How local SEO will help you beat the competition

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Search Engine Optimization is the life-blood of the internet. Search terms in sites like Google link your business to a query. Depending on your ranking, this could mean a business opportunity. Yet many companies don't use SEO effectively, and even less use localized optimization. However, as detailed below, local SEO will help you beat the competition in various ways.
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Puts You on the Map
There are numerous methods of implementing local SEO. However, one of the simplest and most effective is registering with Google My Business. Once completed, registration will literally place your company on the map; the Google Map. So, for example, when someone searches for "Harlow's leading plastic fabrication company", Google Maps could direct them to your establishment. Better your business than your biggest rival, who has no local SEO configuration. As a result, the potential for increased business has increased significantly since 41% of internet users use Google Maps.

Local Searching
Based on all internet users, 90% of people have previously used their favourite search engine to find a business in their local area. Local SEO helps your business appear in search results when a potential customer searches for a particular service in their town, city or country. This means they can find you and potentially use your business rather than going out of the way. Therefore, with expert SEO configuration, you can capitalize on an increasingly enhanced business opportunity for establishing your company among top local services.

Expanded SEO Information
SEO is important for increased traffic. Whether on-page, off-page, technical or local, the more SEO information you make available, the better your SERPs. Local SEO boosts these chances if you operate an establishment. However, there are many pieces of information that Google uses when ranking your site. These include:

• Whether you are on Google My Business
• Name, address and phone number
• A user's physical location when they're searching
• Keywords in your Google My Business profile
• Positive reviews versus negative reviews
• Review keywords

With enough SEO appropriately used, your site has the potential to rank at the top or on the first page of a Google search, which in turn increases the chance of user interaction.

Enhanced and Increased Traffic
SEO can significantly increase ranking and, therefore, traffic when done correctly. But it takes time and depends on specific factors. However, you encourage individuals to visit your website by focusing on potential local customers. These prospective clients may then book an appointment or visit your establishment. However, with the absence of local SEO, you risk slow or stagnant traffic based on website content. If you target local people, you can increase sales and potential new customers due to local traffic to your site.

Reviews from Customers
Customer reviews are an essential part of online business. Unfortunately, some experts estimate that up to 40% of reviews may be fake. However, customer reviews are a significant SEO signal to determine your SERP ranking. Typically, the sentiment of reviews is used to gauge the datapoint. Therefore, use them wisely. For instance, don't encourage decisions and welcome customers to leave their honest opinion of your service. You can then use negative information to indicate where you can improve the specific services you offer.

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