Local SEO - What To & Not To Do In 2017

May 18, 2022
Blog

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.

Andrew Bordeaux
Great tips for improving local SEO! ? Definitely going to try these strategies out. Thanks!
Nov 8, 2023
Matt Pfeil
I appreciate the emphasis on user experience in the local SEO context. It's a refreshing perspective.
Nov 4, 2023
Mario Diez
I appreciate the insights shared in this article. They've opened my eyes to the intricate world of local SEO.
Nov 2, 2023
David Shaw
The section on local SEO case studies was quite illuminating. It's always helpful to see real-world examples.
Nov 1, 2023
Daryle Gibbs
The mention of voice search optimization really puts things into perspective. It's a game-changer.
Oct 31, 2023
Ryan Hudson
The 'Not To Do' section serves as an important reminder. It's all too easy to make these mistakes.
Oct 18, 2023
Shawn Greenleaf
The section on local SEO case studies was quite illuminating. It's always helpful to see real-world examples.
Oct 18, 2023
Gonzalo Martin
Great article! ? Really helpful tips for optimizing local SEO in 2017. Thanks for sharing! ?
Oct 7, 2023
Zachary Burke
The mention of the impact of user reviews on local SEO really drove home the importance of reputation management.
Oct 6, 2023
Bec Byers
Local SEO has often felt overwhelming to me, but this article has made it more approachable.
Oct 4, 2023
Add Email
I'm impressed with the structure of the article. It's easy to follow and digest.
Oct 2, 2023
Par Olsson
The emphasis on mobile optimization has given me a new perspective on user behavior.
Sep 29, 2023
Eduardo Cordoba
I appreciate the balance between theory and practical advice in this article.
Sep 27, 2023
Juan Jesus
As a small business owner, I found the section on reviews particularly helpful. It's something that's often overlooked but so crucial.
Sep 25, 2023
Martin Adam
The focus on local citations is a reminder of their importance. It's an area I need to revisit.
Sep 21, 2023
Andrea Jaroscak
The article has sparked a new level of interest in local SEO for me. I'm eager to explore it further.
Sep 21, 2023
Jim Rybinski
The section on local SEO tools shed light on some resources I didn't know about. I'll be exploring those.
Sep 11, 2023
Candidate
I appreciate that the article doesn't just focus on what to do but also what not to do.
Aug 29, 2023
Kamlesh Darji
The section on local SEO pitfalls served as a valuable reminder to stay vigilant in our efforts.
Aug 26, 2023
Jordan Muela
The article reinforced the importance of local SEO for businesses that rely on local foot traffic.
Aug 24, 2023
Jesus Acosta
I appreciate the balance between theory and practical advice in this article.
Aug 23, 2023
Matt Price
I've bookmarked this article for future reference. It's a goldmine of local SEO knowledge.
Jul 31, 2023
Dominic Russell
The 'Not To Do' section is a valuable reality check. It's easy to fall into those traps without realizing.
Jul 31, 2023
John Acosta
The importance of local SEO cannot be overstated. Thanks for highlighting it.
Jul 26, 2023
Eunice Franco
I'm excited to implement some of these strategies and measure the impact on my business.
Jul 26, 2023
Lauren Hemighaus
The mention of the evolving nature of local SEO really highlights the need to stay updated.
Jul 24, 2023
Matthew Molise
This article has given me a new perspective on local SEO. It's more complex than I realized.
Jul 24, 2023
Ian Brown
This article has opened my eyes to the opportunity presented by local SEO. I need to make it a priority.
Jul 23, 2023
Mark Miller
I appreciate the cautionary tone of the 'Not To Do' section. It's a good reality check.
Jul 23, 2023
Michelle Meldrum
This article has given me a lot to think about and apply to my own digital marketing strategies.
Jul 21, 2023
Dan Howe
I'm impressed with the depth of information provided here. It's a comprehensive guide indeed.
Jul 14, 2023
Crystal Wimberly
I found the section on local keywords quite helpful. It's an area I'll be focusing on more.
