Undoubtedly, Google has proved a game-changer for the online business owners so far. In August 2015, it came with a big update at the same time changing the history of local searches. This update proved highly beneficial both for the users and SEO experts. With the update in Google maps, SEO experts started experiencing a difference in the way the local search was being made. The difference appeared in the form of three prime business listings in place of seven that used to rule in previous searches.
We can understand it better with an example, suppose you find “the best salon” on Google, then Google maps list will appear after paid business advertisements. And, Google will show the local salons that fall near to the searched locations with contact and address details. In this way, local businesses will reap the benefits of locating this on Google maps.
Local SEO can be a game changer, small businesses can’t afford to ignore it – Absolute Summit
Make proper use of GMB (Google My Business)
GMB has become a crucial feature of Google as the information related to your business you add, it will appear on Google Maps, Google Search, and Google+. Make sure you focus on below directions while applying GMB for the local SEO:
You add targeted town or city on the landing page title of Google My Business.
Ensure that your GMB contains consistent, relevant and accurate information.
Primary categories of Google My Business should remain consistent with the product so that it presents a wider search category.
The listed location must be verified by business owner.
Mapping the location of your business to the site
It is great to incorporate contact details on the site to assist the customers to reach you. Along with this, you should map the relevant information regarding the directions to the business address using the Google maps. Apart from the business location, linking important information such as hours of operation, links to a phone call, driving direction, etc. proves to be a beneficial approach. In case, you are running a business in varied locations, then you should design several pages and work on optimizing them for the particular locations.
Smart handling of NAP
NAP stands for the name, address and phone number of a particular business. Make sure that you include the working one on the website and manage the similar one everywhere. Remember, none takes interest in your business and places orders until he talks to you. Google secures you in top 3, if you integrate real NAP.
To rank locally in Google Maps, it is important to have consistent NAP (name, address, and phone number) on all of your citations. Inconsistencies in NAP will keep your site from ranking in the 3 pack. – Rob Harden PDX SEO
Local keywords targeting for local search
Conduct page optimization on the basis of local keywords that rule in the search paradigm. Sort out the most searched keywords by users around you and start content creation as per the specific business location.
Local domain name is a good gesture
If you own a domain name having the location, then this will prove helpful in enhancing the popularity of your business. For instance, noidacakes.com brings better result as compared to onlinecakes.com.
Content rules everywhere
Like other searches, localized searches also require effective content to earn rankings under local search results. Get unique content written and amalgamate it with both online and offline SEO tactics to attain 3 pack result in rankings.
Importance of website reviews
Search engine takes customers’ reviews seriously in terms of offering top ranking to your business. And, many customers read these reviews to reach your business. So, provide quality products and services to your customers and encourage them to give the best reviews.
Inbound links form beneficial deals
To enhance the status and influence of a local business, you require expanding its popularity in the local area. Getting links from other sites local area to your own site can prove to be helpful. Local businesses have varied ways to get such links. Making donations, hosting a community event, building contacts, sponsoring meetup or webinar or promoting something of your choice can help you. Adding to this, you must own the following ingredients:
Keywords based on the location in inbound links’ anchor text to the domain.
Inbound links diversity to the domain.
Conclusion
In short, you should implement the modest SEO tips along with well-known SEO strategies. In return, you will be able to rev up your website’s ranking using Google maps in local SEO.
Author Bio
David Meyer is an SEO and SMM expert at CSSChopper, PSD to HTML Company. Owning a great hold on web marketing tactics, he serves the audience with informative write-up frequently. When not writing, he is found experimenting with something new from on-page.
