Although the internet is always changing and adapting to accommodate new types of users, building our online presence and getting our brand noticed has served as a basis for general SEO practices over the years. Thanks to the smartphone, Local SEO has continued to grow and change the way we market small businesses. Now that we’re almost halfway into 2018, we can analyze Local SEO trends so far, and adopt new trends to bring our business into the future.

Google My Business

Google’s free service for claiming your business online has been proven to increase visibility for local businesses and increase audience outreach. There are 3.5 billion daily searches on Google and Google is the market leader with a net share of 74%. Google is obviously the heavily favored of search engines and more and more people are searching for local businesses every day. By not taking advantage of this opportunity you are limiting yourself to a smaller audience. Not only does your listing appear in organic search results, but it expands to other Google platforms such as reviews, maps, and locations. Google My Business is a key way to expand your reach while providing you with insights into customer activity. To get started with Google My Business follow our step-by-step guide to setting up your business account.

Updating Your Website

Your website often serves as a one-stop shop for your business. From providing a point of contact to listing out your exact products and services. You want to ensure you have relevant and search-worthy content throughout your website. There are a ton of ways to improve your content to boost SEO rankings.

1. Improving your internal linking structure will improve information architecture while supporting website navigation. Easily lead users to relevant parts of your website and increase user experience.
2. If you’re struggling to attract customers in your area, try creating specific content relevant to your area. Writing content that focuses on your local area can narrow down results rather than relating to a wide range of people. This can be done by discussing local events, news, or practices.
3. In 2017, mobile phones accounted for 50% of all web traffic generated worldwide. Having a website that is optimized for mobile is crucial to improving your local search. Often users will search reviews, directions and contact information all from the convenience of their phone. By not implementing a mobile-friendly website you could lose the potential 50% of customers that are searching on their phones.

Online Directories

Google My Business isn't the only online directory to take advantage of. There are also sites such as Yelp, Trip Advisor, and Apple that can play a huge role in getting your business noticed. Similar to Google My Business, online directories will provide relevant information on your business based on your location. It’s important to ensure that data on your business remains current and accurate throughout these platforms. Discrepancies can become problematic for your business. Not only will this confuse your potential customers, but Google may choose to not show your business because of it. Use the help of a local citation finder, such as Whitespark to help identify any unknown listings.

With these tips for Local SEO, you can enhance your SEO campaigns, revamp your brand, and develop an improved strategy to target your audience. With the help of Red Shark Digital, we can not only provide you with a catered Local SEO strategy, but we can give you a redesigned website optimized for mobile users, as well as specific local content. Start the change today and better your business through Local SEO!