In the new era of local SEO, visibility on Google has become essential. And the objective is to do everything possible to reach the famous top 3. Previously, ranking in the top results of the Google search engine was easier for retailers with natural search engine optimization. And it used to be much easier for local businesses than for national ones, due to the smaller target area. However, Google has changed the rules for local search, making it much more difficult for local businesses. In this article, we’ll look at a few tips for boosting your business’s ranking on Google.
Changes to the Google Local Pack
When you search for a local business on Google, you’ve probably already noticed the famous local pack at the top of the search results. Initially this “pack” displayed 7 local businesses, but today Google has reduced this number to 3 and a “Other addresses” tab has appeared. This tab includes all the other local businesses, but as you can imagine, very few people click on it. That’s why the top 3 of the local pack is where all businesses want to appear.
What’s more, Google has made SEO almost inaccessible to businesses in local searches. As confirmed at the recent SMX conference, Google will soon be adding paid advertising above the local pack, placing SEO-related results at the bottom of the page. This means that local SEO is starting to become competitive, with merchants fighting for a place in the top 3 of the local pack.
Claiming and optimizing your Google My Business page
The only way to increase your chances of appearing at the top of local search is to claim and optimize your Google My Business page. If your business doesn’t have a Google My Business page – now’s the time to get started! It’s more important than ever to be listed, and to make sure that all the requested information is completed: adding photos, opening hours, description with keywords, category… Having an optimized Google My Business page can significantly increase your chances of being listed at the top of local search results. Below, one of our customers Le Salon de Coiffure, which, thanks to Effilocal and its Google My Business page, is at the top of Google search results.
What about the Google+ business page?
Google+ pages are now managed from the Google My Business platform. Although Google+ isn’t one of the most important social networks, being active on your Google+ page remains a solution for being visible, and will also increase your chances of climbing the rankings in Google search results.
Online reviews: the new SEO challenge
The number of online reviews is growing exponentially, becoming one of the most important assets for your business: it’s the key to SEO and customer acquisition. If you don’t actively reach out to your customers to ask for online reviews, you’ll lose visibility. Google now offers a star rating system integrated into the search engine results, enabling customers to rate businesses or services.
In fact, more than 88% of consumers read online reviews of a business or service, and rely on them to make a purchase. Even Facebook lets users leave a review about your business. So if you thought you could afford to ignore online reviews, you’re dead wrong. It’s time to start taking an interest in managing and marketing your reputation. If you don’t have the expertise, turn to an agency that specializes in this area.
Online business directories
Online business directories, such as Yelp, MerchantCircle, YellowPages and others, are there to boost your business. But why are they so important? Although people don’t spontaneously go to YellowPages to do a local search, Google updates the information in these online directories in the search engine results. It’s therefore essential to list your business or service in these directories, by optimizing the description of your activity, adding photos… And this will enable your business to be more visible in Google search results.
First, find the best online directories to list your business on. When you list yourself on these directories, make sure you fill in all the information about your business: the exact name, address and telephone number of your business (this means that “Boulevard” is seen differently from “Bld” on these directories and search engines).
We recommend that you first do a Google search on your business to see how Google has retrieved your NAP (name, address, phone). Then see how your NAP is used on other directories and on your site. Be careful, link farms are not considered quality online business directories – and these toxic backlinks can penalize you on Google. There are approximately 100 quality online directories that search engines consult for local business information.
Ranking in local searches, more difficult than ever
This is a reality. Ranking well on Google for local search is becoming increasingly difficult. These days, you’re not just up against your competitors for local SEO, but also against Google AdWords customers who are also propelled to the top of the search results. So don’t wait any longer to set up a local search strategy, refine it and find ways to improve your ranking. Effilocal can help.
Visit our website for more information: www.effilocal.com Source: https://www.geomarketing.com/local-businesses-how-to-rank-your-business-website-in-google-local-search-results
