Maximizing Off-Site Local SEO | Google's Ranking Algorithm
What Does It Entail
Local SEO is driven by key components such as business information, citation listings, and customer reviews. These factors help search engines verify your business’s legitimacy and relevance in your local market.
- Google My Business (GMB): A free tool that allows business owners to manage their online presence across Google Search and Maps. Optimizing your GMB profile with correct and updated information helps local customers find your business easily.
- Citation Listings: Refers to any mention of your business online, such as on directories or websites, that typically includes your business name, address, and phone number (NAP).
- Citation Volume: The number of times your business is mentioned across various platforms and websites. A higher volume of citations improves your local SEO by establishing credibility and trustworthiness.
- Reviews: Customer feedback published on your GMB profile or other review sites.
- Quantity: The total number of reviews your business has received. More reviews provide social proof and build trust.
- Velocity: The speed at which new reviews are added. Regularly acquiring reviews signals to Google that your business is active and trustworthy.
- Diversity: The range of different review platforms where customers leave feedback (e.g., Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor), which strengthens your local SEO.
What Could I Do to Approach This?
1. Claim and optimize your Google My Business profile by filling out all information (hours, services, location) and adding photos.
2. Keep your NAP information consistent across all platforms to ensure accurate citation listings.
3. Encourage customers to leave reviews by providing incentives or simply asking after a service.
4. Respond to reviews in a timely and professional manner to foster trust and show that you care about customer feedback.
5. List your business in relevant online directories such as Yelp, TripAdvisor, and niche-specific platforms.
6. Use local keywords in your GMB profile and listings to align with search queries.
7. Regularly monitor and update your citation listings to ensure accuracy across all platforms.
8. Post regular updates and content to your GMB profile to engage with local searchers.
9. Track your citation volume and review metrics to stay competitive in local rankings.
10. Collaborate with other local businesses to generate backlinks and improve your SEO.
What Results Should I Expect?
Best Possible Results
1. Increased local search visibility and rankings, leading to more online traffic and local customers.
2. Higher foot traffic to your physical location as a result of improved visibility and reputation.
3. More leads and conversions from potential customers finding your business via local searches.
Worst Possible Results (If Done Wrong)
1. Inconsistent NAP data, which can confuse search engines and hurt your rankings.
2. Lack of reviews or poor review velocity, impacting your business's reputation and decreasing trust with potential customers.
By focusing on optimizing your Google My Business profile, managing citations, and actively engaging with reviews, you can significantly improve your local SEO and ensure consistent growth in local search visibility.
