Local SEO - What To & Not To Do In 2017
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Introduction
Welcome to Computer Creations, your trusted partner in website development and digital marketing. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best practices to optimize your local SEO efforts in 2017. As a leading service provider in the business and consumer services category, we understand the importance of ranking well on search engines. Let's dive into the do's and don'ts of local SEO strategies to drive more targeted traffic to your website.
The Importance of Local SEO
Local SEO plays a crucial role in ensuring your business is discoverable by potential customers in your target location. With the increasing reliance on search engines, it's essential to optimize your online presence to stand out from the competition. By implementing effective local SEO strategies, you can reach a wider audience, boost your visibility, and ultimately drive more qualified leads to your website.
Do's of Local SEO
Research and Optimize Keywords
Keyword research is the foundation of any successful SEO campaign. Start by identifying relevant and high-intent keywords that your target audience is likely to use when searching for your services. Sprinkle these keywords naturally throughout your website content, including in your titles, headings, meta descriptions, and body text. However, avoid overstuffing keywords as it can negatively impact your search rankings.
Create and Optimize Google My Business Listing
Setting up a Google My Business (GMB) listing is a must for local businesses. Ensure your GMB listing is accurate, complete, and optimized with relevant keywords. Provide detailed information about your business, including your address, phone number, opening hours, and a link to your website. Encourage customers to leave reviews, as positive reviews can greatly enhance your online reputation and increase trust among potential customers.
Optimize Website for Mobile
In the age of smartphones, optimizing your website for mobile devices is paramount. Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites in search results, so make sure your website is responsive and provides seamless user experience across all devices. Test your website's mobile-friendliness using Google's Mobile-Friendly Test tool and make necessary adjustments to improve loading speed, readability, and navigation.
Create High-Quality and Engaging Content
Content is king when it comes to SEO. Develop high-quality, informative, and engaging content that resonates with your target audience. Create blog posts, articles, and guides relevant to your industry, focusing on solving customer problems and answering their questions. Incorporate relevant keywords naturally within your content, and ensure it is easy to read and shareable on social media platforms.
Build Quality Backlinks
Backlinks, or inbound links, are a crucial component of off-page SEO. Focus on building high-quality backlinks from authoritative sources within your industry. This can be achieved through guest posting on reputable websites, participating in industry forums, or leveraging your professional network. Each backlink acts as a vote of confidence for your website, helping to improve its domain authority and search engine rankings.
Don'ts of Local SEO
Keyword Stuffing
Avoid the temptation to stuff your pages with excessive keywords. Keyword stuffing not only makes your content unnatural and spammy but also invites penalties from search engines. Instead, focus on creating valuable content that genuinely addresses your audience's needs and incorporates keywords in a natural and relevant manner.
Neglecting Online Reviews
Online reviews carry significant weight in local search rankings. Ignoring or neglecting your online reviews can harm your reputation and hinder your local SEO efforts. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews, respond promptly to negative reviews, and strive to provide exceptional customer service. By actively managing your online reviews, you can build trust and credibility, and improve your search engine rankings.
Ignoring Local Citations
Local citations are mentions of your business information, such as name, address, and phone number, on external websites and directories. It's crucial to ensure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) details are consistent across all platforms. Submit your business information to reputable local directories, such as Yelp, Yellow Pages, and industry-specific directories. This helps search engines validate your business information and provides additional signals for local relevance.
Slow Website Speed
Website speed is a crucial factor for both user experience and search engine rankings. A slow-loading website frustrates users and negatively impacts your conversion rates. Regularly monitor and optimize your website's loading speed, compress images, minify code, and leverage browser caching. A fast-loading website not only improves user satisfaction but also signals to search engines that your website is reliable and deserves higher rankings.
Ignoring Social Media Presence
Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, play a role in local SEO. While social signals may not directly impact search rankings, a strong social media presence can increase brand visibility, drive traffic to your website, and attract potential customers. Consistently engage with your audience, share valuable content, and leverage social media advertising to extend your reach and improve your overall online presence.
Conclusion
By implementing the do's and avoiding the don'ts of local SEO in 2017, you can establish a strong online presence for Computer Creations. Prioritize keyword research, optimize your Google My Business listing, create high-quality content, build quality backlinks, and provide exceptional user experience across all devices. Remember, local SEO is an ongoing process, so continuously monitor and adapt your strategies to stay ahead of the competition. Contact Computer Creations today for expert assistance in improving your local SEO efforts, driving more traffic, and achieving higher search engine rankings.
