How to Do Local SEO 2019: A Comprehensive Guide to Boosting Local Visibility
When it comes to local businesses, understanding how to do local SEO 2019 is crucial to increasing online visibility, driving foot traffic, and ultimately, boosting sales. As a local business owner, you’re probably tired of throwing money at advertising without seeing any real results. But what if I told you there’s a way to reach your target audience without breaking the bank? That’s right, folks! With a solid local SEO strategy, you can attract potential customers who are actively searching for your products or services online.
In this article, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of how to do local SEO 2019, covering the most effective strategies, tools, and techniques to help you dominate local search results. So, buckle up and let’s get started!
Understanding Local SEO: What’s Changed in 2019?
In recent years, Google has made significant changes to its algorithm, affecting how local businesses rank in search results. Gone are the days of keyword stuffing and manipulative tactics. Today, local SEO is all about creating a seamless user experience, building trust, and providing value to your target audience. So, what’s changed in 2019?
Well, for starters, Google’s algorithm now favors businesses with a strong online presence, including a website, Google My Business listing, and consistent citations across the web. Additionally, the search giant has increased its focus on user experience, penalizing sites with slow loading speeds, poor mobile responsiveness, and shallow content.
So, how can you adapt to these changes and improve your local SEO in 2019? Let’s explore some actionable tips and strategies to get you started.
Claim and Optimize Your Google My Business Listing
When it comes to how to do local SEO 2019, claiming and optimizing your Google My Business (GMB) listing is a crucial step. Your GMB listing is essentially your business’s online identity, providing customers with essential information, such as your address, phone number, hours of operation, and reviews.
To optimize your GMB listing, make sure to:
- Verify your business location
- Add high-quality photos and videos
- Respond promptly to customer reviews
- Use relevant keywords in your business description
- Set up Google Posts to share updates and offers
By optimizing your GMB listing, you’ll not only improve your local SEO but also increase your chances of appearing in the coveted Local Pack, which can drive significant traffic to your website.
Build High-Quality Citations and Backlinks
Another crucial aspect of how to do local SEO 2019 is building high-quality citations and backlinks. Citations refer to mentions of your business online, including directories, review sites, and social media platforms. Backlinks, on the other hand, are links from other websites pointing to your website.
To build high-quality citations and backlinks, focus on:
- Getting listed in reputable directories like Yelp, Bing Places, and TripAdvisor
- Participating in local events and sponsoring community activities
- Collaborating with influencers and other local businesses
- Creating high-quality, shareable content on your website
Remember, when it comes to citations and backlinks, quality trumps quantity. Focus on building relationships with other local businesses and creating value for your target audience.
Optimize Your Website for Local SEO
Your website is often the first point of contact between your business and potential customers. So, how can you optimize it for local SEO in 2019?
Here are some actionable tips to get you started:
- Use location-specific keywords in your content and meta tags
- Create a dedicated page for each service or product you offer
- Use schema markup to highlight your business’s name, address, and phone number
- Optimize your website’s loading speed and mobile responsiveness
- Use high-quality, geo-targeted images and videos
By optimizing your website for local SEO, you’ll improve your chances of ranking higher in search results and driving more conversions.
Measure and Track Your Local SEO Efforts
Last but not least, measuring and tracking your local SEO efforts is crucial to understanding what’s working and what’s not. So, how can you measure the success of your local SEO strategy?
Here are some key metrics to track:
- Google Analytics: track website traffic, bounce rate, and conversion rate
- Google Search Console: monitor search impressions, clicks, and average position
- Google My Business Insights: track website visits, phone calls, and direction requests
By tracking these metrics, you’ll be able to refine your local SEO strategy, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions to drive more growth.
And there you have it, folks! With these actionable tips and strategies, you’ll be well on your way to mastering how to do local SEO 2019. Remember to stay focused on creating value for your target audience, building trust, and providing a seamless user experience.
