Get Your Business’s Local SEO On Point Ahead of The Summertime
Dylan Welsh
Ayrshire’s streets will increasingly be filled with locals and tourists as the (marginally) warmer summer days come in. It’s the perfect time to increase your business’s footfall by getting your Local SEO on point online. Here are actionable tips from our specialists at Big Pond who do this for clients every day.
What Is Local SEO and Why Should It Be On Your Radar?
Local SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is all about making your business visible to people searching for services near them in proximity or in a location they’re on their way to visit shortly. Think of it as setting up a neon sign on Google Maps and Search results page. When around 76% of people who search for something nearby end up visiting a business within a day, and 28% of them then make a purchase, clearly you need to set yourself up for success. Local SEO is your means of doing that.
Get Your Google My Business Profile Verified & Optimised
Your Google My Business Profile (GMB) is essentially your digital storefront. Here’s how to get the most out of it:
Claim & Verify: If you haven’t already, claim your profile for free on Google. Verification methods can vary, so check what they ask for specifically (it could be a code over a phone call or a business video of your premises).
Accurate Information: Ensure your business name, address, phone number, and website are correct and consistent across all online platforms – you can even add all your social media profiles to your GMB.
Something as simple as making your opening hours up-to-date and accurate is majorly important. You know what it’s like to turn up somewhere that’s closed when they say they’re open online.
Engaging Content: Add high-quality photos and service descriptions and post regular ‘Updates’ (basically like social media posts) about promotions, events, or company news.
Collect Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive 5-star reviews. Respond to them all too – positive or negative – to show you value feedback and are actively engaged.
Nail Your On-Site Local SEO
Your website is your digital HQ. Let’s make sure it’s welcoming and has all the local SEO stuff in the right places:
Location-Specific Keywords: Use keywords that clearly and concisely reflect your location and services in your meta-title and description and on-page content, like “Ayrshire [your business niche]” or “[your business category] in Ayr”.
Dedicated Landing Pages: If you serve multiple areas, create separate pages for each town or part of Ayrshire to help you show up on Google for searches made in those localities. You can also write blog posts like ‘Top 5 Things To Do In [Town]’ to expand your perceived authority and knowledge of your local surroundings.
Clear Calls-to-Action: Make it easy for visitors to contact you or make a purchase with prominent buttons like “Call Now” or “Order Online” above-the-fold on your website.
Mobile-Friendly Design: Ensure your website is easy to navigate on mobile devices, as a major portion of local searches are done on smartphones on the move or before leaving the house. Pop your site in here for feedback: www.seranking.com/free-tools/mobile-friendly-test.html
Boost Your Digital Footprint With Off-Page SEO
Off-page SEO is about building your online reputation and authority, outside of your website, for whatever it is you sell. Think of it as being proactive about your wider digital footprint. Here’s how to go about it:
Social Media Engagement: Share behind-the-scenes content, customer stories, and local events on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Collaborate Locally: Partner with other Ayrshire businesses for shout-outs or joint promotions, requesting they link to your site from theirs and tag you on socials.
Local Listings: Ensure your business is listed on local directories and review sites. Consistency across these listings (like exactly matching your Name, Address, and Phone number to those on your GMB) can enhance Local SEO effects.
