What are Local SEO Services? Who Needs Local SEO? | StoryTime SEO

Many people have heard of SEO, but the concept is as foreign to them as the latest TikTok dance trend. Local SEO is important for small business owners with stores or locations - people need to find you and local SEO makes that easier. Let’s explore local SEO, and how it can help your small or medium sized business attract more business and make more money.

What is Local SEO?

Local SEO is search engine optimization focused entirely on making a webpage more visible on local Google Search Results. What does this look like? When a customer searches for a similar business or service that you provide, using the Google “Near Me” function, your business will appear before other businesses without Local SEO Optimization.

What is a Local SEO Company or Agency?

A local SEO agency or company focuses on boosting your website ranking on local SEO. A few of the benefits of focusing on local SEO or using a local SEO company include:

• Local SEO is part of a cost-effective, long-term marketing strategy

• SEO will expand your business’ online reach

• Keep up with Google Algorithm changes

• Attract more local customers

• Local SEO means an optimized Google Business Profile

• Learn from experienced professionals

• Local SEO helps you higher in Google Search results

• Get more online reviews

• Local SEO helps attract local customers and build local reputation

• SEO agencies or consultants watch your SEO and website for vital updates or issues

• SEO will help you keep ahead of the competition in your area

• Reach more motivated customers

• SEO is proven to reduce overall marketing and operating costs

Who Needs Local SEO Services?

Any business that has a physical location or serves a specific geographic area needs local SEO. Forbes article “You and Your Business Have 7 Seconds to Make a First Impression," says that it takes only 7 seconds for people to make a solid first impression of you after meeting. The internet is even more unforgiving, with potential customers only considering your business for as little as 50 milliseconds before moving on or committing to your business.

SEO is the best way to capitalize on that fractional amount of time, and make sure your store is at least in the running when customers are searching for a business “near me.”

Some examples of businesses that rely on the Google “Near Me” function, and therefore local SEO, to be successful.

1. Self Storage Facilities - Self storage facilities have traditionally relied on being highly visible from a major highway to attract business. Now they rely on being highly visible on Google when people search for “self storage near me.”

2. Churches & Non-Profits - Churches and nonprofits rely largely on the community for members, donations and volunteers. Most people choose to volunteer or attend worship near their homes - meaning that when they are searching for some goodness, you want to be one of the first options on Google Search Results.

3. Food & Beverage Services - Restaurants, bars and wineries rely on their websites to attract customers unless they are in a central location - and then they have a lot of competition. Local SEO can help F&B by pushing their listing up the Google Search Results, making you more visible when people are hungry and thirsty - in real-time. Global SEO is also especially important for F&B in tourist areas, where reservations are required before a visit. SEO can help make your site more visible to groups, bridal parties and visitors who are researching where to eat, drink and spend money when they are in your area.

1. Physicians & Clinics - Local SEO is important for doctors who are operating their own practices and rely on local searches to attract more patients. Many doctors even allow online appointment booking and tele-appointments. There is no excuse for not investing in making sure your website comes up first in an emergency.

Ways to optimize Local SEO for FREE!

1. If you don’t have a Google Business Profile, create one!

2. Make sure your website is connected to your Google Business Profile.

3. Claim your business on Yelp - why not? We all read Yelp!

4. Download a SEO Starter Pack from a reputable source to get started learning

What are Local SEO Services? | StoryTime SEO | End of Story

It’s smart to do some research to learn the basics of SEO before you make any decisions or take any action. Doing your SEO optimizations incorrectly could easily hurt your website and your business. While SEO hasn’t been available to small business owners in the same way it is to big companies, now it is. Reach out to a StoryTime SEO Consultant today, to get more information on how to optimize your website for better local Google Search Results - or go into national or international marketing & SEO - we do it all.