Are you running a business that targets a particular location? If yes, then your prime focus should be to use local SEO. About 50% of Google search queries are local. So, if you have a local business and you're not paying attention to local SEO Malaysia then you're losing customers. Being SEO company Johor Bahru, we have shortlisted some of the strategies that will be helpful for your Malaysian business.
In this blog, we will discuss everything about local SEO that will bring you one step closer to the success of your business.
What are Local SEO and The Benefits of Local SEO?
If your business is located in a particular geographical region, then local SEO is the best way to benefit your business. For instance, if you when a restaurant in Kuala Lumpur, your audience will search with the terms 'Best food in Kuala Lumpur near me' and to appear in the search results you need to work on your local search engine optimization.
Following are some of the benefits of local SEO
Boost Local Traffic to Your Website
If you appear in the local searches, you will be able to get your business acknowledged by the residents. By attracting those living nearby your business you will ultimately boost organic traffic.
More Leads
The more the people will discover about your business in their local area the more effective leads you will get i.e., calls, bookings, etc.
Brand Loyalty
Through a local SEO strategy, you can generate brand loyalty and repeat customers, if you continue to provide them with the best services near them.
Local SEO and How the Google Algorithm Works
Google algorithms are continuously updating and to boost your ranking you must keep up with those algorithms. SEO company in Kuala Lumpur understand Google algorithm and other local search marketing strategies, so you can get help from them in boosting your local SEO.
What is an algorithm? When a user enters a search query on Google, Google will shortlist the websites containing that particular search keyword and list it out to the user this is called an algorithm.
But how will Google match a search term to your website?
Relevancy
The accuracy and relevancy of your website along with local SEO.
Prominence
Your prominence will define your appearance in search results i.e., how many people visit do your website in a day.
Proximity
While working on SEO, proximity is the most important aspect as the Google algorithm chooses the websites that are tagged to specific geo-locations. Google uses the GPS location of the user to show the relevant results that are nearby.
Difference between Local SEO and Organic SEO
Both local SEO and organic SEO are effective marketing strategies but both are different in their ways so let's discuss the main difference is in them.
Geographical Element
Local SEO is specific to geographical locations and its main purpose is to facilitate people by linking them to services or products that are located nearby them. The common search terms used are names of cities, towns, etc.
Whereas organic SEO is generally a broader term that focuses on boosting your ranking and visibility on search engine result pages. It involves the use of keywords, meta title, meta description, etc. to boost visibility.
General Audience vs Local Residents
Local SEO focuses on local residents and relies on local search queries. So, the target here is a small audience.
Organic SEO targets a general Internet audience and it includes the use of words and phrases that are commonly searched by the audience.
General vs Local Business
Local SEO is an area-specific effort, as it doesn't involve the global market.
On the other hand, Organic SEO provides services or products that are not confined to a particular location.
Local SEO Guide: Key Factors that Impact Your Local SEO
Since local SEO, targets a specific audience so this makes it a lot complex process as you have to be very careful while choosing your words and phrases for your website.
Below are some of the factors that will impact your local SEO strategy.
Keyword Research
Whether it's local SEO or organic SEO, keyword research is a crucial factor. Keep in mind that while choosing local search keywords you have to be very specific and relevant if you want to generate visibility.
Many keyword tools are available online that will help you in finding the keywords that are right for your business.
Google My Business
If you want to boost your local SEO, start by signing up your business on Google. Because signing up your business will increase your chances of appearing in search results. Google will list your business against specific keyword research along with your location and other details.
Having Local Citations or NAP
Complete your local citations i.e., Name, address, and phone number or NAP details is what you need to provide to search engines so that they can recognize your location.
NAP is not enough you can also provide videos and images of your business that will prove the accuracy and trustworthiness of your business. And the public trust is directly proportional to generating more traffic.
Optimize On-Site Local SEO
It ensures that your business will appear in local search engines. But how to do it? By using the right local terms or any other geographically linked keywords in your content, titles, and subheadings you can boost your site's local SEO.
Link-Building
Getting links for your business from other websites is also beneficial for your business. You can do so by partnering with other local businesses, sponsorships, inserting popular content, guest blogging, being a part of local events, and other such activities.
Reviews
Reviews are an extremely important part of local SEO. Reviews will build a positive brand image and it will give an idea to people about how you deal with the customers and what is the quality of your product or service.
Local SEO Strategy: How to Outrank Your Competitors
When it comes to beating your local competitors, you should follow some of these strategies.
Get Listed in Directories
Getting your business acknowledged by new customers is not an easy task, this is very business directories do their job. They attract potential customers for your business by providing information, reviews, and contact information about your business. There are many directories and try to be in as many as you can as it will have a positive impact in boosting your customers.
You must provide the same contact information across all directories as it will help in keeping your branding correct. Also, provide the same brand message and logo throughout directories as it will lead to confusion among your customers.
Optimize Your Content
While you focus on using local keywords, don't sacrifice the content quality as Google demands valuable and informative content for higher rankings.
Optimize Your Mobile Website
Google ranks those websites higher that are mobile friendly and have fast-loading pages. Research showed that a user is more likely to bounce or from a page if they have to wait longer than 5 to 10 seconds.
Optimize Your Listing for Voice Search
Today many people rely on voice search for entering their queries in Google. So, think about speaking patterns and revamp by using more voice-friendly keywords.
Backlinks from Genuine Websites
Getting backlinks from authoritative sites shows that your product or services are reliable. So, it will create trustworthiness among the audience.
Stay Active on Social Media Platforms
Try to make an active appearance on platforms such as Google, Facebook and Yelp. And continuously check your reviews to maintain a positive image because people read online reviews before getting into business with you.
Why Social Media Marketing is Crucial for Your Local Business
Marketing through social media platforms is effective and cost-effective. Today almost everyone is an active social media user, which makes it a great market. People ask for recommendations about everything through these platforms. And if you don't retain your social media appearance, you could be at this stake of losing your existing customers. Moreover, branding through social media will cut your additional costs.
So, if you were planning on launching a new product or service, starting from social media campaign will give you a huge boost. Another advantage is that the fans will speak up for your product and share your content. Are you not using a social media marketing strategy yet? Then you are missing out on the golden opportunity of attracting clients and generating profits. If you need help with social media marketing, an SEO company in Penang is here to help!