Jul 14, 2023
John Brownell
I'm excited to dive deeper into the world of local SEO. This article has lit a fire under me.
Jul 11, 2023
Yang Young
I appreciate the practical approach taken in this article. It's not just theory; it's actionable advice.
Jun 24, 2023
Charles Stephan
I've been struggling with local SEO, but this article has given me a new sense of direction.
Jun 23, 2023
Darrin Marshall
I found the section on local intent quite enlightening. It's a factor that's often underestimated in SEO strategies.
Jun 17, 2023
Bob Rabinowitz
I appreciate the emphasis on user experience in the local SEO context. It's a refreshing perspective.
Jun 16, 2023
Glenn Holz
I'm a fan of the practical tips given here. They are actionable and realistic.
Jun 13, 2023
Tyler Finley
I'm intrigued by the potential of local SEO to impact offline sales. It's a powerful concept.
Jun 12, 2023
Frank Pruitt
I've started implementing some of the tips already. Looking forward to seeing the results.
Jun 12, 2023
Brie Griffith
I've gained a new appreciation for the significance of local SEO. It's truly a game-changer.
Jun 11, 2023
Praveen
I'm excited to put some of these ideas into practice. It feels like a new chapter for my business.
Jun 3, 2023
Monica Stern-Morales
Embracing local SEO is a must for any business. This article provides a great roadmap.
May 30, 2023
Mary Badberg
I've experienced the challenges of local SEO firsthand, and this article has provided valuable guidance.
May 26, 2023
Tarzan Bohlinger
The 'Not To Do' section provided a valuable reality check. It's easy to overlook these potential pitfalls.
May 26, 2023
Jesse Drelick
The discussion on user intent was particularly insightful. It's an aspect that's often overlooked in SEO.
May 26, 2023
Karen King
The 'Not To Do' section was an important wake-up call. It's easy to fall into these traps without realizing.
May 19, 2023
Joe Williams
I've shared this article with my colleagues. It's a must-read for anyone in digital marketing.
May 19, 2023
Don Weimer
The article has given me renewed motivation to tackle the local SEO challenges my business faces.
May 17, 2023
Ed Dottery
The section on local link building strategies was particularly enlightening. It's a part of SEO that often gets overshadowed.
May 3, 2023
Blogembebidos
I found the section on schema markup quite interesting. It's not a topic discussed often.
Apr 30, 2023
Holly Smith
The article has provided a fresh perspective on local SEO strategy. It's given me renewed motivation.
Apr 28, 2023
Bruce Davis
As a small business owner, this article has come at just the right time. I needed this guidance.
Apr 18, 2023
Sandra Baker
I've always been intimidated by local SEO, but the way it's presented here makes it feel more achievable.
Apr 13, 2023
Dakila Divina
The information is presented in a clear and concise manner. Makes it easy to understand.
Apr 7, 2023
Add Email
I appreciate the examples provided. They made it easier to grasp the concepts discussed.
Apr 6, 2023
Rachman Haidar
The mention of the impact of user reviews on local SEO really drove home the importance of reputation management.
Apr 3, 2023
Trisha King
I appreciate the data-backed approach taken in this article. It lends credibility to the advice given.
Apr 2, 2023
Chua Qi
The insights shared in this article are a breath of fresh air in the often complex world of SEO.
Mar 27, 2023
Rohan Fleetwood
Local SEO is an area I need to spend more time on. This article has given me the motivation to do so.
Mar 25, 2023
Shaun Baddock
I appreciate the actionable steps provided here. It's not just high-level advice but practical strategies.
Mar 20, 2023
Pamela Smith
The practical examples used in the article made the concepts more relatable and understandable.
Mar 16, 2023
Add Email
I appreciate the comprehensive nature of the article. It covered all the crucial aspects.
Mar 15, 2023
Kurt Strobel
The article has equipped me with a fresh perspective on local SEO. It's prompted me to reevaluate my approach.
