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Often many small business companies wonder whether local online directories will be helpful for their Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). There are plenty of online directories that will offer you an opportunity to list your business free while a few will ask for certain subscriptions. This is where local SEO can help you rank and appear well (within certain geographical areas). Used correctly, appearing high in local SEO can bring you hundreds or thousands of traffic per month, given Google Maps and search results brings customers in close proximity to your listing.
Whether it will be a good idea to get a quote for enlisting on such online directories? The answer will be ‘Yes’ as these directories can play a very useful role in your SEO strategy. This can help in improving the rank on your search engine results and help you to generate more leads.
Enlisting your business in certain niche directories can always send a good signal to Google as that trusts these directories. Also, your information must be consistent in all these directories which will improve your credibility.
Why local SEO is so important for any small business?
Almost 50% of all Google searches today are related to local search. When someone does a typical search then the chances of Google showing local businesses located nearby remains very high.
Why will it be so important for all small businesses? During the period from 2017-2019, Google has reported an increase of 900% in searches that had the phrase “near me”. To meet the requirements of its searchers, Google has started providing more search results for geographically-related results based on:
- Prominence
- Proximity
- Relevance
This means, in case your business is very close to the location from where someone is making their search, then the results will offer products and services they are searching for and have optimized listings of local businesses, then you are more likely to be searched by potential customers online.
You need to hire a professional who has the expertise in SEO management to optimize your website for local search results if your customer base is limited within the local area only.
The following are a few benefits of local SEO:
1. A cost-effective marketing
You can always set up your local business listings on the web for free by using a few tools like:
- Google My Business
These make your local SEO a cost-efficient marketing option for your online advertising.
2. Helps your local customers to find you
Almost 72% of consumers search only for any local business and also visit the store within 5 miles. Hence, if your business is found in the search results of a local search or Google Maps, then you can capture more new leads.
3. Reaches those customers who are fully ready to buy
Most local searches are done through mobile phones by those people who are ready to buy immediately. So, if your business is optimized for local search then your ready customers will come to your shop within a few hours.
4. Delivers qualified search traffic
Any local search will eliminate those who are searching from long distances because search engines will only show location-based searchers. Therefore, you will receive only qualified traffic on your website.
Besides enlisting on local directories, you can also use other digital marketing methods like guest blogging to attract targeted traffic to your business websites.
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