How to Optimize for Local Search

Local search is the use of special search engines to help customers find what they are looking for in a specific geographical proximity. Search engines submit these geographically constrained queries against a database of local businesses. People use different search engines to search for local businesses. Optimizing your website, therefore, for local search is a great way to reach your potential customers and get traffic to your website.

Here are some tips to optimize your website for local search:

·         Optimize for geography targeted keywords by including location in your title, h2 and meta tags, as well as in the website’s content. Geography targeted keywords can help divert traffic to your website.

·         Get yourself rated by asking customers for feedback via social media and your mailing lists. Good reviews and yellow stars can be at your advantage.

·         Use social media to foster community and build relationships. Social media is best for any business looking to have an online presence.

·         Including “About Us” and “Contact Us” pages in your website is important. Don’t forget to put business hours, directions, and contact information.

·         If you have multiple locations, create a landing page for each location and optimize each page for appropriate location keywords.

·         Get your website listed in business directories. They can give you solid links that can improve your ranking and make it easy for searchers to find your local business.

·         Since most people use their mobiles to search for local solution to their problems, it is important that your website is mobile friendly. This will enable searchers to discover you in their desperate hour of need.