According to recent research figures, up to 97% of online shoppers use the internet to shop locally. However, many businesses that have both websites and bricks-and-mortar operations run the two separately. This means they miss out on potential revenue growth and miss business from local consumers. SEO agency, SEO Junkies, have a few tips to help businesses tap into their local market.
Why Is Local Search Important For Business?
It has been estimated that a sizable chunk of online consumers are turning to local business listings, rather than utilising paid search results. In fact, it has been found that 61% of online searchers found local search results the most relevant, with 58% considering them most trust worthy. Only 10% of searchers found that paid search results were relevant or useful.
As a result of this, local search results are being displayed above organic search listings in Google. The local search results will often feature photos, maps and other items that prove useful to online consumers. It is therefore very important for businesses to tap into this, submitting store or business locations to be found by users on major search engines. Missing these locations out will reduce the amount of people visiting physical locales.
How Can Local Search Be Improved For Existing Websites?
There are a number of steps businesses can undertake to ensure they’re making the most of local searches.
1.Identify Local Market Opportunities – If a business is unsure of what local consumers are after, then it will be very hard for them to get onto page one of the search engines. Businesses must note where they trade, and research the 5 most used keywords or topics for their business. It is then best to estimate local monthly searches for these keywords and determine the average order value related to those words. Understanding the needs of your local market is something SEO agencies highly recommend.
2.Optimise Business Listings – SEO agency, SEO Junkies, recommend businesses optimise their listings for as much clarity and detail as possible. All data delivered to searchers should be as informative as possible by displaying items such as payments accepted, directions and/or local offers etc. This will increase the user experience and make them more likely to find a local branch. Keeping data consistent over different platforms (i.e. smart phones, desktops or tablet) is also crucial for credibility.
3.Publish and Optimise Store Locations – Making sure location data is kept up to date with internet information services, or internet yellow pages, is also of crucial importance. These services will want to know of any store location changes, any offers, as well as new store info, business hours and other important elements. Essentially, keeping these services up to date will help increase footfall in physical locations.
SEO Junkies Can Help Improve Local Search Results
SEO Junkies are a leading SEO agency based in Wokingham, Berkshire. With over 15 years of experience and a wealth of knowledge and expertise at their disposal, their team of consultants can help improve local search results for your business and achieve better SEO rankings.
For more information on their services, visit their website at www.seojunkies.com. Call 0845 373 0595 or email .
Sources: http://searchengineland.com/three-steps-for-crushing-multi-location-local-search-178001