Implementing some SEO activities for local business can help you get to the top of the search results. With a bit of effort, you’ll see your website’s traffic increase with local visitors.
There are several key SEO activities you may do to increase your rankings on search engine result pages (SERPs) or the Google 3 Pack.
You need to ensure that you have a locally optimized website, your GMB profile is in tip-top shape and continuously updated, building NAP citations, and ultimately getting reviews.
Doing these SEO activities will propel your business to the top, and result in more potential customers. It will take some time, but stick with it because it is worth it!
What is the Google 3 pack?
Ever conduct a search for a local business on Google and see a small map with three business listings at the top?
That, my friend, is the Google 3 pack (sometimes called the local pack or the snack pack, depending on who you ask).
It is generally placed between the paid advertisements and the results on search engine result pages.
Getting your business listed in the 3 Pack is better than getting higher up on the SERPs because it is listed before the results themselves.
Being the top site in the Google 3 Pack is the best you can get without actually paying for advertising.
So how exactly do you get your local business a coveted spot on this prime Google real estate?
Stay On Top of Your GMB Profile
Your Google my business profile – in some circles – is considered more important than the website itself. This profile is what is featured on the Google 3 pack and is displayed between the paid advertisements and the search results as previously discussed.
When you do a search in Google maps for local businesses, the pins you see on the map and the results below are GMB profiles.
Your GMB profile is essentially a social media profile. it includes all basic information such as your business name, phone number, address, hours of operation, etc.
It also includes a few other features such as photos, postings, and offers. It is critical to keep these updated regularly so your profile is featured near the top of the Google 3 pack.
Google takes in several other indicators to determine the localization of your business such as your website.
Optimize Your Website for Your Local Area
Your business’s website is just one SEO activity of the overall local SEO strategy. Technically, you don’t even need a web to get on the SERPs.
When search engines crawl your website you want them to know where you’re from and who you serve.
You can do this by dropping a few hints throughout the content of your site.
One method is to create a service area page or section that specifically details where you operate. You’re really creating this to show your customers where you operate, but Google and the others love it too.
Don’t forget the surrounding area, either. If you operate in Austin, TX, you’re going to want to describe to your customers that you serve the surrounding areas such as Georgetown, Round Rock, and Cedar Park as well.
Another great way is to show off some social proof. Drop some testimonials or reviews on your site and highlight where they’re from.
As you can see already we’re starting to get some localized keywords sprinkled throughout your site.
These indicators will provide context to Google and other search engines, and more importantly your customers, as to where you operate.
Google is pretty smart, so as long as you’re speaking to your customers, it’ll figure out the rest.
Now that you have solid content on your website, it’s time to build some links.
Building NAP Citations
You may have seen these before, and GMB is one of them. NAP citations are littered throughout the internet.
NAP stands for name, address, phone number. These are business listings on various directories that make finding your small business that much easier for potential customers.
Think of them like listings in the ol’ Yellow Pages, if you can remember back that far.
Backlinks let the search engines know that your business is a credible and trustworthy local business.
However, instead of just a single phone book, there are hundreds, perhaps thousands across the internet.
Generating these NAP citations not only gets your business on the web and enhances your presence, but it is also great for SEO backlinks.
Speaking of credibility and trustworthiness, you’re going to want to get some reviews as well.
Encourage Reviews – Everywhere.
Everything looks great! Your website is optimized, your GMB profile is updated, and you are generating NAP citations all across the internet.
Now what?
Start seeking reviews from previous customers on your various profiles. Don’t limit your reviews to a single profile such as Facebook, Yelp, or Google. You never know where your next customer is going to find you.
It is also worth noting that Google pulls in reviews from other websites to display in the search results.
Each of these services generally includes a link for your customers to give you reviews. A good practice is to follow up with your previous clients to encourage them to submit a five-star review.
These reviews will not only provide social proof of your products or services but also helps you to rank higher on the platform that the review is on. For example, quality and more reviews on Google will increase your chances of your local business being featured in the Google 3 pack.
Feeling comfortable with which SEO activities you can do for your local business?
Just keep in mind if you start with your GMB profile, optimize your website for your local area, create some NAP citations and get some reviews, you’ll be good in no time.
The key is getting your local business in the Google 3 Pack, and we can help you do that.
Give us a call, text, email and let’s chat about getting your local business optimized for the search engines.