Local SEO is one of the many branches of SEO services that focus on optimising websites for location-based searches. In other words, it helps businesses to be more visible in local search results when people are looking for products or services in their area.
To understand how local SEO works, dive into this article. It is here where we will discuss the core components of local SEO and how they work together to improve your company's online presence.
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO or local search engine optimisation refers to the process of optimising a website for location-based search results.
The goal is to make it easier for potential customers to find your business when they search online for products or services in their local area.
For example, when a customer searches for a digital marketing agency in Pretoria, South Africa, the search engine will display businesses that are relevant to the search query and located in Pretoria.
Other queries that can trigger local search results include:
- near me
- close by
- in my area
- in Pretoria
What Does It Look Like?
When a customer searches for a local business, the search engine will display a list of businesses with relevant information.
Here is an example of what you'll see when you type in "restaurants in Johannesburg":
This list you see here is called the "local pack" or "3-pack". It usually includes a map and three local businesses that match the search query.
In addition to the 3-pack, there are also organic listings that appear beneath it. These listings are ranked based on their relevance and authority.
The Core Components of Local SEO
To better understand how local SEO works, let's take a closer look at its core components:
1. Google Business Profile
This is a free business listing platform provided by Google. A Google My Business listing allows businesses to create and manage their online presence, including contact information, reviews, photos, and more.
Without this profile, your business won't appear in the local pack and you'll miss out on potential customers.
2. Local Listings & Citations
Local listings are online directories or websites that display your business information such as name, address, phone number, and website.
Citations are mentions of your business on other websites, such as social media platforms, review sites, and local blogs.
Both local listings and citations help to establish trust and credibility for your business in the eyes of search engines.
3. Reviews & Ratings
Online reviews and ratings play a crucial role in local SEO. Positive reviews can improve your business's visibility and attract more customers, while negative reviews can have the opposite effect.
Encouraging customers to leave honest reviews and responding to them promptly can help boost your local search ranking.
4. On-Page Optimisation
On-page SEO refers to the optimisation of your website's content and structure. This includes incorporating relevant local keywords, optimising meta tags and descriptions, and ensuring your site is user-friendly and mobile-responsive.
5. Local Content
Creating locally focused content can also improve your local SEO. This can include blog posts about events in the community, interviews with other local businesses, or even featuring customer reviews from local customers.
How Does Local SEO Work?
Local SEO operates in a similar way to regular Google searches. When someone searches, Google looks through its index to find the best results for their query. What sets Local SEO apart is that Google uses a different set of factors to rank local search results.
These factors include all of the components mentioned above that work together to establish your business's relevance and credibility in a specific geographic location.
If you want to learn more about local SEO and how its impact can benefit your business, reach out to our SEO services in Pretoria.
At Starbright, we understand the importance of local SEO in today's competitive digital landscape. Our team of experts can help you navigate and optimise your local online presence for maximum visibility and growth.