In a new series of blog articles, we take a look at Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) for beginners to keep you up to date with the ever changing digital world. In our latest blog we explain local keyword rankings.
Local keyword ranking often gets overlooked but if you offer a product or service that is of interest to people living locally, then it is important to get yourself of the map.
Local SEO produces two different results which you need to aim to be placed highly in. These are:
Pack rankings
Pack ranking refers to the small cluster of results that appear at the top of each Google page when a search has been completed. These now include opening hours, contact information, addresses, reviews and one Google map result.
For many businesses, this will be the most crucial place to rank as it shows you at the top of the list and it allows searchers to see a lot of information from their very first click. If done correctly, this should also place side by side you against your competition.
Organic page ranking
This is a listing on a search engine results page (SERP), that will appear because of relevance to the search term used and valid SEO optimisation efforts instead of pay per click (PPC) or any other form of advertising.
Optimising local SEO is a lot different to your average campaign and local search results are changing at a rapid pace, so it’s important to keep up.
Google My Business
If you haven’t done so already, you must visit the Google My Business link above and claim your business – not only will this help you to stand out from the crowd but it’s an easy access so that you can create and update your listing which will bring the customers in.
Not only can you add your business to the listings, you can create a free website with Google My Business which will allow you to auto-generate information from your Google listing, plus customise it with text, photos and design themes.
This tool also offers a set of analytics so that you can discover how people find your business online.
Local reviews
Believe it or not, Google takes into consideration reviews which people have left on your listings page. Local reviews have a direct impact on the local search rankings – if your business has good reviews, you will rank much higher than those with lower reviews.
Make sure you invest time in asking people to review you on Google. Add a little note on your business cards or ask people directly. Every little helps.
Name, address, phone number
The collection of words above are commonly known is the SEO world as NAP and it is extremely important that you make this as consistent across all your media channels as possible. It must also be featured on every page so make sure it’s built into your template on your website creator.
If you want to know more about how SEO and Google Search Console can help you and your business, get in touch here. We are also currently offering free SEO Health Checks. Click the link to get yours.
