What is Local SEO?
Google uses a specific local algorithm with a proximity factor to showcase business closest to the person searching. For example, if you’re searching for an AC company, Google will show you a list of AC companies in your local area. While this seems second nature nowadays, it hasn’t always been the case.
Local SEO is a relatively new feature within Google’s suite. Over the past 10+ years, it has become more prominent in mobile search marketing. Now that local results have been added to mobile search results, local SEO has become more important than ever for businesses targeting a local audience.
1. Google Search is the Most Primary Source of Website Traffic
When consumers are looking for a specific product or service, they will most likely start looking with a Google search. It doesn’t matter what you’re looking for new shoes, a nail salon, or gas station. You’re most likely going to use Google to find it. Think about the last time you searched for something on Google. Which links did you choose on the page when the results appeared? You mostly likely picked one of the top 3 choices. So, what happens if your business is not one of the top three choices on the search results page? You’ll lose out on a huge amount of traffic.
2. Local SEO Helps You Reach The People That Matter Most
As a local business, your target audience is all around you. By creating localized content on your site that is focused on specific cities, neighborhoods, etc., your website will appear on search results pages for people looking for your services in the area. If you own a pizza restaurant in Mount Dora, FL, you won’t want to reach people in New York City. Anyone outside of your local area can’t stop by for pizza or order delivery. This is where Local SEO comes in as a great marketing tool.
This may seem overwhelming, but SEO professionals handle all of your content for you and build your website into an information beacon for your local customers. SEO professionals will use Google My Business listings to boost your local visibility on Google.
3. Local SEO Is Always Improving
One thing remains the same about Google: It will always change.
Google is constantly updating its algorithms to help interpret and present information better. Because of this, there are always new techniques and steps you can take to increase the visibility of your local business. Google makes thousands of updates each year, so using the knowledge from your SEO Professional will keep you high on the rankings and visible.
4. Local SEO Is Relatively Cheap
Many of our clients are nervous about the cost of SEO when they first get started. It’s understandable. But SEO services are relatively inexpensive. At Big Shot Marketing & Design, we take detailed reports to show you what you’re spending, and how much you’re making in return.
For example, one of our local customers spends $750 a month on SEO services. In return, they made over $32,000 in signed projects for the month of April 2022.
As you can see, spending under $1,000 a month on SEO services can generate an incredibly high ROI. That’s the power of Local SEO in 2022.
About The Author
Kaity Kimball