Local SEO: How can you increase your Google rankings?
We know Google changes it’s algorithm and ranking system all the time so let’s look at some key things you can do right now on your Google Business profile to become more visible in local searches….
✅ Ensure your profile is complete and when I say complete I mean every section. Pay particular attention to your bio and use all characters (don’t forget your keywords – these should be researched)
✅ Add photos and videos to your profile of your services/products, offices, team, branding, customer stories and company news
✅ Does your profile information match your other listings around the web – opening hours, contact info, address details etc… it’s important they are all match
✅ Does your address need to visible if you work from home? Absolutely not, it is actually illegal to add your home address to your profile. Not having your address visible will not affect your rankings
✅ Keep your profile up to date with any new information about your business
✅ Encourage, manage and respond to reviews – high-quality, positive reviews from your customers can improve your business visibility
✅ Don’t forget to regularly post news and insights to show off your skills. Yes, you can post onto your Google Business account just like you would on your social media channels and they feature in results
How our team of local SEO and content experts help businesses appear top of Google –
- Help setting up their Google Business account and ensure it meets best practices and has a good chance of appearing against your competition
- Write good website copy. Your website content should include all your keywords. Keywords are researched to ensure you are tapping into the most searched for queries on Google.
- Include Google maps. Google maps can be embedded onto your website (usually on the contact page) to help Google pick up your location
- Include your location in your footer. Having your location and/or full address here again will support your local visibility
- Get listed in external directories like Yell, Trip Advisor, Trust Pilot with a link back to your website
- Build local, external links back into websites. Exploring the opportunities to feature on local business hub websites, local PR, other local businesses where we can feature their website etc…
- Encourage Google reviews and set up other review sites like Trip Advisor and/or Trust Pilot. As we mentioned before, make sure to manage and respond to reviews.
