How can I improve my local SEO 2024?
Here are some local map ranking factors that influence your Google maps ranking. We will be taking you through what they are and how they can be improved upon.
Google My Business (GMB) Signals
Google My Business is a free tool that allows businesses to manage their online presence on Google Search and Maps. This is the most important factor when it comes to local map rankings.
Make sure your GMB listing is complete, accurate, and up-to-date. Include your business name, address, phone number, website, hours of operation, and a description of your business. Update this whenever there are changes to your business. You should also encourage customers to leave reviews on your GMB listing.
Relevance
Make sure your business listing is relevant to potential customers. By optimising your GMB listing for relevant keywords, you can ensure that your business appears in search results for users who are looking for products or services like yours.
Distance
Google wants to show users businesses that are closest to them. Make sure your GMB listing is accurate and that your website includes your business address.
Prominence
Google wants to show users businesses that are well-known and respected in their community. This means that your business should have a strong reputation and be seen as a valuable resource for local residents. To achieve this, it’s crucial to actively engage with your local community and demonstrate your commitment to its growth and well-being.
Build backlinks to your website from other local businesses and websites. Backlinks are links from other websites to your own. When other reputable websites link to your business, it signals to Google that your business is a trusted and authoritative source of information. You can build backlinks by actively collaborating with other local businesses and seeking opportunities for cross-promotion or guest blogging. Additionally, consider submitting your website to local directories and participating in local business organisations to expand your online presence.
Reviews
Google prioritises showcasing businesses with positive reviews because they reflect customer satisfaction and credibility. Encouraging your customers to leave positive feedback on your Google My Business (GMB) listing can significantly enhance your online presence and attract potential customers.
It’s equally important to address negative reviews promptly and professionally, as this demonstrates your commitment to customer service and can often turn a negative experience into a positive one. Engaging with all reviews, positive or negative, also signals to Google that your business values customer feedback, which can positively impact your search ranking and online reputation.
On-Page SEO
Optimising your on-page SEO for local search is crucial for ensuring that your business appears in relevant search results for users in your area. By incorporating your business’s NAP (name, address, and phone number) and relevant keywords throughout your website, you can effectively signal to search engines like Google that your business is a relevant match for local searches.
Incorporate your NAP consistently across your website’s pages, including the footer, contact page, and about us section. This ensures that search engines can easily identify your business’s location and contact information.
Citations
Citations are mentions of your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) on other websites. Build citations by submitting your business to local directories, websites, and even local businesses to truly get your name out there.
Behavioural Signals
Google wants to show users businesses that have a good website experience. Make sure your website is mobile-friendly and easy to use. Encourage your customers to spend time on your website and click through to your GMB listing.
Google’s algorithm favours businesses that offer a positive website experience, as it aims to provide users with the most relevant and user-friendly results. Many will often be looking at local businesses on their mobile phones as they are likely on the go and want a quick search of the area they are in. A site that’s easy to navigate, with clear menus and user-friendly design, encourages longer visits and deeper engagement. Additionally, engaging content that resonates with your audience can increase the time customers spend on your site. This prolonged interaction signals to Google that your site is valuable and relevant, potentially boosting your rankings. Finally, by creating compelling calls-to-action that encourage visitors to click through to your Google My Business listing, you can increase your visibility and strengthen your online presence.
