We often recommend that our clients take advantage of local search, but not many people know that that means! Today’s post is meant to further explain the topic to our readers, and also provide some basic tips on how to get started with local search.

Let’s start with the basics! What is local search?

  • Google’s definition: Local search is the use of specialized
Internet search engines that allow users to submit geographically constrained searches against a structured database of local business listings.
  • Our definition: Local search is a critical aspect of search engine optimization, to better allow you to show for local intended searches.

In our opinion, this tactic is all about optimizing your website better for the local audience. Is this crucial to everyone? Absolutely not! That said, we have found that many of our clients have seen success focusing on a local market, and growing from there.

Why Local Search?

There are 7.6 billion local searches in the U.S. every month. And 76% of people who search on their smartphones for something nearby visit a business within one day! These stats prove that people are using search engines for information about services and products near them!

It’s difficult to rank for generic keywords such as “plumber”, however ranking for “plumber near me” is much easier for a small business to show up for, assuming they implement the right local search strategy!

When a search with local intent is performed, you want to show up and local search can help you with that.

Who needs Local Search?

Many people do! Let’s start with small businesses. If you own a small business or have people visiting your office frequently, this is probably the tactic for you.

So how do I do local search?

Local search consists of a number of factors that help to improve your rankings in search engines for local intended searches.

There are four major pieces to local search, which include:

  1. Verifying your Google My Business listing
  2. Claiming or adding your business in local directories, starting with the largest ones
  3. Asking your clients to review your services in Google, Yelp, Facebook and the other directories
  4. Making sure your name, address and phone (NAP) are consistent in the footer on every page of your site and your listings

I want to get started!

We can help! The Markey Group offers a free 30-minute lunch and learn or webinar to anyone interested in learning more about Local Search! Contact us today if you are interested!