Many solopreneurs and new business owners want to manage their own local SEO. They aren’t big enough to hire a marketing company but they also want visibility. If you are a brand new company, it’s important to build your online reputation. Below are five dos and don’ts to effectively manage your local SEO.

Dos

  1. Google Profile Listing: Your Google Profile is one of the most important aspects of Local SEO. Optimizing the Google Profile to ensure your listing is complete and accurate, including your business name, address, phone number, and operating hours is essential. Regularly update your profile with fresh content, such as posts, photos, and offers.
  2. Reviews: Encourage your customers and clients to leave positive reviews on your Google Profile and other relevant platforms. Be sure to respond to all reviews, both positive and negative, in a professional manner.
  3. Optimize for Local Keywords: Research and use local keywords relevant to your business and area in your website content, titles, and meta descriptions. Keywords like “near me” or “your service” in “your city” can be highly effective.
  4. Create Local Content: Google loves new relevant content! Creating and publishing content relevant to your local audience might include local news, events, or information about your services that cater to the local businesses or consumers.
  5. Mobile-Friendly Website: When you build a new website, review it on your cell phone, tablet and computer. Oftentimes, it may look great on one platform but not the other. With the increasing use of mobile devices for searches, especially for local businesses, having a mobile-friendly website is essential. Ensure your site is responsive and loads quickly on all devices.

Don’ts

  1. Name-Address-Phone Consistency: Don’t neglect NAP consistency! Your company’s Name, Address and Phone Number (NAP) must be consistent across all online websites, social media and directory listings. Inconsistencies will confuse search engines and potential customers.
  2. Local Backlinks: Don’t ignore the importance of gaining backlinks from other local businesses and organizations. An example might be a link from a local chamber or other networking organization to your website. These links can positively impact your local seo efforts.
  3. Keywords: Keywords are important but avoid stuffing your content with keywords. This practice can harm your SEO as search engines prefer natural, user-friendly and relevant content over keyword-saturated text.
  4. Social Media: Don’t ignore social media! Failing to maintain an active social media presence can hurt your local SEO. Social media signals are considered by search engines and can affect your visibility.
  5. Local Directories: Local directories allow the search engines to verify your company through various listings! Use those sites to improve your Local SEO.

While this does not encompass everything involved in Local SEO, following these dos and don’ts will help you start to manage your local SEO, making it easier for customers in your area to find your business.

If you need help, reach out to us through our online chat or call us at (561) 276-4422 and ask for Allison.