explore the fundamentals of local SEO and how to implement it for your local business.

  1. Optimize your Google My Business profile

Google My Business (GMB) is a free tool offered by Google that allows local businesses to manage their online presence across Google’s properties, including Google Maps and Google Search. Having a well-optimized GMB profile is critical for local SEO success. It is the first thing that appears in search results when someone searches for your business or a relevant keyword in your industry. Ensure that your profile is complete, accurate, and up-to-date, including your business name, address, phone number (NAP), business hours, website URL, and business description. You can also add photos, videos, and customer reviews to your GMB profile, which can help improve your visibility and credibility.

  1. Implement local keyword research

Keyword research is the foundation of any successful SEO strategy. For local SEO, you need to focus on location-based keywords that your target audience is using to find businesses like yours. For example, if you run a coffee shop in Los Angeles, you might target keywords like “coffee shops in Los Angeles,” “best coffee in LA,” or “coffee near me.” Use keyword research tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs to identify relevant keywords and search volumes. Optimize your website content, meta tags, and GMB profile with these keywords to improve your visibility in search results.

  1. Build local citations

A citation is a mention of your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) on other websites or directories. Citations are an essential component of local SEO as they help Google and other search engines verify the accuracy and legitimacy of your business information. Build local citations by listing your business in online directories, such as Yelp, Yellow Pages, TripAdvisor, or local chamber of commerce websites. Ensure that your NAP is consistent across all citations and your website.

 

  1. Get listed on local business directories

Local business directories are websites that feature local businesses, services, or products in a specific location. Getting listed on these directories can help improve your online visibility and drive more traffic to your website. Some popular local business directories include Angie’s List, Local.com, Citysearch, and Foursquare. Ensure that your business is listed in relevant directories and that your NAP and business description are accurate and up-to-date.

  1. Encourage customer reviews

Online reviews are an essential part of local SEO and can have a significant impact on your online reputation and visibility. Encourage your customers to leave reviews on your GMB profile, Yelp, Facebook, or other relevant review sites. Positive reviews can improve your rankings and credibility, while negative reviews can harm your reputation. Monitor and respond to all reviews, thanking customers for positive feedback and addressing any negative reviews or complaints.

  1. Use schema markup

Schema markup is a code that you can add to your website to help search engines understand the content of your website better. For local SEO, you can use schema markup to highlight your business information, such as your NAP, business hours, customer reviews, and more. By using schema markup, you can improve your chances of appearing in Google’s local search results and featured snippets.

If you need help with any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact us and set up and appointment to see how we can help your business increase it’s local visibility.