Local businesses often make fascinating SEO clients due to the creativity and strategy required to appeal to a local market.
While essentials like Google Business Profile optimization and localized content are important, local businesses often need to think creatively when trying to rank locally.
Winning such clients takes skill. SEO professionals ideally aim to attract positive, ambitious, and proactive local SEO clients.
### Tips for Attracting Local SEO Clients
#### 1. Start Conversations With Local Business Owners
Some years ago, while searching for a barber, I noticed a local one with great Google reviews but encountered a “Warning! Your connection is not private” error on their site. Understanding the issue stemmed from a lack of an SSL certificate, I informed the owner during my visit. She was unaware of the issue, managing the website herself, so I offered to set up their SSL for free. This led to ongoing work with my team to address other technical SEO concerns.
The lesson? Genuine conversations can attract local SEO clients. Identifying a business need, even if it’s not as obvious as a security issue, can lead to gratefulness and potential ongoing work.
#### 2. Identify Businesses Investing In Marketing
Marketing professionals know that tight budgets often bring demanding clients. Ideal SEO clients value marketing and invest towards long-term growth. For instance, aside from a site security issue, the aforementioned business was proactive in optimizing its Google Business Profile and social media marketing.
When seeking local SEO clients, consider businesses with regularly updated responsive websites, consistent social media posts, active paid ads, and those investing in content marketing and local search optimization.
#### 3. Attend Speaking Events, Webinars, And Networking Meetups
Sharing local SEO knowledge at events is a great way to generate leads. Speaking engagements, webinars, and networking events can help you attract clients by sharing expertise.
Find events tailored to your market, apply to speak, and participate in networking opportunities. Sharing insights over pitches demonstrates expertise and openness.
#### 4. Connect With Business Owners On LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a leading B2B platform but often misused through spam. Build genuine connections instead. Optimize your profile, post valuable content, and send connection requests without pitching. Follow up and engage with niche accounts for additional interactions.
#### 5. Keep Your Business Card On Hand
Traditional marketing retains its value. Many local businesses prefer personal touchpoints. Keep business cards handy to facilitate genuine conversations that could lead to referrals.
#### 6. Forge Partnerships With Marketing Agencies
Connect with local agencies that don’t offer SEO services for potential partnerships. Offer mutual referrals to maximize benefits.
### No Secret to Getting Great Clients
The key to acquiring exceptional local SEO clients is building genuine relationships. Networking, sharing knowledge, forming partnerships, and providing value are crucial in attracting the right clients. Skip cold pitches in favor of understanding and assisting local businesses.
Looking for more local SEO clients? Employ these strategies to forge valuable relationships and foster long-term collaborations.
