Local SEO for Small Businesses
How local business owners can outrank the competition in Google
Introduction
SEO is all about making your website show up as prominently as possible for relevant search engine searches.
There are more ways than ever for a small, local business to spread the word about the products and services they offer to the community.
Search Engine Optimization
What is Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?
Or…
“The art and science of making your website and content easily accessible to search engines like Google, Yahoo! and Bing and presenting it in a way that maximizes it's relevance and value to the user.”
“Things you can do for your website that get you more free traffic from the search engines.”
Search Engine Optimization
Paid
Organic
The Five Pillars of Local SEO
Online directoriesKeywordsOn-site optimizationContent generationLink building
Directories
Online Directories
Get Started in Online Directories Is your business listed in the directory?Is your business name accurate?Is your business address present and accurate?Is your phone number listed?Is your website listed?Do you have a photo uploaded?
Online Directories
When filling out directory listings always use a standard N.A.P.
NameMake sure you company name is exactly the same
AddressWrite your address the same way every time
Phone NumberUse the same phone number in every listing
Keywords
Your Keywords MatterPersonalization
You can target very competitive search termsRankings are no longer the best way to track progress
Picking Keywords
The Common Sense ApproachStart with a few high level keywordsCreate more using modifiers
Location, quality, price, etc.
Picking Keywords
The Advanced ApproachUse tools to find ideas and suggestionsFind relevant terms with a good number of searchesGoogle each term to determine level of competitionKEI
KEI = (searches)2 / (competition)Higher is better
On-Site Optimization
What Is On-Site Optimization?
Give each page its own unique title
• Determines the text on the browser tab• Determines the headline in your search engine listing• Length should be a maximum of 70 characters to avoid being cutoff • Use keywords that you want to rank for (they should vary by page)• Minimize the use of words like “the” and “is”• Preferred format is to put keywords first followed by a pipe and the
company name
Title Tags
Title Tag
Title Tags - Advanced
Assign keywords from your keyword list to each page of the siteYour most important keywords should be used on the home page and any other high-priority pagesPlace the primary keyword for each page as close to the front of the title as possibleIncorporate your keywords into descriptive phrases, not just lists of words
Meta DescriptionYour Meta Description should be a marketing message enticing users to click on your listing
• Determines the content of your search engine listing• Keywords do not affect rankings here• This should be a marketing message that varies by page• Length should be a maximum of 160 characters to avoid being
cutoff
Meta Description
Meta Descriptions - Advanced
Words appear in bold in the search listings when they are part of a users searchMay improve CTR for the listingMeasure CTR for organic listings using Google Webmaster Central
Content Generation
Use a blog on your site to publish fresh content and attract linksWhat to Publish
Educational contentImage-centric contentInsider infoIndustry newsAvoid writing boring, plagiarized, or personal posts on your company blog!
Blogging
Keep it shortTime-box your writingPut it on the calendarSolicit helpMinimize bottlenecks
Blogging
Keep quality expectations appropriateSet realistic goalsRemember the benefitsCreate a repository for ideasJust do it!
Link Building
Search engines use links as a measure of authority
Based on both the number and quality of linksThe more links the betterThe higher quality a link the better
The better your links, the better your search engine rankings are likely to be
Anchor text helps determine which keywords you will rank well for
Link Building
Where to Get LinksPartnersIndustry Resources/DirectoriesSocial MediaPublic RelationsGuest Blog posts
How to Get Started
Remember, it’s a long term investmentDon’t expect overnight resultsSteady progress wins the race
Final Thoughts
Three Possible Scenarios:1. Too overwhelmed to do anything
Take it step by step2. Start strong but stop within a month
Keep realistic expectations3. Methodical and continuous progress
Marketing Resources
Call us now to schedule a FREE consult:(888) 997-4183
Be sure to check out our Marketing Resources page for free eBooks,
templates, webinars, and more.
Top Related