There are many changes that occur on a daily basis with the search engines. Not only do they change the algorithms continually for typical online search functions, but they also update important needs for local businesses too. Things like social media integration and use and content development come to mind lately.
With that said, there are some must-haves that a local business needs to incorporate into their website for the most impact on local seo.
If you are a developing local business, you need to make sure that you are utilizing these tips for maximum impact and search optimization.
Google My Business Map – Including a map on your website not only assists your customer in finding your location, but it also is ensuring that you have your Google business page set up completely which will benefit your business greatly during searches online.
When a customer is looking for your business online, how does your business come up? Not sure? Try searching for your site both via a pc and mobile.
Different Business Locations Need Different Pages – If you are a small business with multiple physical locations or even satellite locations, you need to include a separate page on your website for each site. This will help in search functions for your customers looking for service in multiple cities. Make sure to include a full description of services and address/contact information on each page. Remember content is important on pages too.
Each Product Needs a Different Page – If you have multiple products, allow each product to have a separate page. Full descriptions and sales data is important as well as crisp images with alt tag information included.
Unique content – Every website is unique in its own way so why not capitalize on that by including fresh content on a regular basis. Many small business owners turn to blog posts to help keep their sites fresh as well as providing valuable information for their customers. Search engines love unique content and rank you for that too.
Build Quality Links – Another strong point for search engine optimization (SEO) is solid, quality links. By adding customer reviews on your site, links on local review sites like Yelp or other local guides, you are allowing your customer to speak for your site and your service. The search engines look at unsolicited reviews and rank them well.
Other link building opportunities can come from local events, community pages, like Chamber of Commerce membership, and even building relationships with other businesses locally. If you are a speaker or attend conferences, that is another way to garner incoming links to your site.
Your website can do a ton of work for your business. Make sure that you are maximizing the content and the local search factor to the best of your ability. These tips will help optimize your site and put it to work for your small business.