The #1 Ultimate Guide to Awesome Local SEO with Your Google Business Profile

In today’s competitive online landscape, local SEO is crucial for businesses looking to get ahead of the competition. This comprehensive guide will provide you with the latest tips and strategies for optimizing your website content, acquiring local inbound links, managing citations, and leveraging reviews to improve your local search rankings.

On-Page Signals for Local SEO

Part 1: Website Content and How to Write It

1. Focused Page: Create a dedicated page on your site for the search term you want to rank for.
2. Clear NAP Display: Ensure your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) are displayed on all pages, using Schema Markup for local businesses.
3. Relevant Content: Write content about your business and the local area, using natural language.
4. Answer Customer Questions: Ensure your page provides the best answer to the question your customer is asking.
5. Memorable Site: Make your site memorable and easy to navigate.
6. No Marketing Fluff: Avoid using marketing jargon and focus on providing value.

Part 2: Website Content Optimization

1. Optimize Elements: Use the same keyword phrase in each element, with the Title Tag being the most weighted.
2. Title Tag: Place the keyword phrase at the beginning, and avoid putting your business name first.
3. H1 Heading: Keep it short, conversational, and to the point.
4. Content: Write informative content about the local area, not just sales-focused content.
5. Image Alt Text: Include targeted keywords and location keywords in the alt text.
6. URLs: Use the same approach as alt text for URLs.
7. Meta Description: Include targeted keywords and location keywords in the meta description.
8. Blog: Set up a blog in a subfolder like “/blog/” and focus on providing informational content for your local audience.

Local SEO Inbound Links

1. Quality Local Links: Prioritize quality links from local businesses over high DA links.
2. NoFollow Links: NoFollow links are still valuable for local SEO authority.
3. Low Authority Local Sites: These sites can help improve your ranking.
4. Competitor Analysis: Check your competitors for local backlinks and aim for unique links.
5. Consistency: Ensure consistency in your NAP across the web.

Citations

1. NAP: Ensure your Name, Address, and Phone number are consistent across the web.
2. Business Directories: Use structured citations in business directories.
3. Unstructured Citations: Mention your NAP in blog posts or news articles.
4. Map Pack: Citations are crucial for the Map Pack.
5. Aggregators: Submit your NAP to primary aggregators.
6. Google Search: Check the first two pages of Google Search for NAP consistency.

Reviews

1. Number of Reviews: More reviews can improve your ranking.
2. Keyword Usage: Ensure your keywords appear in customer reviews.
3. Review Frequency: Keep reviews coming slowly and steadily.
4. Review Scores: Aim for a score between 4.2 and 4.6.
5. Responding to Reviews: Address both positive and negative reviews professionally.
6. Review Diversity: Encourage reviews on sites other than Google.

Getting More Good Reviews

1. Ask for Reviews: Request feedback from your clients and direct them to multiple review sites.
2. Proactive Follow-up: Use QR codes and email requests and monitor review sites.
3. Respond to Negative Reviews: Address negative reviews professionally and offer solutions.
4. Avoid Fake Reviews: Never create fake reviews or use review services.

Google Business Profile

1. Complete Profile: Fill in every section of your Google Business Profile.
2. Business Name: Use your actual business name.
3. Address: For service-based businesses, the address may need clarification.
4. Phone Number: Use local phone numbers.
5. Linking: Link to your home page or specific location.
6. Media: Upload high-quality photos and videos regularly.
7. Google Posts: Use Google Posts to promote your business and stand out from competitors.

Google GBP Q&A

1. Attention to Q&A: Monitor and participate in the Q&A section of your Google Business Profile.
2. Upvoting: Encourage upvotes on questions and answers to keep them at the top.
3. FAQ Page: Use the Q&A section as a pre-site FAQ page.

Following these tips and strategies can optimize your local SEO efforts and get ahead of the competition. Remember, consistency and quality are key to achieving long-term success in local search rankings.