07 Jul SEO Drives Florida Local Businesses to the Top

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is an essential component of any successful online presence. Whether you are an attorney, in the medical field, a beauty salon or any other local service provider, SEO is a necessary step if you want a high-ranking search result in Google.

Local SEO is a way for search engines to offer the most relevant results to users, which are calculated according to location data. This is a great advantage for local businesses because the competition is smaller, hence having a greater possibility of ranking well in the SERPs (search engine results page), which increases the likelihood of sales.

Google displays local search results in two ways: a listing format or the new Google carousel. The carousel format has organic and paid listing, and also comprises a map plotted with local destinations. The list provides easily accessible information, such as: address, phone number, and reviews.

Here are a few ways to improve your businesses local search results:

1. Create your local page.

Go to Google’s dedicated site and sign in. From there, you will be prompted to claim your business. If your business already exists within the database, then you must ‘claim’ it.

2. Categorize.

Once you establish your local page, Google will prompt you to select an appropriate category. This is a vital step, as miscategorized or uncategorized businesses do not show up in the SERPs. Once you determine your primary category, you will have options to further specify your business in up to nine additional categories.

3. Consistency.

It is important that your business is accurately represented across the web. This means that all NAP data (name, address, and phone number) must be the same throughout all accounts, directory listings, and any associations with your business. Once again, if your business has been previously listed elsewhere on the web, it is your responsibility to claim that listing, take ownership and make sure all the information is accurate.

4. Saturation.

Make sure that your website is ‘saturated,’ in that it appears in multiple web directories where people search for businesses. Use a tool such as Moz Local to determine whether your site is appearing in the local directories.

5. Page Optimization.

After you complete your local listing, it is important to analyze every aspect and make it as appealing as possible. Create keyword rich content with great pictures. Make sure your NAP is filled out and everything is easily understood.

6. Inbound Links.

Part of content creation is getting inbound links. Inbound links serves as a virtual “vote of confidence” whereby other sources (especially authoritative ones), share a link to your sight, in turn increasing your page authority and Google ranking.

7. Reviews.

Reviews are important for your business, creating an aura of social proof that provides a reputation and encourages more business and participation. Although currently not a huge factor in local search, it is anticipated to grow more important in the future.

8. Outsource your SEO.

SEO takes diligence and commitment, both because search engines require fresh content to rank well, and because competition increases daily. If maintaining your rank is too much work for you, consider outsourcing this vital task to a SEO company, which can anticipate and manage all of your marketing needs.