Why Local Search Engine Optimization?
A Local Search Engine Optimization is an opportunity for businesses in a city, town or community to get found when searchers are looking ”locally” for their products or services. Local Search can drive a tremendous amount of website and in-store traffic which can positively impact a local business’s bottom line.
What does Local SEO look like?
Typically, when you search via mobile or desktop & laptop, for a product or service that is location specific, the search engine results pages or SERP’s will serve a result similar to what you see in the following screengrab.
Local Search Results
Local search results are top of the page (below the pay-per-click ads) and include a map, business name, business category, distance & directions to the business from your current location, address, phone number… including a click-to-call feature on smartphones, business hours, and reviews. Your Google My Business profile will also provide you with insights on local engagement, including site visitors, phone calls and more.
How long does Local SEO take?
Local Search Engine Optimization can take 3-6 months. Google relies on a variety of signals such as local citations, number, and quality of local directory listings, NAP’s (name, address & phone) consistency, duplicate profiles and more. Image file names and images are also a huge factor when it comes to ranking in local search results often referred to as a map pack listing or Google map listing.
