Local search engine optimization (SEO) is vital for businesses that primarily serve a specific geographic area. A strategy that combines local keywords with more general search terms, local SEO allows you to reach your target audience exactly where they are.
In the past, getting listed in a few online directories was enough to drive local traffic to your site, but that strategy is inadequate and ineffective in today’s hyper-competitive online world. Today, the only way to beat the competition and move up the ranks in search engines is to develop custom local content.
Generating content that highlights your business while marketing it to a specific area is an effective way to increase organic visibility, drive people to your site and keep them there.
Here are some of the most impactful types of content to boost your local SEO:
1. Create Landing Pages for Cities
It is nearly impossible to get high search engine rankings without location web pages. Creating a separate, dedicated page for each location your business serves is the single best way to target that area.
2. Dedicate Landing Pages for Your State or Region
Broaden your reach even more by creating landing pages that specifically target your state or region. If you have multiple locations throughout a geographic area, focus on building landing pages for a larger region at first, then tackle pages for each city.
3. Develop FAQ Pages
People don’t want to trudge through massive blocks of content or page after page to find what they need. Give them the answers they are searching for while enhancing your SEO by creating an FAQ page.
4. Offer Discounts and Specials
Everyone loves a good deal, and you’ll like the way offering a discount or special drives traffic to your site. Personalize your offer to the needs of local residents or consider building a “locals only” page on your site. The content you create will not only increase your SEO but also make your audience feel appreciated.
5. Host Events in Your Area
Hosting an event drives awareness about your business and services, and putting it on your website gives you serious SEO help. No matter your industry, you can host an event that appeals to your audience while showing off what makes you unique. Whether it is a workshop, lecture, class or even just a social event, make sure it is advertised on your website to get the maximum benefits.
6. Keep Your Blog Active
Too many businesses create blogs and abandon them after a few months. Blogging is one of the best ways to increase your SEO. If you’re stuck on ideas, consider sharing a business announcement, highlighting a team member, answering questions from social media, sharing a testimonial from a satisfied customer or showing off a new project completed. At The SEO Contractor, we update our blog every month to keep content fresh and relevant.
7. Put a Human Face on Your Business
Your website is one of the primary tools you have for showing what makes your business unique. Don’t ruin the opportunity by using a cookie-cutter template. Create content that puts a human face on your business, like blurbs about your team, why you chose your business location or what you love about doing business in the area. If you do it right, you’ll not only make your business more personable, but you’ll boost your rankings in the process.