One of the forecasts this year for SEO is that search results are going to be more personalised. Aside from the traditional ranking factors, the user’s information like interests and location also comes into play when search engines generate results for a particular query.

This strategy is not actually new. In fact, it has been here for a decade. Moreover, as far back as 2011, a study revealed that 50% of Google search results are personalised.

While personalisation is not foreign to many website owners and SEO specialists, some are worried about its impact on organic search results. They say that personalising search result is a bane to SEO efforts. The thing is, there are strategies you can do for your page to end up on the personalised search results. One of them is to make local SEO a part of your overall SEO approach.

Why Local SEO Matters

User location is one of the information taken into consideration when a search engine comes up with user-tailored search results. For example, if an individual made an online query about ‘professional house painters’, the results would list painting companies found in the general vicinity of where the individual is. If your page is optimised for local search, then it can end up on the results and increase your site’s chances of getting visitors.

Having a strong local SEO strategy now is also highly recommended, especially with people relying more on their mobile devices. According to a report, over 33% of mobile searches are related to location. Furthermore, 50% of mobile users that make a local search of an establishment end up visiting the place on the same day. Given these facts, ranking high on local search should be a priority for your website to be more visible for the growing number of mobile users and for your physical shop to have higher foot traffic.

What Can You Do to Rank Higher on Local SEO?

Have a Google My Business (GMB) Page

Having a listing on the Google My Business (GMB) page can give your brand the exposure it needs to improve its visibility on local searches. Whatever information you input here may be displayed in Google+, Google Maps and Google Search.

So, if you have not claimed your GMB page yet, make sure to do so ASAP. After all, it is free; hence, it makes no sense to ignore this opportunity to have a listing on the most widely used search engine in the world.

However, do not just stop at claiming your GMB page; make sure you optimise it, too. Provide pertinent information about your business such as a description of it, its address, the operating hours, etc. In addition, do not forget to add at least three images relevant to your company such as your logo, physical shop, products and/or services.

Get Online Reviews

Online reviews influence people’s decisions. A study reported that over 80% of people trust reviews they read online. Hence, it is important that you have positive reviews on your listings, especially on your GMB page. If someone searches for your company, these reviews would appear on Google. When other people read the glowing recommendations from your clients, your company’s credibility increases and it becomes more attractive to potential customers.

Moreover, getting positive reviews can help improve your local SEO rankings. This is because Google said that the visibility of businesses improves if they get good reviews from their clients.

So, do not hesitate to ask your customers for reviews. According to a study, 70% of clients are open to providing feedback if asked by companies.

Get Your Business Listed on Top Business Directories

Apart from the GMB page, make sure that your company is found on other popular online business directories like Yelp and on trusted local directories. Having profiles on various directories can help you reach more potential clients.

Just a reminder, it is important that you are consistent with the information you provide on various listings, especially for your business name, address and phone number (NAP). When different sets of information appear on each listing, Google may end up displaying the incorrect data. Worst, because of the conflicting details, your company may not show up in search results. Therefore, always double check the information before submitting them.

With a good local SEO strategy, your business can have a strong online local presence, gain more clients and generate higher revenues.

To learn more about how to rank higher on local search results, call us at 089 466 2000 or 01 960 9023.