Local SEO for retailers

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It's important for a local retailer to dominate local search - and to do so with local SEO

Customers in your region are looking for products, and they want those products as soon as possible. So what do they do? They search for those products on search engines, and they're likely to choose the option that ranks first on Google. For this reason, a large part of your company's success depends on what you do in terms of the Search engine optimization do 

So if you're a local retailer looking for ways to increase your SEO strategy to boost and expand your business, then you should read on - because in this article we have most important aspects of local SEO covered. By the end of this article you will know everything about Local SEO, as well as 5 things you should consider in order for your retail business to be successful online and be found by local consumers.

What is Local SEO?

First things first - what is Local SEO? And why does it matter for your business? Before we get into everything else, it's crucial for a local retailer to know the answers to these two questions.

The core of local search engine optimization is to ensure that local businesses in particular become visible in their local environment. No matter how well established you are in real life, you have no chance of making your mark online if your online presence is not there. Ultimately, the only way you can generate the sales you want these days is through your online presence. 

Why is Local SEO important?

A local retailer needs to understand that Local SEO is important because local search is becoming more and more important. Don't believe us? Then let me present you some amazing statistics: 

  • Fifty percent of people who do a local search on their cell phone will visit the same store on the same day.
  • 18 percent of local searches by phone result in a purchase within a day.
  • 78 percent of local searches over the phone resulted in offline purchases.

As a local retailer, you may therefore do not slacken and your Optimize Local SEO! You have a variety of options to bring your business to the top for Local SEO even for free and without prior knowledge.

5 important things you need to know as a retailer

What are the top 5 things you need to know about Local SEO as a local retailer? 

1. Google My Business is your best friend.

The first thing every local retailer should know is the functionality of Google My Business. Google My Business is a free business listing provided by Google and comes with many useful features. Google My Business allows local retailers to manage their online presence in Google Maps and Google Search. 

Google My Business is really amazing because it helps potential customers find out your business hours, address, contact details and photos of your products and services. It also helps people post reviews that your customers can view before they contact you as a brand.

Google My Business makes it easier for you to reach local consumers, answer all their questions and lead them to your business. 

2. Nothing works better than regular reviews from satisfied customers. 

You need to know that there is no better advertising than word of mouth. As a local retailer, you also need to understand that this is also the case when it comes to the online world and Local SEO. 

An important aspect of your local SEO strategy would be to have many positive reviews of your customers ready for your potential customers. When they see that you as a company are so accommodating and customer-oriented, they will automatically be more willing to buy from you.

Remember, Google loves you when you are loved! So when the algorithm notices the positive response and increased engagement from your audience, you are more likely to appear higher up.

3. Content that relates to your location is helpful.

What better way to reach a local audience than to provide them with content they can relate to? It goes without saying that content that addresses local issues will resonate much more with local customers. 

Therefore, don't be afraid to add a local flair to your content! Refer to the sights of your place, the culture you share with your customers, and other things that will help you appeal to people from the immediate area.

Local SEO - Optimize your ads with information about the surrounding area, culture or places of interest.
Optimize their ads with information about the surrounding area, culture or places of interest. (Image: searchenginejournal.com)

4. A mobile-friendly website will bring you more customers.

Another thing local customers really want is to get information on the go. Imagine someone from your neighborhood walking around the area where your bakery is located. Suddenly he gets a craving for cake! 

The first thing they'll probably do is pull out their phone and search Google for bakeries near them. If your website is optimized for mobile devices, they'll be able to see that you offer the best cakes near them and will definitely find their way to you. On the other hand, if your website is not mobile-friendly and distorts as soon as it is opened on a mobile screen, the customer will definitely go to another option.

How well your website performs on mobile is extremely important - especially for local retailers. Therefore, to ensure that your local SEO strategy is not compromised, you need to make sure that your website is fully optimized for mobile devices.

5. sign up for online directories.

Last but not least, local retailers need to know the importance of online directories. Not only will they help you improve your online presence, but they can also give your local visibility a much-needed boost. 

With a presence in online directories, you can easily increase your organic growth and target a local audience like never before. Therefore, it's time to turn to platforms like Yelp, Tripadvisor and Golocal if you want your business to succeed. You should also make sure that all the information in these directories, such as the phone number, the opening hours and the address, is entered the same everywhere.

Closing words

So - now you know what the importance of local search engine optimization is all about and what are the 5 things you absolutely need to know as a local retailer. If you want to take your SEO strategy to the next level, start focusing on local SEO today. And you know what will help you do that? rankingCoach! Run Brand Monitoring with the free app rankingCoach FREE and monitor your company as well as your competition to become more visible step by step!

Author:

Joshua Schofield

Joshua Schofield is marketing content manager for rankingCoach Cologne. For the past ten years, he has worked in content creation, digital marketing and corporate education. He holds a master's degree in American History from the University of Nottingham.

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