LOCAL SEARCH MARKETING
97% of US consumers search online when shopping for local services. If you are not taking advantage of Local SEO and PPC advertising to increase your presence online, then you should be. High rankings and top Ad placements send targeted visitors to your website and customers through your doors.
WHY SHOULD YOU INVEST IN LOCAL SEARCH?
Every day, consumers are using search engines to find information about local businesses and brands, and often-times they are doing so on-demand, with the smartphone in their pockets. Sometimes they are researching products or services before they buy; reading reviews, looking at pictures, and getting recommendations and feedback on social media. Other times they have an immediate need that they want to fulfill, such as finding a tow truck, lock smith service, or emergency plumber. Nearly every business could benefit from a top position in local search. Studies have shown that customers have been choosing local search results, also known as the Local Pack, over more traditional organic search listings and ad placements. Sixty-one percent (61%) of search users considered local search results to be more relevant, 58 percent considered them to be more trustworthy, and only 10 percent of search engine users considered paid search results relevant. It is more important than ever for local business to ensure that their brand is optimized for local search in Google Local, Yahoo Local, and Bing Business Portal. In order to dominate the search engine results (SERPs) today, business owners must adopt multi-channel approach to increase visibility and build credibility with your target market
HERE ARE THE KEYS TO LOCAL SEARCH MARKETING
Mobile-friendly Website
Develop your website with the user in mind, providing a simplified mobile experience that provides the most important elements up-front and makes then easily accessible. Use responsive design or develop a native-mobile website for even more design control.
Local Search Engine Optimization (Local SEO)
Perform onsite & offsite optimization to secure a top position and optimal display in search. This includes technical aspects such as site structure and proper markup as well as other factors like citations and boosting geo-relevancy.
Local Business Listings (Citations)
Local search listings are one of the most powerful ways for small businesses and franchises alike to market themselves online. Local business listings including reviews, maps listings, directions, photos, images and videos; all of which come together to create an extremely powerful profile for local businesses.
Online Advertising (PPC)
Local search advertising is typically focused on ads that appear as a result of local keyword searches relevant to your business, product, or service. With proper execution platforms like Google AdWords, Facebook, and Bing Ads can deliver excellent results for demand & lead generation.
Social Media
Leverage social media to start a conversation with your customer base and interact with the local community. Social Media is a great way to spread your unique message, build your brand, and drive traffic to your website and into your sales funnels.
Review Sites
Most people today read reviews before making a purchase decision. They are considered to be a trust signal and social proof that can push a buyer closer down the path to purchase. Having a strategy to generate and respond to reviews is essential to local success.
Conversion Optimization (CRO)
Sometimes having a high-quality, mobile friendly website is not enough. When your business is serious about conversions (think: landing pages), then split testing and optimizing your website can mean big improvements in phone calls, signups, and sales.
Local Deals
Offering promotions through local deals sites can increase local exposure, drive additional traffic to your website, and customers through your door.
Don’t Forget Video
Video is such a great format for storytelling and engaging an audience. Move beyond traditional advertising and leverage online video to promote your business through channels like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube (the second largest search engine by volume).