Mar 13, 2023
Melissa Guyre
The article has left me feeling more informed and empowered in approaching local SEO for my business.
Mar 12, 2023
Jordan Limbach
The importance of NAP consistency cannot be emphasized enough. Thanks for reinforcing this point.
Mar 9, 2023
Dalbir Vasudevan
I've always felt overwhelmed by local SEO, but this article has made it feel more manageable.
Mar 9, 2023
Megan Shine
I found the section on local SEO analytics quite illuminating. It's a realm I need to dive into more.
Mar 4, 2023
Chris Elenbaas
The 'Not To Do' section serves as an important reminder. It's all too easy to make these mistakes.
Mar 4, 2023
Brian Hageman
I've realized that local SEO is a journey, not just a destination. It's a constant process of improvement.
Feb 28, 2023
Jennifer Woodin
Great insights! Local SEO is crucial for small businesses.
Feb 26, 2023
John Cavins
I've been looking for a comprehensive guide on local SEO, and I'm glad I've found it here.
Feb 24, 2023
Lisa Stuart-Ray
The section on local SEO metrics was quite eye-opening. It's an area I need to delve into more deeply.
Feb 19, 2023
Jason McCarty
Local SEO strategies are evolving, and it's important to stay updated. This article provides valuable information.
Feb 18, 2023
DeRoyal Industries Inc
I appreciate the real-world examples used in the article. They made the advice more relatable.
Feb 6, 2023
Brady Templeton
I'd love to see more on the role of social media in local SEO. It's an area I'm keen to explore.
Jan 30, 2023
Aaron Mersi
The 'Not To Do' section was eye-opening. It's easy to make mistakes, so it's helpful to know what to avoid.
Jan 26, 2023
Michelle Raymundo
The mention of the impact of voice search on local SEO was eye-opening. It's a trend that can't be ignored.
Jan 17, 2023
Alicia McCarty
The visuals used in this article were quite engaging. They added value to the content.
Jan 16, 2023
James Fox
I've realized that I need to revamp my local SEO strategy. This article has given me a fresh perspective.
Jan 6, 2023
Peter Maretz
I appreciate the holistic approach taken here. It's not just about ranking but about enhancing the overall customer experience.
Jan 4, 2023
Gabriel Herrera
I've realized that I need to revamp my local SEO strategy. This article has given me a fresh perspective.
Jan 3, 2023
Sean McEachern
The article has given me a sense of clarity and purpose in approaching local SEO for my business.
Dec 28, 2022
Bibop Gresta
I'm glad to have stumbled upon this article. It's a treasure trove of local SEO wisdom.
Dec 24, 2022
Shafeeq Nickels
The comparison between local SEO and traditional SEO was quite illustrative. It helps put things into perspective.
Dec 20, 2022
Kelly Bunn
I found the section on local SEO analytics quite illuminating. It's a realm I need to dive into more.
Dec 10, 2022
UNSPECIFIED
The practical examples used in the article made the concepts more relatable and understandable.
Dec 8, 2022
Zoe Allebone
I never realized the impact of local SEO on brand visibility. It's an eye-opening aspect.
Dec 6, 2022
Andrea Lorenzi
I found the section on customer engagement was very insightful. It's not something I had considered in the local SEO context.
Dec 5, 2022
Shyamalal Provided
The section on mobile optimization was particularly insightful. It's an area that's often underestimated in the SEO domain.
Dec 4, 2022
Scott Norrick
The mention of Google's local algorithm updates is a good reminder to stay informed.
Dec 4, 2022
Cheryl Cheryl
The 'Not To Do' section was an important wake-up call. It's easy to fall into these traps without realizing.
Nov 29, 2022
Tim Ganschow
The mention of the impact of local SEO on foot traffic really grabbed my attention. It's a critical aspect.
Nov 29, 2022
Ricky John
I appreciate the tips provided in this article. They are quite helpful.
