Do you want to know 3 secrets about Local SEO that NOBODY but me will tell you for free? Just keep reading, and I’ll give them all to you. If you want to level up your local Search Engine Optimization, then just follow this guide, and you WILL see a boost in your rankings on all the major search engines within 24 hours.
What is “Local SEO”?
Do you know that there is a major difference between “LOCAL SEO” and the more traditional approach many Copywriters and Web Designers use? First, you have to understand the difference.
Local SEO is an approach that experts use to boost a company’s rankings on localized search engines like Google Maps. Rather than the traditional approach taken in Search Engine Optimization, you’re going to tackle this obstacle in another way.
Search engines like Google Maps will use a different set of algorithms when users search for anything “near me”. In fact, many times you will find local search results above the web results on Google without that phrase added. For example, go search for “Electricians” and Google will show you 3 local companies just under the paid results. If you want to show up in those spots, then you will have to take a targeted approach.
I’ll lay it out for you below:
1. YOU MUST HAVE REVIEWS!
Different search engines use different review sources to rank your business. I’ll walk you through the different places you need to get reviews in a bit. If you don’t have reviews, get them. It increases your brand’s credibility and exposure. So in today’s world, you need good testimonials.
2. Your Reviews Need To Be Optimized With Key Words & Phrases
Suggest to your customers that they leave you reviews with the keywords that you want to rank for. In other words: Google Maps, Bing Maps and Yahoo Maps all look at your reviews by rating and quantity, but also look for keywords within the reviews to determine relevance. Then they also factor in your website’s traditional SEO ranking before determining where to place you on the map.
Your Business Profiles Must Be Set Up Properly On Every Platform
Every place that is listed in this guide must have a fully complete profile in order to rank. If you don’t complete your setup fully, then you will not rank much better than you did before. Local search engines look for complete profiles that have all the data people want to see.
Ranking on Local Search Engines
Google Maps
First, you will sign up for a “Google My Business” profile here. Just follow the instructions there and fill out all the information. You will need your business hours, phone number, address, company name, business owner’s name, pictures that are related to your company. This is how to rank on Google Maps.
Bing Maps
Once you’re done with Google, head over to “Bing Places“. You can import a business profile to Bing Maps right from Google… But you will still need to go over everything and fill in some information. You’ll need your address, business hours, and pictures in PNG or JPEG format.
Yahoo Maps
Last, you will go to “Yelp for Business” and create a business listing. This will help you rank on Yahoo Maps. You can then go to yext.com and verify the business through Yahoo.
Where You Need Reviews
Now that you have all your business listings created, you will need to know how to boost them. Remember that having reviews isn’t enough. The reviews must have keywords in them that will help you rank for your niche. For example: a review about an electrician should say “Best electrician in town” or something similar in order to help you rank.
- Google Maps uses Google reviews.
- Bing Maps uses Facebook reviews.
- Yahoo Maps uses Yelp reviews.
That’s All Folks
And that’s the 3 major secrets you can use to effectively boost your rankings in 24 hours.