Unleashing the Power of Local SEO

Guest Blog Post by Melissa and Brianna, with Found Marketing Consultants

Unleashing the Power of Local SEO: A Simple Guide for Local Business Owners to be Found In Their Community

Hey there! We are Found Marketing, based in Newberg, Oregon! If you’re a local business, getting on board with online and marketing strategies is key to being found in the community and driving customers through your door!

Not sure where to start? We’ve compiled a checklist just for you to help you connect with your community and stand out online!

Branding that Communicates and Captivates

Your brand, and how you communicate with your target market, matters! Make sure your narrative resonates with locals and out-of-town visitors. Your brand is more than just a logo. It’s the overall experience you give your customers and should be evident throughout every aspect of your business. From your logo, color schemes, website and store design, communication, and more!

TIP: Here’s a guide for recognizing potential blind spots in your branding. Use something like this as a jumping off point to determine if you’re on the right track.

Claim and Optimize Your Google My Business (GMB) Listing

Think of your Google Maps listing (or Google My Business Listing) as your online storefront for your business. Did you know that you can claim your business’s maps listing on Google and add important information to help customers know you and find you? They even allow you to post announcements to your listing!

TIP: Google provides instructions for claiming your listings here, but some key things you can add to your business listing include high-quality images of your establishment, your services, operating hours, physical address, link to your website, and a custom business description.

Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) Information

Imagine going to different websites (like Yelp, Yellow Pages, Google, Apple Maps, etc.) and finding conflicting information about a business. It creates confusion!

Your NAP (name, address, and phone number) consistency across the internet boosts confidence that your business is real and reputable for both potential customers and search engines like Google. Make steps to ensure your information is showing exactly the same across the different places that it can be listed online.

Here are a few steps to complete now:

• If you haven’t already, sign up for the Keep It Local directory! Membership is free for the first 2 months. This local directory is a great way to get your information online for local customers to see you.
• Get your NAP (name, address, phone number) information up on your website! Add it to the footer of your website, and to the contact page.
• Make a plan to start claiming your listings on other directory websites. To save time and money, you can also partner with a local marketing company like us who have software that syncs your business information across all online directories quickly and easily!

Local Content and Blogging

Craft content that mirrors the heartbeat of the community, and that answers questions customers are asking! Share insights about local events, spotlight partnerships with fellow businesses, and offer guidance on experiencing the region’s gems. Extend this narrative to your social media platforms, where daily interactions can amplify your local presence.

TIP: Some online groups allow posting about your business. We know of one Facebook Group called “Newberg Dundee Community Group” that allows you to share about your business once per week! Also when you sign up for the Keep it Local Directory, they’ll follow your social media platform and re-share your posts from time to time for their followers to see!

Craft a Review Strategy

Encourage your customers to share their experiences through reviews. Positive reviews not only build trust with potential customers but also contribute to your local SEO efforts since you’re getting someone else to write about your business! Request reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor.

TIP: Make it easy for customers to leave you reviews by providing them with a QR code to your Google listing, Yelp Listing, or even to your Facebook page.

Optimize Your Website

 There’s a lot to consider when optimizing your website for Local SEO – some items more technical than others! Most importantly, think through how to make your website welcoming and easy to use. Use keywords in your content that your target market is searching for to improve your chances of showing up in the correct ways online.

TIP: Check out our post on major red flags to look out for with your website.

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By embracing the strategies outlined in this guide, you are setting your business up to unlock the true potential of Local SEO and connecting with your audience!

Still not sure where to start? Feel free to reach out to us here to discuss your marketing needs!