In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, having a stunning website is just the first step towards success. For your business to truly thrive online and to reach your target audience, local SEO management is crucial to your success. Simply put, local SEO is a digital marketing strategy that focuses on optimising your website’s online visibility for local searches.

Read on as we look at the intricacies of local SEO management to attract local customers to your business and why it is so important.

Local SEO Explained

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) means improving your online presence to rank as high as possible on a Google or Internet search. Local SEO is getting your website to reach your local audience by better ranking.

Users rely heavily on online searches to see what’s available nearby. They may need a gym, a Chinese restaurant, equipment hire, a plumber or other services and products.

When they use phrases such as “near me,” “open near me now,” or “in x the town or area,” you’ll want your site to be at the top of their search results. This is the perfect opportunity to build your local customer base.

Three is the Magic Number (at the Moment)

Let’s say you’re a plumber. A customer then searches, “Plumber near me.” Google will present them with three results. Each will have their location marked on a map. There’ll be contact details, opening times and other essential information.

Whether you appear in the top three results depends on these three factors: your proximity, relevance and prominence. Local SEO management starts with claiming your Google My Business Profile listing. But there’s a lot of work to do beyond that to get your ranking higher. It includes having a website with:

  • Lots of great reviews
  • Quality photos, videos and a design that’s mindful of optimal voice search
  • Relevant keywords, quality information and localised content

Once you have established and mastered all this, you can expand your SEO strategy and branch out into surrounding areas.

Local SEO Management Unlocks the Door to a Growing Customer Base

Customers who see you in their search results are more likely to engage with you, particularly if you’re in their immediate vicinity. But, it’s not enough these days simply to have a Google Business Profile listing.

You’ll notice a website tab that users can click on for each of the three local search results we mentioned earlier. This tab will only be there if the business has a website.

Websites suggest credibility, and users will expect you to have one. It’s a mechanism for them to check you out and ensure you’re a good match for what they’re searching for. If you don’t have a website, they may well move on to someone else who does.

Targeted Traffic and Higher Conversion Rates

Think of local SEO as a 2-way street. On the one hand, it’ll improve your visibility within your catchment area. However, it will also drive targeted traffic and the right kinds of customers to you. It increases the likelihood that those who find you online are a genuine match for what you offer.

Bear in mind that when someone carries out a local search, the chances are they have the intention of buying or booking a product or service. Here are some insights from the mighty Google itself:

  • 28 per cent of searches for something nearby result in a purchase
  • 30 per cent of all mobile searches relate to location
  • 78 per cent of “nearby” searches on phones result in visits to a business in a day

A whole online customer base is waiting to visit your business and buy what you offer. Local SEO is what is driving these customers. You need to tap into it and get ahead of the game.

SEO Management Brisbane Made Simple

If you want to create an SEO strategy for your business, then Simply Me-dia can help. We are the local SEO management experts for Brisbane and beyond. Get in touch with one of the team today and find out how we can boost your online visibility and help you to generate more sales.