Optimizing for Local Search Helps Small Businesses
Owning a small business is exciting, but for some people their business is overshadowed by the big box stores that everyone knows. When this happens, it often means the smaller companies are forced out of business. However, most people, before going shopping, do an online search for the product. If the small business’s website is properly optimized for local search, though, their website will outrank the big box stores. This can easily draw in new customers.
Proper optimization of the website will include putting information on the website that relates to the region. For example, if people are running a camping gear website, they will want to have the camping gear listed, but also include their location. This way people have a chance to draw in the local visitors as well as regional viewers.
Today, it’s almost second nature to use our smart phones when we are looking for a business or service. The phone is usually within our reach, and companies need to understand how important it is to be at the top for Local Search. By properly optimizing for Local, a company can be listed inside the “3-pack”. This listing shows a map with pins, and for those inside the 3-pack the mobile searcher can call or find directions to the business without clicking past the search screen. How convenient is that?
And how much business are those who are NOT in the 3-pack losing to their competition who are there?
Local Search optimization is a different process from, but complementary to, optimizing a website itself. It takes about as much time to start to see results, and so the costs are quite similar. Every business needs to start by claiming or creating their Google My Business page. It’s important to fully optimize this Google property, and keep the information up-to-date. Additionally, Google likes interaction, and they love their own properties, so consider posting here in addition to posting on Facebook.
The bottom line, however, is that optimizing for Local Search is crucial if you have a small business. Otherwise, your competition is going to garner the corner on your market.
Need help? SJSEO is here for you. Call us now at 856-471-9510, or complete our Discovery Form and we will get back to you.