Because they usually don’t have the resources to operate or market themselves over a large geographical area, many small businesses depend on local search engine optimization (SEO) to get their names out there. Kitchen and bathroom remodelers, local retailers, and real estate agents are just a few examples of businesses that can reap enormous benefits from optimizing their local SEO to show up higher on search engine results pages. Here are a few tips on how you can get the most from local SEO without having to spend a dime:

Google My Business

When it comes to local searches, Google gives priority to businesses with the best My Business listings. If you haven’t optimized your My Business listing, you are missing out on some free clout! The first step is to claim your listing, then populate it with complete information, pictures, reviews, and posts for best results.

Reviews on Google

The reviews section of your Google My Business listing can give you a huge local SEO boost. It’s a good idea to ask your customers to leave Google reviews every time you provide a service. You should also respond to every review. If they’re positive reviews, thank the person for their feedback; if they’re bad reviews, offer an apology and let them know what they (or you) can do to rectify the situation.

Local Keywords in Website Headings and Text

In addition to optimizing your My Business listing, you can optimize your website content for the best local SEO. Update your website headings with the names of some communities in your area. You can also pepper them in throughout your website text to give search engine algorithms a better chance of placing you first for local searches in those communities.

Local SEO Services

At TIC Digital Marketing we understand that not every small business owner has the time or the know-how to do local search engine optimization on their own. If you need a little help, our digital marketing experts can give you the advice and assistance you need to improve your numbers. Give us a call at (858) 280-3792, send an email to [email protected] or visit our contact page and fill out the online form for a free consultation!

Action Plan

Take a few minutes to apply what you’ve learned in this post.

1. Head on over to Google My Business.
   1. Have you claimed your business?
   2. Add your business information if it isn’t already there – things like the address, phone number, and website.
2. Check your own website.
   1. Is your address listed in the footer on every page?
   2. Is your location mentioned in your website text?
   3. Is it easy for customers to find out how to contact you?
   4. Consider adding a button that directs people to leave a review for you on your Google My Business.