1. Optimize Your Google My Business Profile

Google My Business (GMB) is a tool that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. An optimized GMB profile can significantly enhance your visibility in local search results.

Here at 1922, we have the experience and knowledge to properly setup GMB profiles for companies.

• Claim and Verify Your Business: If you haven’t already, claim your business on GMB and verify it. This establishes your business as a legitimate entity.
• Complete Your Profile: Fill out all relevant information, including business name, address, phone number, website, hours of operation, and business category.
• Add Photos: Upload high-quality photos of your business, products, and services. Visual content attracts more attention and can improve your ranking.
• Gather Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on your GMB profile. Respond to reviews to show engagement and improve your reputation.

2. Optimizing Your Website for Local SEO

Local SEO involves optimizing your website to rank better for local search queries. Here are some key strategies we implement when ranking for search.

• Use Local Keywords: We Incorporate local keywords naturally throughout your website content, including in titles, meta descriptions, headers, and body text.
• Create Service/Product-Specific Pages: If your business has multiple services or products, we can leverage SEO by developing additional pages with unique content and copy focused on a specific product/service.
• Embed a Google Map: We embed a Google Map on your contact or location page to make it easier for customers to find you.

3. Create Local Content

Producing content that is relevant to your local audience can improve your local SEO efforts.

• Write Local Blog Posts: We create blog posts about local events, news, or issues that relate to your business. This content can attract local readers and improve your relevance in local searches.
• Sponsor Local Events: Participate in or sponsor local events and write about them on your website. This not only boosts local engagement but also provides valuable backlinks.

Here at 1922, we have the experience and knowledge to properly setup GMB profiles for companies.

4. Schema Markup

Schema markup, or structured data, is code added to your webpages to help search engines better understand a websites or web pages content.

• Add Local Business Schema: In our SEO plan, we implement local business schema throughout your website. This allows search engines another way to see detailed information about what a specific page, product, or article is about and can help boost your rank in local search.

Schema markup still isn’t being utilized by a lot of websites. We recommend all businesses serious about SEO to have schema markup implemented into their website.

7. Encourage and Manage Online Reviews

Reviews can be an important factor in local SEO.

• Request Reviews: Actively ask customers to leave reviews on Google and other review platforms.
• Respond to Reviews: Engage with reviewers by responding to their comments, whether positive or negative. This demonstrates customer service and may improve your local SEO.

We have a strategy for getting past customers to leave reviews. Interested? Ask us about it!

So, what we are saying is:

While ultimately Google chooses what will be shown in search results, optimizing for local search is essential for businesses aiming to attract local customers and leads online. By leveraging tools like Google My Business and implementing the topics above  you can enhance your online presence and increase your chances of appearing in local search results.

With these strategies in place, your business will be well-positioned to capture the attention of local consumers and drive more foot traffic and sales.