At Bluegift Digital, we specialize in helping local businesses like yours dominate local search results and drive more sales. If you’re struggling to improve your local SEO, contact us today to learn more about our web design, digital marketing, and SEO services.
Optimizing for Local Search in 2019: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we’ve covered the importance of local SEO, let’s dive into the actionable steps you can take to improve your local search rankings in 2019. The following table outlines the top local SEO strategies and their corresponding benefits.
| Local SEO Strategy | Benefits | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Claim and Optimize Google My Business Listing | Improved visibility, increased credibility, and access to Google Posts | Easy |
| Build High-Quality, Locally Relevant Backlinks | Increased authority, improved rankings, and referral traffic | Medium |
| Optimize On-Page Elements (Title Tags, Meta Descriptions, etc.) | Improved search engine understanding, increased click-through rates, and better user experience | Easy |
| Use Location-Specific Keywords and Content | Increased relevance, improved search engine rankings, and targeted traffic | Easy |
| Implement Structured Data (Schema Markup) | Improved search engine understanding, increased visibility, and enhanced search results | Medium |
| Encourage and Respond to Online Reviews | Improved reputation, increased credibility, and better customer insights | Easy |
Conclusion
The key to successful local SEO in 2019 lies in a combination of technical optimization, high-quality content, and strategic online presence management. By implementing the strategies outlined in the table above, you can improve your local search rankings, increase your online visibility, and drive more targeted traffic to your business.
Remember, local SEO is an ongoing process that requires regular monitoring, optimization, and improvement. Stay ahead of the competition by staying up-to-date with the latest local SEO trends and best practices.
Contact Blue Gift Digital today to learn more about our local SEO services and how we can help you dominate your local market!
Local SEO FAQs 2019: Get Found in Your Neighborhood
Are you struggling to get your local business visible online? These FAQs will help you navigate the world of local SEO, from optimizing your Google My Business listing to building high-quality local citations.
What is Local SEO and Why Do I Need It?
Local SEO is the process of optimizing your online presence to attract more customers from your geographic area. You need local SEO because it helps your business appear in search results when people in your area search for products or services like yours, increasing your visibility, website traffic, and ultimately, sales.
How Do I Optimize My Google My Business Listing?
Claim and verify your Google My Business listing, then complete your profile with accurate and up-to-date information, such as your business hours, address, and categories. Add high-quality photos and respond promptly to customer reviews.
Can I Use the Same Keyword Strategy for Local SEO as I Do for National SEO?
No, local SEO requires a more targeted approach. Use location-based keywords, such as “New York City plumber” or “Los Angeles dentist,” to attract local searchers. Also, prioritize long-tail keywords that include your city, state, or neighborhood.
How Do I Build High-Quality Local Citations?
Get listed in reputable directories like Yelp, Bing Places, and online yellow pages. Ensure consistency in your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) across all citations. Focus on quality over quantity to avoid spammy links.
What Role Does Mobile Optimization Play in Local SEO?
A huge one! Most local searches happen on mobile devices, so ensure your website is mobile-friendly, loads quickly, and provides an excellent user experience. This will improve your search engine rankings and drive more conversions.
How Often Should I Update My Local SEO Efforts?
Regularly update your Google My Business listing with fresh content, such as posts and photos. Monitor your online reviews and respond promptly to customer feedback. Adjust your keyword strategy and citations as your business and target audience evolve.
Can I Outsource My Local SEO to an Agency or Freelancer?
Absolutely! If you don’t have the expertise or time to manage your local SEO, consider hiring a reputable agency or freelancer who specializes in local SEO. They can help you develop a customized strategy and implement it effectively.
What Metrics Should I Track to Measure Local SEO Success?
Monitor your Google My Business insights, including how customers interact with your listing. Track your website traffic, organic search rankings, and conversion rates. Use tools like Google Analytics to measure the success of your local SEO efforts.
Ready to take your local SEO to the next level? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start attracting more customers from your neighborhood!