The term SEO, search engine optimization, has been around since 1997, six years after the first website was created. After 26 years, we are still hearing the phrase SEO being used whenever digital marketing is brought up, but it can be easy to think that after all this time, SEO should be irrelevant, right? Technology moves so quickly that something that old should not be a concern, but even now, in 2023, local SEO is one of the leading reasons people are able to find businesses when searching on Google.
Local SEO has only become more essential as time passes as people are using their phones to search for where things are and how to contact their local businesses and favorite companies. If your local SEO does not represent you to the best of its ability, you are missing out on potential customers.
The Short Answer, Yes
Believe it or not, local SEO still matters in 2023. If you have a brick-and-mortar business, local SEO is your way to best connect with your customers and be at the top of their Google page.
Local SEO is your ability to improve the search engine visibility of your business. Search engines rely on the information fed to them to be able to show viewers the most relevant and factual information possible. This information comprises local content, social media pages, links, citations, and other data that can help keep the business top of mind when a search of the area occurs.
But Why?
Whether you own a coffee shop, tech repair store, or health clinic, you want people to be able to find you when they search for “chiropractor near me” or “best coffee in Kansas City.” This can only be done if your local SEO is updated and correct. Almost half of all Google searches are seeking local information. If you are not providing local information, you are missing out on all of those potential eyes.
Ultimately, local SEO is an essential component of online marketing. It is your chance to increase your visibility online, reach potential customers, and drive more traffic to your business and website without even having to do much leg work. Once you have your information correct within local SEO, all you need to do is keep it updated and continue to be successful outside of it.
Here Is How to Optimize Your Local SEO
There are some simple ways to optimize your local SEO to ensure it is there for all to see when people search for relevant content.
1. Ensure You Have a Google Business Profile in the First Place
Your profile is your chance to speak to your future customers before they step through your doors– ensure they have everything they need to find you. This is where your phone number, address, hours, pictures, and other information can be found.
2. Check Your Local Citations
The best thing you can do for yourself is to ensure that anything like an address, email, phone number, or other contact information is the same (and correct) on your website, social media, and Google business profile. Your name, address, and phone number are your identity, don’t let yourself or anyone who mentions you mess those up.
3. Make Your Content Valuable
Google no longer solely relies on keywords to bring up your business but on what they think the searcher really wants to see. To achieve this, it is important to establish your business as a reliable and knowledgeable authority in your industry. If someone searches “Best coffee in Kansas City,” Google will not just show every coffee shop but the coffee shop with the best Google reviews, social proof, and badges.
Local SEO 100% still matters in 2023. Have you checked on yours in a while? Don’t worry; we can help you get your local SEO to the next level. If you have questions or want to see your local SEO soar, contact the team at Lillian James Creative.