Are you concerned about your local business’s online reputation? Are you satisfied with the reviews you’re receiving? Do you wonder how you can better meet customer expectations and achieve closer to a five-star rating? Online reviews are crucial to your business’s success, especially in the smartphone era where people conduct research on the go.
On June 8, a webinar was hosted by Marc Hansen, Senior Director of Revenue Marketing at Podium, and Kelley Knott, Co-Founder of Intrepy Healthcare Marketing. Hansen and Knott discussed how to remain competitive, get ahead of comparison research, and attract customers before they even visit your store. Here is a summary of the webinar.
What Is Local SEO?
Local businesses depend heavily on their online visibility to thrive, with 97% of users searching for local services online. Local SEO is the process of optimizing a business’s online presence specifically for local marketing.
Key Factors for Local Search Rankings:
- Relevance: Ensure that search queries connect with the right answers.
- Distance: Consider how close the searcher is to your business.
- Prominence: Maintain a strong online reputation.
Myths vs. Facts About Local SEO
Many small businesses underestimate the power of SEO. Here are some myths holding them back:
Myth #1: Organic search and local SEO are the same.
- Fact: Organic SEO focuses on search term relevance, while local SEO is based on location.
Myth #2: Reviews are a "nice-to-have."
- Fact: Reviews are essential.
Myth #3: Discovery methods haven’t changed much recently.
- Fact: The discovery process is evolving, and so should businesses.
Myth #4: Consumers prioritize the ‘best’ businesses and will travel for them.
- Fact: Consumers prefer ‘the best’ options near them.
Myth #5: Print and online advertising drive in-person visits.
- Fact: Local smartphone searches are the key drivers.
Myth #6: Google always ranks the best businesses highest, regardless of location.
- Fact: Google gives preference to local businesses in search results.
6 Best Practices For Local Search
To make the most out of local search listings and attract better reviews, complete these best practices:
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Verify Your Location: Google prioritizes verified results, so make sure your business is validated.
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Add High-Quality Photos: Use optimized images to attract more clicks and requests for directions.
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Keep Your Google Business Profile (GBP) Up-To-Date: Update your listing with accurate information like business hours and services offered.
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Use Keywords: Implement location keywords in descriptions to influence visibility.
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Increase & Manage Online Reviews: Encourage reviews and engage with both positive and negative feedback.
- Respond To Reviews: Use a reputation management platform to engage with reviewers and improve your reputation.
By implementing these local SEO practices, you can attract more local customers and improve their experience, leading to favorable reviews. Always ask for a review to solidify your reputation.
Local SEO: Top Ways To Get Higher Quality Reviews
Here’s a presentation summarizing the strategies discussed above.
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Image Credits:
The featured image is by Paulo Bobita/Search Engine Journal.
