In a nutshell, local SEO is a branch of search engine optimization that focuses on optimizing a website in such a way that it’s easier to be found in local search results. You can also call it a process emphasizing the optimization efforts of local brick-and-mortar businesses, instead of just online businesses.

Unfortunately still ignored by many business owners, local SEO is essential nowadays, considering that most searches made on Google are now made using a mobile device. Besides this, stats confirm that half of the people who did a local search on their phone actually went to the physical store they needed information about within one day, while a staggering 97 percent of consumers searched online for a local business in 2017.

Looks like “x business near me” is one of the most powerful search queries of the moment.

Who needs local SEO?

There are several categories of clients who can make great use of local SEO, among them being lawyers and law firms, doctors and medical practices, as well as plumbers. Basically, the types of services you need in case of an emergency.

Then, there are restaurants. This type of business achieves a lot from local SEO, as a potential customer can immediately check reviews from other clients, see the opening hours and address, then leads them to the business in the least amount of time.

Ok, but is it for everybody?

No, not at all. The reality is that some types of businesses just don’t need local SEO. E-commerce shops, authors, or any other business that doesn’t share local information are definitely not good candidates for some local SEO services.

How is local SEO done?

At first, it might look difficult, but the truth is that local SEO is not that different from organic SEO, since it also implies keyword research, creating quality content, obtaining links and, obviously, taking care of on-page SEO. Basically, the main difference is that it just has a local focus.

All of the above-mentioned elements are essential for a local website, in order to outperform the competition in SERPs. And when it comes to optimizing for the so-called ‘near me search’, you need to do them with the local customer in mind.

We’re talking about using keyword variations that have a conversational tone and focus, able to achieve huge search volumes, creating content with a local focus, and, obviously, get some high-quality links, from – for example – NAP sites, local directory websites, industry-related local sites or even local newspaper sites.

Again, the core idea is the same to organic SEO, but this time, you’re optimizing just for users in a specific area. And your mission is to help them find the business they need, preferably one as close as possible to them.

Do I need local SEO?

If you have a local business and want to attract as many clients as possible, yes, you absolutely need it. Sure, you can also live without this as well, but why miss on such a great opportunity?

Gone are the days when people were searching for local businesses from desktop devices. Everybody as a smartphone with Internet access and whenever they need a local service, they’re a few screen taps away from finding it. And stats claim that they end up going to that location within the next hour. Let that sink in for a moment.

So, are you looking forward to starting using local SEO for your brick-and-mortar business? If the answer is positive, start with a competitive SEO package, able to satisfy any business owner and deliver results. SEO Jacksonville has exactly what you need, promising to deliver results-based work, so your business can be taken to the next level.

Picture Credit: flaticon.com