Hero - Local SEO Guide for Small Business
27/06/2024

Can’t Find Your Business Locally? Here’s your Local SEO Guide!

Running a small business like an accounting firm is a lot like juggling – there’s always so much to do, and sometimes it feels like you need a few extra hands. One thing you’ve probably heard about but might not fully understand is local SEO.

And I get it, just hearing the word SEO can make your head spin, let alone adding “local” to the mix. But here’s the good news: local SEO such as for accounting firms can be a game-changer for your business, and trust me, with the right steps, you’ll see how simple and rewarding it can be.

Let’s dive into the guide I created below and make local SEO work for you!

Table of Contents

What is Local SEO?

Imagine you own a cozy little bakery in your town. Someone nearby gets a craving for cupcakes and hops onto Google to search for “best cupcakes near me.” You want your bakery to be the first thing they see, right? That’s where local SEO services for restaurants comes in.

Local SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is all about optimising your online presence to attract more business from relevant local searches. These searches happen on Google and other search engines. In other words, it’s a way to make sure your business shows up when people in your area are looking for the products or services you offer.

The Benefits of Local SEO

  • Increased Online Visibility: Shows your business in local search results, making it easier for local customers to find you.
  • More Foot Traffic: Drives local customers to your physical location.
  • Better Targeting: Reaches customers in your specific area who are actively searching for your services.
  • Higher Conversion Rates: Local searches often lead to immediate action and purchases.
  • Builds Trust and Credibility: Appearing in local searches and having positive reviews enhance your reputation.
  • Cost-Effective Marketing: Focuses on an audience already looking for your services, reducing wasted effort.
  • Mobile-Friendly: Ensures your business is easy to find and navigate on smartphones.
  • Competitive Edge: Levels the playing field with larger businesses by making your business visible locally.
  • Encourages Engagement: Promotes customer interaction through reviews, social media check-ins, and shares.
  • Data and Insights: Provides valuable information about customer behaviour and search trends.

6 Local SEO Tips for Small Businesses

1: Optimise Your Google My Business (GMB) Profile

First things first – your Google My Business profile. This is your business’s online identity on Google. If you haven’t claimed your GMB profile yet, that’s your starting point.

How to Set Up Your GMB Profile

  • 1. Claim Your Business: Head over to the Google My Business website and follow the steps to claim your business. This usually involves verifying your business via a postcard from Google, a phone call, or email.
  • 2. Complete Your Profile: Fill out every section of your GMB profile – business name, address, phone number, website, business hours, and categories. The more details, the better. Think of it as your business’s resume.
  • 3. Add Photos: People love visuals. Add high-quality photos of your storefront, products, services, and anything that shows what you’re all about. A picture is worth a thousand words, after all.
  • 4. Keep Information Updated: Ensure your info is accurate and up-to-date. If you change your hours or move locations, update your GMB profile immediately.

How to Optimise Your GMB Profile

  • Use Keywords: Sprinkle relevant keywords into your business description and services. For example, if you run a bakery, include terms like “fresh bread,” “custom cakes,” or “pastries.”
  • Encourage Reviews: Ask your happy customers to leave positive reviews. Reviews build trust and improve your ranking. Don’t forget to respond to reviews, showing customers that you value their feedback.
  • Post Regular Updates: Use the posts feature to share news, offers, events, or anything exciting happening at your business. Regular updates keep your profile lively and engaging.

2: Build Local Citations

Local citations are online mentions of your business name, address, and phone number (NAP). They help search engines verify your business’s existence and location.

How to Build Local Citations

  • Directories: List your business on popular directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, TripAdvisor, and any industry-specific directories. Consistency is key – make sure your NAP information matches everywhere.
  • Local Websites: Get your business listed on local websites like the chamber of commerce, local news sites, and community blogs.
  • Social Media: Create and maintain profiles on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Include your NAP information on these profiles too.

3: Enhance Your On-Page SEO

On-page SEO involves optimising your website’s content and structure to make it search-engine-friendly.

  • Keyword Research: Find out what keywords potential customers use to search for your services. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or SEMrush can help. Use these keywords naturally in your content.
  • Optimise Title Tags and Meta Descriptions: Include your main keywords in your title tags and meta descriptions. These are the snippets that appear in search results, so make them compelling and relevant.
  • Create Local Content: Write blog posts and articles about local events, news, or guides that interest your community. This not only attracts local traffic but also shows your involvement in the community.
  • NAP Information: Ensure your business name, address, and phone number are clearly displayed on your website, preferably in the footer or header. Include a Google Map on your contact page to make it easy for customers to find you.

4: Manage Reviews and Ratings

Customer reviews are gold for local SEO. They not only influence your search rankings but also build trust with potential customers.

How to Manage Reviews

  • Ask for Reviews: Don’t be shy about asking happy customers for reviews. You can do this in person, through email follow-ups, or via your website.
  • Respond to Reviews: Engage with your customers by responding to their reviews. Thank them for positive feedback and address any concerns raised in negative reviews. This shows you care about your customers’ experiences.
  • Showcase Reviews: Highlight positive reviews on your website and social media. It builds credibility and encourages more customers to choose your business.

5: Build Local Backlinks

Backlinks from other websites to yours are crucial for SEO. Local backlinks from reputable local websites can significantly boost your local search rankings.

How to Build Local Backlinks

  • Local Partnerships: Partner with other local businesses and ask them to link to your website. This could include sponsorships, collaborations, or simply a friendly exchange of links.
  • Local Press: Get featured in local news articles, blogs, and online publications. Write press releases about significant business updates or community involvement.
  • Guest Blogging: Write guest posts for local blogs or industry-related websites. Include a link back to your website in your author bio or within the content.

6: Ensure Mobile Optimisation

With more people using smartphones to search for local businesses, a mobile-friendly website is crucial.

How to Ensure Mobile Optimisation

  • Responsive Design: Make sure your website has a responsive design that adjusts to any screen size. This provides a seamless user experience on all devices.
  • Fast Load Times: Mobile users expect fast-loading websites. Optimise images, minimise code, and use caching to improve your site’s load time.
  • Easy Navigation: Ensure your website is easy to navigate on mobile devices. Use clear menus, buttons, and links that are easy to tap.

Ready to take full advantage of Local SEO?

Smart local businesses know that local SEO is the key to standing out in their community. By optimising your Google My Business profile, building local citations, managing reviews, and ensuring your website is mobile-friendly, you’ll attract more local customers.

But why go it alone? Partnering with a local SEO expert like Mutzii can help you maximise your efforts and ensure your business gets the visibility and engagement it deserves. Let’s work together to boost your local presence, contact me today – I’m always here to help.