What is Local SEO?
Local SEO is the process of optimizing a business, product, or service for a search query that is location-specific. Google (and other search engines) uses a user’s location based on IP address (for desktop) and geolocation (for mobile) to determine what results to show the user. So when someone performs a local search for a dentist, car wash, or locksmith, the search engine will display local businesses relevant to their location.
How Does It Differ From SEO?
Local SEO and SEO are almost like twins in some aspects. SEO impacts how your page ranks on the search engines. These same steps can impact your LOCAL SEO. Local SEO takes these initial SEO steps and helps target them to your local area. This is done by using your address. Google & Bing Maps, Google My Business, and Social Media Management to name a few of the steps. To put it simply, you must do SEO and LOCAL SEO to get your website ranked properly on any of the search engines.
Top Items That Impact LOCAL SEO
- Having good basic SEO on your pages.
- Having your site tied into Google Reviews & getting reviews.
- Having your site tied into Google Maps and having people pin your location.
- Having your business setup properly on Google My Business.
- Taking part in posting and submitting offers on Google My Business.
These are the top items that can impact your LOCAL SEO, but there are many other items. Like SEO, it is not a one-and-done kind of deal, it is an ongoing process that continues as long as your business is open.
What Is The Local Pack?
When most businesses call us and ask about LOCAL SEO, they are talking about appearing or ranking higher on the LOCAL PACK (see image). The local pack is a listing of businesses that appear on search when a local search is done. LOCAL SEO is the main way to get your business ranked on this LOCAL PACK.
The worst thing about SEO is there is no guarantee you can nor will appear on it. If you do the right steps you have a good chance of appearing and moving up the ranks.
Take note, many unscrupulous SEO companies try and tell you they can get you to page #1 but Google DOES NOT GUARANTEE LISTING, and no company can guarantee page 1 placement with organic search.