In SEO circles, there is a very common saying.
“SEO helps bring all sizes and types of businesses to a level playing field.”
And surely you can try to compete with the international bigshots in your industry for the top spot in Google SERPs.
But, you don’t need to scrape your knees in the big “level” playing field when you can comfortably play in small local parks.
Local SEO helps you do that.
Now, what is local SEO?
Local SEO is your ticket to local competition, local rankings, and local gains.
As the name suggests, local SEO helps you rank for local searches. You optimize your website to show up for queries that include a locational keyword. Safari Digital LA notes that local SEO conversion rates are significantly higher than other SEO campaigns due to customers wanting a local, immediate solution.
For example, if you have a clothing store in New Jersey, you optimize your page in a manner that signals Google to rank your site for searches that pertain to NJ. Same goes if you are from Canada, you will be looking to attract Canadian traffic, or better yet, city-specific traffic, like Toronto. That’s why it’s best to hire a local SEO company Toronto area if you are based there, it’s much easier to communicate when you are neighbors.
Why does my business need local SEO services?
A lot of people assume that local SEO takes you out of the bigger competition. It is also not uncommon to believe that if you focus on local SEO, you’d be losing out on website traffic, conversions, and sales.
But the truth is that choosing to go local instead of global doesn’t mean a trade-off.
Instead, you are streamlining your efforts.
Concentrating your resources on audiences with the most conversion potential.
And, of course, cutting down on unrewarding activities.
If you have a local business, you need local SEO. And it is not just about being in your lane and focusing on just the local audience. It is also about amping up your local business ROIs.
How Can Local SEO Services Maximize Local Business ROI?
Here are 7 ways in which local SEO can maximize your ROI – either by reducing costs or raising returns.
Read on to know why availing of local SEO services is akin to hitting the jackpot.
1. You Rank Higher – Customer’s Trust in Your Business Increases
The main purpose of SEO is to help you rank higher in Google’s search result pages. And with local SEO you rank higher for local keywords.
When people see your website on top of the web, they know that Google believes your website is a suitable match for their query. This instills trust in them.
And you don’t need me to tell you what trust means for local businesses. The returns are many and manifold.
More repeat customers.
Higher average purchase orders.
Upselling and cross-selling opportunities.
More customers at a negligible acquisition cost.
The list of returns that ensue with higher customer trust runs pretty long.
2. Your CTR Increases – More People Interact With Your Website
Picture this. You run a local boutique. You implement local SEO best practices on your website. Your site ranks higher. People click on it. Check out the stuff you have on sale. And then they make up their mind about what they’d like to buy. The next day you’ve got customers requesting a specific dress. You fetch it for them, count the cash, and bid them farewell.
That’s fast and simple, right? People click on the websites they find on the first page of Google. And even if the actual purchase happens offline, interaction with your website increases engagement. And the possibility of a sale.
An increase in your click-through ratio (CTR) is a great indicator of the fact that people are now more aware of your business. And higher CTRs also mean higher offline conversions for local businesses.
3. Your Phone Rings More – Your Prospective Customers Are Striking Up Conversations
Local SEO involves mentioning on your website where you can be found. This includes your address and phone numbers.
Now, when your on-page optimization efforts help you rank higher, your phone also starts ringing.
To be honest, if I want shoes and I see Nike as the first website in SERPs, I won’t call them to ask if they can customize a pair for me. But I would definitely call a store that’s located in the nearest mall. And when they tell me they’d be happy to make the modifications, I’ll be at their store as fast as my feet take me.
That’s the standard operating procedure for most customers.
4. You Can Track Your Efforts Better – You’ll Know Your Customers Better
What’s tracking got to do with ROI?
Directly? Nothing.
But indirectly? Everything.
If you track better, you fix your mistakes. And when you fix your mistakes you either cut costs or increase revenue. In short, tracking = higher ROIs.
Local SEO helps you keep a track of everything on your website.
Are all your website visitors in the 18-30 age group? You know whom to target in the next campaign.
Do people tend to search more for chocolate trifles around 5 in the evening? You now know when you want your trifle chef to be the most attentive and not on a break.
No one in the 60+ age group has ever visited your website.
It is a clear sign that your chic cafe isn’t attracting the oldies.
You can now either stop trying to bring them in and not blast 80s music.
Or you can work harder to make them come with a Wednesday special menu for them
Either way, you’d have a better targeting strategy.
Targeting customers who are already converting or won’t ever convert is equally futile. And of course an unnecessary charge against your cash flow.
Numbers guide you to how you can reach where you want to be.
5. Your Conversion Rates Improve – You Are Starting To Rake In More Money
If you accept online orders and bookings, local SEO can be the much-needed shot in the arm for your conversion rates.
Home delivery, scheduled pick-up, and appointments make life simpler for you as well as your customers. And if your website ranks for local keywords, people will gladly accept the deals you offer.
Bargain hunting happens online now. The billboard might not grab as many qualifying eyeballs as your website could if it ranks in SERPs.
6. Your Storefront Is Bustling – More Money Coming Your Way
I saw your website.
I read reviews about your store.
Your address showed up in my near me search.
When your customers start telling you things along these lines, know that your local SEO efforts are reaping results.
Higher visibility on the web directly translates to more visitors to your shop.
And even if people don’t make purchases right away, the fact that they are coming down to your store is proof that they are inside your sales funnel.
Claiming your Google My Business Page, getting your business reviewed on Google Places, and using local keywords do pay off. Albeit in the form of a higher footfall in your store than your competitors.
7. Your Are Getting Popular In the Local Market – Your Advertising Budget Is Coming Down
Local SEO strategies involve getting backlinks from local websites, getting listings on local directories, and mentions on local forums.
All this creates a buzz about your business in your locale.
You are basically getting publicity free for the cost of local SEO.
And your advertising budget is coming down. And no one ever felt upset when they had to spend lesser money bills on running ads. While still getting equivalent publicity.
Get Local SEO Services Today
Okay, local SEO increases my ROI, I get it.
But why can’t I do it on my own?
Because newbie sailors don’t sail ships on their own.
Sure local SEO is more streamlined as compared to regular SEO. But it doesn’t mean it is easy.
You still need experts like those at Uplers to back you up. They have brought revolutionary turnarounds in the ROIs of several local businesses. And your business could be next on the list.
Contact their globally-based, experienced, and skilled local SEO specialists today and get started.