Nov 23, 2022
Maria
The 'Not To Do' section was a good reminder to stay vigilant in our local SEO efforts.
Nov 16, 2022
Craig Lord
I appreciate the emphasis on practical, actionable advice in this article.
Nov 14, 2022
Chris Plosaj
The article has given me a sense of clarity and purpose in approaching local SEO for my business.
Nov 9, 2022
Gabriel Bell
Local SEO is a dynamic field, and this article captures that dynamism well.
Nov 5, 2022
Eugene Clemens
Local SEO has been a bit of a mystery to me, but this article has demystified it quite a bit.
Nov 3, 2022
Hugh Pastoriza
I'm grateful for the examples provided. They helped clarify some of the concepts discussed.
Nov 1, 2022
Juergen Schniggenberg
I found the section on local link building strategies quite informative. It's a part of SEO that often gets overshadowed.
Oct 29, 2022
Yoav Lurie
I found the section on local content optimization particularly insightful. It's an area that often gets overlooked but holds immense value.
Oct 19, 2022
Jim
The 'Not To Do' section was a wake-up call. It's easy to fall into these traps.
Oct 18, 2022
Jodie Silvers
The article has served as a well-timed guide for me. It's exactly what I needed at this stage.
Oct 18, 2022
Tasya Kelen
The article has served as a well-timed guide for me. It's exactly what I needed at this stage.
Oct 17, 2022
Irisa Ojeda
I found the practical tips in this article quite inspiring. It's motivated me to take action.
Oct 14, 2022
George Atkinson
The mention of Google's local algorithm updates is a good reminder to stay informed.
Oct 14, 2022
David Mason
I appreciate the actionable advice provided in this article. It's not just theoretical, but practical.
Oct 12, 2022
Lorne Browe
I empathize with the challenges of local SEO. This article provides a lot of reassurance and guidance.
Oct 10, 2022
Daniel McKenzie
I've bookmarked this article as a go-to resource for future reference. It's a treasure trove of local SEO insights.
Oct 9, 2022
Todd Farr
The comparison between local SEO and traditional SEO was quite illustrative. It helps put things into perspective.
Oct 8, 2022
Hrishikesh Gopale
I'm eager to explore the implications of voice search on my local SEO strategies.
Oct 1, 2022
Julie Leach
I've always been a bit lost when it comes to local SEO, but this article has given me a sense of direction.
Sep 30, 2022
William Vanalstyne
I'd love to see more case studies illustrating the effectiveness of these strategies.
Sep 28, 2022
David Ext
The article has left me feeling more informed and empowered in approaching local SEO for my business.
Sep 27, 2022
Mike Vandenberg
The mention of online reviews was enlightening. It's an aspect that's often overlooked.
Sep 24, 2022
Monica Mraz
I've been neglecting my Google My Business profile. This article made me realize its importance.
Sep 21, 2022
Fred Ricks
I'm impressed with the structure of the article. It's easy to follow and digest.
Sep 17, 2022
Nicholas Hussain
The emphasis on the long-term approach to local SEO has inspired me to view it as an ongoing journey.
Sep 16, 2022
Hodges Elliott
The 'Not To Do' section was a good reality check. It's important to be aware of potential pitfalls.
Sep 13, 2022
Bud Young
The article has given me a newfound confidence in approaching local SEO strategy for my business.
Sep 12, 2022
Akilah Perry
I appreciate the comprehensive approach taken in this article. It covers all the critical aspects.
Sep 4, 2022
Remi Vaillant
I never realized the impact of local SEO on foot traffic. The article shed light on this aspect.
Sep 3, 2022
Sonja Kresojevic
The section on link building was particularly enlightening. It's an aspect I need to pay more attention to.
Aug 31, 2022
Simon Tomlinson
The use of keywords in local SEO is crucial. The article explains this aspect very well.
Aug 30, 2022
S Will
The section on voice search optimization is very forward-thinking. It's where the future is heading.
Aug 27, 2022
Nora
I found the practical tips in this article quite inspiring. It's motivated me to take action.
