Imagine you’re playing a game of hide-and-seek. You want to hide really well, right? You don’t want to be the first one found!
Well, Google is kind of like a giant hide-and-seek game for businesses. When people search for something near them, Google tries to find the best businesses to show them. And if your business isn’t “hiding” in the right places, people won’t be able to find you!
Hi, I’m Linda Donnelly, owner of Business Solutions Marketing Group. We’ve been helping small businesses like yours get found online for over a decade. And today, we’re going to talk about a super important part of that: Google Local SEO.
What is Google Local SEO?
Local SEO is like a special set of rules that helps your business show up when people search for things “near me.” It’s like making sure Google knows exactly where you are and what you do.
Think about it:
- If someone searches for “best pizza near me,” Google wants to show them pizza places that are close by.
- If someone searches for “plumber in [your town],” Google wants to show them plumbers in that town.
Local SEO helps you show up in those searches!
Why is Google Local SEO Important?
- Most people search online for local businesses: Did you know that 46% of all Google searches are for local information? (Source: Search Engine Journal) That’s a huge number!
- People take action quickly after a local search: 88% of people who search for a local business on their phone call or visit that business within 24 hours. (Source: BrightLocal) That means they’re ready to buy!
- Google shows local businesses in a special way: It’s called the “Map Pack,” and it’s those top three listings that show up on Google Maps and at the top of the search results page.
- The Map Pack gets a lot of clicks: Businesses in the Map Pack get 33% more clicks than those below them. (Source: Zero Limit Web)
So, if you’re not showing up in the Map Pack, you’re missing out on a lot of potential customers!
How to Do Google Local SEO
1. Your Google Business Profile is Key!
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is like your online business card. It tells people your name, address, phone number, website, and hours.
- Make sure it’s complete: Fill out every section of your GBP. The more information you give Google, the better!
- Use the right categories: Tell Google exactly what kind of business you are.
- Add pictures and videos: Show off your business! People love to see what you look like.
- Get those reviews! Ask your happy customers to leave you reviews on Google. Reviews are like gold stars for your business.
- Use Google Posts: Share updates, offers, and events to keep your profile fresh.
2. Make Your Website Local-Friendly
Your website also needs to be easy for local people to find.
- Use local keywords: Use words that people in your area are searching for, like “best pizza in [your town].”
- Add your location to your website: Make sure your address and phone number are easy to find.
- Get links from local websites: Links from other websites in your area can help your website show up higher in search results.
3. Use Social Media to Connect with Locals
Social media can be a great way to reach people in your area.
- Post about local events: Share information about things happening in your community.
- Run local ads: Target your ads to people in your area.
- Engage with local groups: Join online groups and participate in local discussions.
Statistics: The Power of Local Marketing
- 88% of consumers who do a local search on their smartphone visit or call a store within 24 hours. (Source: Think with Google)
- 46% of all Google searches are looking for local information. (Source: Search Engine Journal)
- Businesses in the top 3 positions on the Google Local Pack get 33% more clicks. (Source: Zero Limit Web)
Business Solutions Marketing Group: Your Local SEO Experts
At Business Solutions Marketing Group, we’ve been helping small businesses with their marketing for over a decade. We know how to get your business seen by people in your area.
We can help you:
- Optimize your Google Business Profile
- Get more online reviews
- Make your website local-friendly
- Use social media to connect with locals
Don’t let your business get lost in the crowd. Contact us today for a free consultation!
