Local SEO means optimising your website to ensure that your business ranks higher in “geo-based” search engine results—results based on one’s physical location. For example, if someone in Geelong entered the terms “best plumber Geelong,” a Geelong-based plumber would hope to appear among the top search results in order to earn that individual’s local business.

Why is local search engine optimisation so important?

The numbers speak for themselves:

• 78% of mobile searches for local businesses lead to offline sales
• 46% of all searches on Google are local
• 50% of consumers who do a local search from a smartphone visit a local business within 24 hours
• 34% of consumers who do a search from their tablet or computer also visit that business within one day
• 18% of local searches from a mobile device lead to a sale within 24 hours

Needless to say, appearing in a local search is imperative for any small business, especially brick-and-mortar storefronts.

Even if your business is primarily online, tapping into your local customer base is just smart business. This means that if you happen to be a digital marketer in the Torquay area, you can boost your local leads through local SEO while also pursuing national/international leads.

So, where do you start?

First Steps for Local SEO

1. Create a Google+ Local Page

   The first step is to set up a Google+ Local page for your local business. Since its local pages are fully integrated into Google’s search listings, mobile apps, and maps, this makes it easier for clients to find you.

   Make sure that your business is categorised correctly on your page! For example, if you wish your business to appear in local search results such as “day spas on The Surf Coast,” your business has to be categorised as a day spa.

2. Match Your Local Area Code on Google+ Local Page with Your City

   Listing a phone number with a local area code as your primary number is an important best practice for local search engine optimisation. This simple step helps potential clients find you more easily while boosting your local business ranking in search engines.

3. Include Your City or State in Your Website Title Tags

   The title tags on your webpages are extremely important for search engine optimisation. By including your city or state, it instantly communicates local relevancy and increases your local SEO ranking.

A Good Start to Local SEO

These three steps are a great start for getting a handle on local SEO. By focusing on your own local area, your business stands out of the crowd, leading to more quality leads and—ultimately—sales. In a nutshell, local search engine optimisation and your Google+ local page go hand in hand.

Of course, there’s much more to it, and we’re here to help! Contact us today for assistance with the nitty gritty of local SEO.