Local SEO TIPS for Small Businesses in Putnam County NY
So you have your own business. That’s awesome.
But now, when you do a Google search, your business is nowhere to be found…..How can that be? I do see all my competitors, but where am I?
This is a very common story and it has a very easy answer: You need a solid Local SEO strategy! Isn’t that hard to do? Can I do that myself? Will I rank #1? These are all questions that jump into your mind and that is perfectly normal. You are not alone!
Owning a physical business is one thing, growing it a second, dealing with taxes, employer, logistics, finances is already a lot…but dealing with a website??? And then it even needs work? That is no doubt overwhelming and THE reason to leave that up to the specialists. Same reason I leave my tax filing up to a CPA. Each it’s own expertise.
Effective Local SEO Strategy Will Increase Your Search Visibility
#1 Local SEO Tactic for Your Website
The Website is the first and most important entity to update for a strong local SEO planning. Unfortunately, this is also where most small businesses struggle as this is kind of specific and does require website design knowledge, plus knowledge about a smart keyword strategy to correctly implement this effective small business local keyword strategy. Making sure that your website is optimized with correct local title tags and local content will enable you to rank better for local search terms.
#2 Google My Business Profile Optimization
Google my Business is almost as important as your website when it comes to a strong local SEO strategy. An optimized and verified Google My Business profile will make sure that your business shows up when people in your area are looking for your business or for your main focus keywords.
#3 Social Media Pages
Yes, I know…I don’t like social media myself, BUT even a very basic Facebook page will help your local listings as a lot of smaller online directories will take your address information from the Facebook page. Even if you only occasionally post something…building up a small but local audience, joining some local Facebook groups, Boost some posts (paid), will all help you increase your brand’s visibility.
#4 Submit to Local Directories
Submit your website to main directories like Bing Maps, Apple Maps, Yelp, but in addition try to find a few smaller ones where you can list your website. Directories like EZlocal, FourSquare and such are still fairly helpful.
#5 Be Visible in Your Local Community
Since you are a local business, make sure your community has heard from you. Get your name out by being involved in volunteer opportunities, sponsorships, Chamber of Commerce, Local newspapers.
#6 Awesome Customer Service
Personally, what I like most about digital marketing is building up awesome client relationships based on trust and honesty. Working together reaching their goals for their business is all that matters. For any business, you want to make sure your customers are happy campers. The client is King and if they are thrilled with the service that you offered, they will come back and bring their friends. It also helps for the next point:
#7 Get Raving Reviews to Build Trust
Reviews on your Google My Business profile and on your Facebook page are utmost importance. They show that you are an active local business and they build trust for future clients. Prospects very often make decisions based on reviews they can find online. One note I would like to add: Keep them honest and real! Do not let friends write them or invite total strangers to just submit something. Google is smarter than that!
Final Words About an Effective Small Business Local SEO Strategy
As I mentioned above, to each its own. I do not like finances and will not do my own taxes. I have no clue how to fix anything electric or how to fix a leaking faucet. I call the specialists for that.
It is totally fine to reach out and let us discuss what I can do for you to get these steps right. A small local business needs to get visibility and some local rankings in order to be found. If not, you will not have an online business.
After you get your local business strategy right, there will be more to do to get continuous growth and reaching more and more audiences in a bigger geographic area.
Gybo Marketing can help you take each step to Grow Your Business Online! Let’s discuss and let’s get your business on the map!
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