Local SEO Checklist to Improve Your Ranking in 2023

Does local search engine optimization (SEO) still matter in 2023 and beyond? The answer is yes. While no digital marketers can completely predict what the future will hold, local SEO will continue to be highly relevant in the coming years.

5 Reasons Why Local SEO Remains Relevant

Here are several reasons why local SEO is still an important part of your digital marketing strategy:

Increased Mobile Usage: People are using their mobile devices more than ever to search for local products and services. Optimize your business profile for local searches ensures potential customers can easily discover your business and services.

Google Maps and Google Business Profiles: Google Maps is a widely used tool for finding local businesses. Having a well-optimized Google Business Profile enables your business to appear on the map and provides essential information to local customers.

Google’s Emphasis on Local Results: Google’s search algorithms prioritize local results, especially for queries with local intent. Local SEO practices help businesses rank higher in these localized search results, which can drive more foot traffic and online sales.

Competition in Local Markets: Local markets are often highly competitive. Effective local SEO strategies can give businesses an edge, even in competitive niches.

Hyper-Local Targeting: Local SEO allows businesses to target very specific geographic areas, which is valuable for those with limited marketing budgets or niche markets.

7 Local SEO Strategies to Boost Your Business’ Ranking

Set up a Google Business account

When it comes to local SEO, the first strategy is to set up a Google Business Profile. Google Business (formerly Google My Business) is a fundamental starting point for local SEO.

With a Google Business account (or more), businesses can manage their online presence on Google’s platforms, including Google Maps and Search. To get started, you can refer to Google Support Page and follow the steps.

A note on this area is that you need to make sure that your business information is accurate, complete, and up-to-date in your Google Business account.

List your service on Google Business

When you list your services, it helps potential customers understand what you offer. Be specific and use relevant keywords to describe your services. This makes it easier for Google to match your business with relevant search queries.

Add images to Google Business profile

Visual content is crucial. Add high-quality images of your business, products, and services to your Google Business profile. These images provide potential customers with a better understanding of what to expect and can make your listing more appealing.

Build local-target landing pages (Create local-friendly content)

Creating dedicated landing pages for specific locations or regions you serve can help you rank better in local searches. Optimize these pages with local keywords and relevant information about the area you operate in. This enhances your local relevance.

Encourage your customers to leave online reviews (particularly Google Business reviews)

Positive reviews can significantly impact your local SEO ranking. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews, particularly on Google Business. Respond to reviews, both positive and negative, as this shows engagement and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

In addition to Google Business reviews, you can also boost reviews on other third-party rating platforms such as Clutch, G2, or Trustpilot. However, it’s noteworthy that the process of leaving a review on these platforms could be more complex; so you may want to consider notifying your customers before asking them to leave a review.

Build quality backlinks

High-quality backlinks from authoritative and relevant websites can boost your local SEO. Focus on earning backlinks from local directories, industry-specific websites, and local news sources. Apart from that, your links should be natural and not artificially generated.

Monitor and analyze local SEO performance

Regularly monitor your local SEO performance using tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console. Track your website’s organic traffic, keyword rankings, and click-through rates (CTR). Analyze this data to identify areas for improvement and adjust your strategies accordingly.

Additional Tips:

• Mobile Optimization: Ensure your website is mobile-friendly, as a significant portion of local searches happens on mobile devices. Read more about mobile optimization and mobile marketing best examples.
• NAP Consistency: Ensure that your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across all online platforms and directories.
• Local Schema Markup: Implement local schema markup on your website to provide search engines with structured data about your business.
• Social Media Engagement: Active engagement on social media platforms with a local focus can also boost your local SEO efforts.

Seeking Local SEO Mastery? Surfline Media’s the Key!

Hiring a local SEO agency or expert can be a smart move for businesses looking to improve their online visibility in specific geographic areas. Surfline Media’s dedicated team of local SEO experts specializes in optimizing your online presence to ensure your business stands out in local search results.

Why Choose Surfline Media for Local SEO?

Local SEO Audit: Surfline Media kicks off your local SEO journey with a thorough local SEO audit. We meticulously assess your online presence, pinpointing strengths and areas for improvement to create a rock-solid foundation.

Laser-Focused Local SEO Keywords: The secret to local SEO success lies in the keywords. Our experts uncover the most potent local SEO keywords, ensuring your business surfaces exactly when and where it matters most.

Custom-Tailored Local SEO Strategy: Surfline Media doesn’t do one-size-fits-all. We craft bespoke local SEO strategies aligned with your unique business goals. Our approach ensures you achieve tangible, localized results.

Ready to Boost Your Local Presence? We’ll help you get found. Connect with our team and see the difference.