Getting your local business listed on Google My Business is an effective way to gain local SEO exposure. The listing only helps if the details are accurate and consistent across the web, so it’s worth getting each field right before you publish.
What’s the difference between on-site and off-site SEO?
On-site SEO has historically been tied to keywords on a page, but Google relies on more than that. It also weighs the keywords in title tags and the content of the page itself.
Off-site SEO covers everything you do to promote a site from outside the site. That mostly means earning inbound links from other websites, since the quality of those links can meaningfully move your rankings.
A press release from your business can earn highly respected links back to your site, which builds reputation and lifts rankings at the same time.
Guest blogging is another off-site tactic. You reach out to other blogs and offer useful content that links back to your site, which can grow exposure and conversions.
How should you set up your Google My Business listing?
A Google My Business profile puts your business in front of local searchers, but the listing has to be accurate and consistent. That consistency is what improves your ranking and helps customers find you.
Google’s own guide walks through each field and how to fill it out for the best results.
For example, the strongest listings use the same address across every online presence and a localized business name that matches your in-store signage. Both choices help you rank better in local search.
Why do online reviews matter for local SEO?
Positive reviews are a core part of any local SEO campaign. They raise your ranking on Google and bring in more customers.
Beyond Google’s own listing, third-party sites such as Yelp and Facebook are also good places to collect reviews. A solid website ties the picture together.
Google’s Local Search Algorithm looks at social media presence and other factors when ranking a business, and online reviews are one of those signals. If you have an active following, you can message them or ask them directly to leave a review.
Which citation sources should you focus on?
Local SEO citations are one of the best ways to lift rankings in local search. They affect both your ranking and your reputation, and they can drive more traffic and sales when done right.
The right citation sources depend on your business category. A bed and breakfast owner, for instance, would want to reach out to bloggers who write about places in the neighborhood so the blogger can feature the property.
Business directories and industry-specific sites are also strong citation sources, and social media can generate citations as well.
Google itself is a key citation source. Its citations show up for navigational queries and display your business name, address, and phone number. Getting listed on these sites raises the odds of showing up on the first page of local search results.
How do you scale your local SEO?
A clear local marketing plan puts you ahead of the obstacles that come up along the way. If you need outside help, an agency like Interrupt Media is one option.
Link building is one of the most effective ways to improve rankings, but it takes real effort to do well in practice. Tools like MarketSnare offer enterprise-grade SEO and marketing features and a range of services to fit different budgets. With a defined plan in place, your company can grow more quickly.
FAQ
What should I include on my Google My Business listing?
Include an address that matches your other online presences and a localized business name that matches your store signage. Fill in every field carefully, since consistency across the web is what helps your ranking.
Do online reviews affect local search rankings?
Yes. Positive reviews on Google and on third-party sites like Yelp and Facebook are a key part of local SEO. Google’s Local Search Algorithm treats reviews as a ranking signal, and they also help bring in more customers.
What are local SEO citations?
Citations are listings of your business name, address, and phone number on other websites, including directories, industry-specific sites, and Google itself. They improve your rankings in local search, build your reputation, and can increase traffic and sales.
Related coverage
- Unlock the Power of SEO for Your Business
- SEO for Business Owners: Boosting Your Visibility in the Online World
