If you own a local business, you understand how important it is for potential clients to be able to find you. Standard of the way to do this is always Local SEO on-page optimizations. That is where you make certain changes on different parts of your site so that it may appear higher in local search engines.
What’s On-Page SEO, Anyway?
If you like an analogy, consider your website as a digital storefront. On-page SEO makes sure your shop looks nice and that it clearly tells Google what you are selling and where. We’re talking about the stuff on your website, like the words you use, the images you show, and how it’s all put together so people buy from YOU instead of one of those many other possibilities.
Why is Local SEO Important?
For example, you have a pizza joint. When someone searches for “best pizza near me,” you want to be that first slice they find. This is where local SEO steps in. It tells Google that your pizza place is, in fact, local and should appear when people nearby are in need of a slice.
Your Local SEO On-Page Checklist
Alright, enough background, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Here’s a simple checklist to make sure your website is well-optimized for local search:
- Keyword Magic: Discover what people are searching for through keyword research. Use phrases like “plumber near me” or “best pizza in [your city]”. Naturally place these keywords across your webpage.
- Headings and subheadings: When writing a webpage, make sure you break up the text with subheadings. These can be H1s, H2s, H3s, and so on. You can also incorporate keywords into these subheadings.
- Meta descriptions: This is the little blurb below your website title in search results. Make it enticing and include your target keywords.
- Local business information: This refers to the consistency of your name, address, and phone number (NAP) on your website and other internet directories. This helps Google trust your business.
- Optimize images: Use relevant images and then use the descriptive alt text to optimize them. You can also include your keywords in the alt text.
- Local Content: Create content that’s relevant to your local audience. Create Blog Posts, Articles and Social Media Updates Related to Local Events or News
- Mobile friendly: Majority of the Audience search from phones now. Ensure your website is attractive and seamless on mobile devices.
More Local SEO Tips for Success
- Claim Your Google My Business Profile: This is your digital storefront on Google. Ensure it is comprehensive, precise and up-to-date. Prompt customers to review their purchase
- Gain local backlinks: have other sites link to you. This will help you rank higher in local search.
- Create Local Citations: Obtain listings in local business associations, Yelp, and Yellow Pages, among other web directories, to build local citations.
Dive Deeper into Keyword Optimization
- Like all proper SEO, local SEO is built on the foundation of keywords. Take the time to choose keywords that mirror your customers’ search logic. So try to include more details in your phrases, like instead of just “pizza,” say something along the lines: best pizza spot in downtown [city], cheap pizza delivery [neighborhood] etc.
- Find long-tail keywords (which are more specific phrases) using keyword research tools so you can rank for the less competitive, but also still targeted traffic.
- Schema markup is like a special code for search engines that gives them more information about your website. Thus, you are helping Google better understand your content, which will result in a better display of what you offer. Local businesses should consider using schema markup for their physical addresses, phone numbers and operating hours as this can increase their local presence on search engine results pages.
- User Experience is Key. To get a higher ranking in the search engine, user experience and on-page SEO are very important. Keep in mind that a super quick platform that is easy to browse is vital for search engines and the users as well. Make sure your website is responsive, reduce the number of HTTP queries, and optimize the images you use.
Working with Local SEO Services
If this seems like too much, you may want to consider working with local SEO services. These local SEO experts help get web pages ranking in a localized search. Some can assist with keyword research, on-page optimizations and your off page strategies such as backlink building. When you have a local SEO services company handling your business, you can always stay ahead of the competition.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that the local SEO is a project. It’s not a one-time thing. Update your website, watch where you rank and follow the latest trends with SEO. Implement this local SEO on-page checklist for on-page optimization to help your site appear in local searches, increase incoming traffic and generate more business. Make sure you are providing content that is interesting and on topic, and be willing to work with local SEO services.
If you want to guarantee improvement in your SEO, consider employing the help of AO Creatives. We’re great at what we do and provide maximum support and customer satisfaction. So what’re you waiting for? Contact us now and get started on your journey to online success!