Aug 27, 2022
Ariane Trelaun
I appreciate the real-world examples used in the article. They made the advice more relatable.
Aug 27, 2022
Gene Pelosi
I have been implementing some of these strategies, and they have produced positive results. Good to see them reinforced here.
Aug 23, 2022
Layne Micek
Emoji can make a real impact on your business...?!
Aug 23, 2022
David Center
I appreciate the attention to detail in this article. It leaves no stone unturned in the local SEO domain.
Aug 19, 2022
Lucy
I've been looking for information on local SEO. This article is exactly what I needed.
Aug 19, 2022
Kathy Fiander
I liked the focus on mobile optimization. It's definitely a game-changer.
Aug 14, 2022
Darelle Mearns
I appreciate the emphasis on the long-term approach to local SEO. It's a journey, not a quick fix.
Aug 10, 2022
Ray Shepard
The article really drives home the importance of local SEO for brick-and-mortar businesses.
Aug 6, 2022
Allen Seto
I'm eager to explore the implications of voice search on my local SEO strategies.
Aug 4, 2022
Tom Leung
I found the section on local business listings very informative. It's an area that I need to work on.
Aug 4, 2022
Stephen Brain
The article has provided a fresh perspective on local SEO strategy. It's given me renewed motivation.
Aug 3, 2022
WIRELESS CALLER
I appreciate the emphasis on practical, actionable advice in this article.
Jul 31, 2022
Sandra Stern
I've bookmarked this article as a go-to resource for future reference. It's a treasure trove of local SEO insights.
Jul 28, 2022
Ranil Boteju
I appreciate the comprehensive nature of the article. It covered all the crucial aspects.
Jul 21, 2022
Margaret Brooks
I found the section on local map optimization very insightful. It's an area I hadn't paid much attention to.
Jul 20, 2022
Christopher Hylton
The discussion on the impact of voice search on local SEO really broadened my understanding of the topic.
Jul 11, 2022
Kevin Crawford
The section on local SEO analytics was particularly enlightening. It's an area that's often overlooked but holds immense value.
Jul 10, 2022
Winfried Neessen
I've already recommended this article to my peers in the digital marketing space. It's a gem.
Jul 10, 2022
Tbd Rita
I've been struggling with local SEO, but this article has given me a new sense of direction.
Jul 9, 2022
Katie Travis
As a small business owner, this article has come at just the right time. I needed this guidance.
Jul 8, 2022
Dana Kiker
Attention-grabbing title. It piqued my interest, and the content didn't disappoint.
Jul 5, 2022
Gary Andrews
The article has given me a lot to think about. It's prompted me to reevaluate my local SEO approach.
Jun 29, 2022
Alexandra Kahl
The discussion on the importance of accurate business information across platforms was quite enlightening.
Jun 29, 2022
Bjorn Olesen
I've realized that I need to make local SEO a priority for my business. This article has given me the motivation to do so.
Jun 27, 2022
Scott Crawford
The concept of 'near me' searches is fascinating. It's definitely changing the local SEO landscape.
Jun 27, 2022
Jamie Massey
The section on customer engagement was very insightful. It's not something I had considered in the local SEO context.
Jun 25, 2022
Vincent Adrait
The mention of the evolving nature of local SEO really highlights the need to stay updated.
Jun 23, 2022
Pedro Torres
I've experienced the challenges of local SEO firsthand, and this article has provided valuable guidance.
Jun 15, 2022
Cheryl Lee
The section on mobile optimization was particularly insightful. It's an area that's often underestimated in the SEO domain.
Jun 5, 2022
Benjy Bautista
I'm excited to start implementing some of these strategies. The potential impact is motivating.
Jun 5, 2022
Tim Rider
As a small business owner, I'm grateful for the insights shared here. Local SEO is a lifeline for us.
May 25, 2022
Thu Phan
I appreciate the cautionary tone of the 'Not To Do' section. It's a good reality check.
May 22, 2022
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