During its lifetime, SEO has changed many times. The changes are drastic that people need to learn to think of it as less of a marketing tactic, and more of a branding play. And since search engines continued their commitment to improve their algorithms, many companies are making a renewed commitment to develop solid SEO infrastructure that is search-engine friendly.
Investing in organic SEO is important because your business needs to have SEO strategy in order to succeed in terms of online marketing via search engines. Despite the difficulties facing the lack of organic keywords, SEO is still regarded as one of the most important components for online presence in pursuit for branding a business.
Some of the reasons why your business should invest in organic SEO are because search engines are still developing. SEO is also cost-effective if compared to the costs associated with other forms of online marketing (PPC). The rise of bandwith and local search optimization means that search engines are grabbing more market share.
Local SEO is somewhat of a confusing topic and always has been. However, it doesn't need to be complicated, and you just need a well-rounded local strategy to ensure your local SEO strategy works like you want it to be.
With the internet's reach widened, more and more people are using search engines and their mobile devices to find the things they like. And when it comes to competing with others in search engines, it's more than necessary to improve your local and regional visibility.
Although with the internet, your business can be seen from the other part of the globe in real time, the most potential customers you have are those that are nearest from you. And that also applies to customers: if what they want is close to them, they have less reasons to look any further.
Below is a list of the most popular strategy regarding local SEO:
Create Local Places Pages. The first step is to have a local page for the three major search engines (Google, Yahoo! and Bing). You need to fill out your business information such as your business location, contact number, etc..
Optimize and Categorize Your Page. Create a list of details about your business, and then categorize it correctly. Several local search engines offer you the ability to place your business into 2-5 categories to help them understand what your business does. This is because some search engines may not display a business that is not categorized.
Business Citations. Make sure that all your information is filled out and you have a consistent name, address and phone data for your business across all listings. If your business is already listed, you need to claim the listing (citation).
Online Reviews. Search engines look at reviews as a major factor of ranking. Reviews are quick and easy ways for potential consumers to decide which link to click. There are many different ways to improve your number of reviews. The most important thing is to be natural and don’t fake any reviews or offer any gifts for those giving you reviews. You can ease visitors to leave a review by offering the feature that prompts visitors to leave a review after purchasing something of visiting a particular landing page. You can also talk with people about leaving a review.
Quality Photos. When people are searching for local businesses, beside than just all the necessary information from your business, they also want to see photos. Most local accounts, including Google+ Local allow you to upload pictures. Take the most out of it.
Optimize Your Website. Your website is one of the most important aspect in local search, beside than things being said about your site around the web. Your website should be the most legitimate way for people to have your most updated information. Make sure you have your contact information and preferably a phone number somewhere on your website. It's also important to try and include city or regional keywords wherever possible and write content that is specific to your local area.
When competing for the local market, the competitors in your area are your main rivals. If your business is in a competitive niche, then the competition can be really difficult for many entities to gain its market share. And if your business niche is not that competitive, your business will only win if you know how to monitor your competitors' success and failure.