It can always be challenging to attract customers when you’re just starting out, especially when you’re a local business and cannot afford to run consistent ads.
However, there’s a method that can end your worry, and it is super efficient for local businesses. Have you seen people searching ‘bars near me’ or ‘pubs near me’ on Google?
If yes, then this is what we’ll talk about today. Also, how you can leverage Google’s this feature in your favor. And if you have no idea what we’re talking about, just sit back, and we’ll explain it to you in the most straightforward manner.
What is Local SEO?
As we all know about SEO, search engine optimization, it’s a process to get your site to appear on the search engine results page.
The same concept applies to Local SEO. However, instead of getting ranked for a global keyword, we try to target specific or nearby locations.
In even simpler terms, local SEO is similar to getting your business listed in a local online directory that everyone in that location can refer to.
A local bakery shop in New York doesn’t need to attract Canada’s audience until they expand their business. However, if they are in the starting phase and want to attract local buyers’ attention, local SEO is a good bet.
Moreover, local SEO isn’t limited to helping a bakery shop. If any business, either small or large, has a local audience to serve, they must leverage local SEO.
This includes lawyers, doctors, insurance agencies, dentists, plumbers, restaurants, barbershops, bars, and many more.
Benefits of Local SEO
As we mentioned, local SEO isn’t limited to helping a bakery shop. It can be helpful to any business that serves nearby people. However, how can local SEO suppose to help those businesses?
So, let’s see the ABCs of what local SEO can do for your business.
Gain More Visibility Online
Pamphlets, billboards, and referrals are the common offline approaches that local businesses use to get their customers’ attention.
However, as people are transitioning to online more, they hardly look for a billboard or a pamphlet that you distributed last week regarding your new restaurant. The first thing that hits their mind when it comes to searching a nearby restaurant is Google.
That’s why you must get local SEO done. Google prioritizes the nearby shops and services located in the searcher’s location and your businesses’ chances of getting visibility improves with zero charges. If you ask us, it’s much better than an unnoticed pamphlet.
Improves Your Traffic
You remember we mentioned that Google prioritizes the businesses in the searcher’s location, that’s the source of your online traffic.
If anyone has to call a plumber at their house the next minute, they’ll probably search on Google and call one. The people who are searching for your services in a radius of 6 miles from your location, that’s all your traffic.
Moreover, the local listing won’t limit you to a radius of 6 miles, the whole town is yours. In a nutshell, even more traffic.
Networking with Nearby Businesses
There’s a new agency set up in your area, and the company is planning to organize a small event. They looked for an event planning company nearby, and they found you. The event company closed the deal and now needs an eatery to arrange the dinner for the members of the company’s event.
So, if you’re the eatery’s owner, you have the chance to influence (a) the event management company and (b) the employees or members of the new agency’s event.
Moreover, if they find your food delicious enough, you may get a few good referrals for your business.
Builds Authority in the Locality
Now, consider the above example once again. If your offerings manage to influence both parties, your business can get more referrals.
The incident will eventually help you to improve your local reviews, which will improve your local rankings. So, if there’s anyone who is new to your locality and might not know about your restaurant, Google or any other search engine will show your business at the top compared to your competitors.
Reduces Advertising Costs
As we said earlier, nobody gives attention to the pamphlet that you distributed last day regarding your barbershop. They don’t even look at it more than once, and such traditional methods are noticing even lower ROIs.
Advanced technology has a small contribution in reducing the audience’s attention span. However, if we talk about local SEO, it doesn’t cost you a penny. All you need to do is register your business’ name in local listings such as Google My business, a few good pictures to attract users, and some basic information such as an address, opening and closing hours, etc.
Higher Conversion Rate
Did you know that 46% of Google searches have local intent, i.e., a searcher is looking for a local offering – says GoGulf.
And if we talk about conversions, a SEW’s study says that 80% of local searches convert. It simply means that your business will witness even higher conversion rates than traditional methods can give you.
Builds Loyal or Repeat Customers
Local SEO also helps you in making repeat customers or loyal customers.
It’s human nature that if they get a valuable or unforgettable experience at someplace, they will go there again. If your local rankings help a customer find your business, make sure that they leave with a good experience so that you can expect them again.
Conclusion
No matter what business you have, if you’re more dependent on a local audience, you must utilize local SEO. You don’t need to use influencers or even try running a social media campaign to attract your audience, as Google can help you in that without an everyday content posting effort.
But remember, it’s always the experience that will add stars to your business or take it ahead.
If you feel that there’s something that you don’t understand about local SEO, we’re always open to help. You can book a consultation call with us – it’s free.