Mastering Local SEO for a New Business Website: A Beginner’s Guide
Hello, dear readers! Today, we delve into the world of local Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for those embarking on the journey of launching a brand-new business website. If you’re in a similar situation or are just eager to learn more about boosting local visibility for a fresh venture, this post is for you!
Context of the Challenge
I recently took on the exciting task of assisting a family member in establishing their new business. While I have some web development experience, navigating the SEO landscape is relatively unfamiliar territory for me. Here’s a quick overview of the current state:
- I have successfully crafted a responsive website that features dedicated pages for each service offered, along with a primary landing page that highlights their location and main offerings.
- The website has performed admirably in technical assessments, achieving scores of approximately 90 in performance, accessibility, best practices, and SEO on Google Lighthouse for desktop users. For mobile, it scores around 76, and I’m curious about how significant these scores are in real-world scenarios.
- Since the business is just launching, we are starting from scratch in terms of Google reviews and citations. I’ve initiated the setup of a Google Business Profile but haven’t fully optimized it yet, primarily due to the ongoing verification process. Additionally, I’ve utilized SEMrush for preliminary keyword research focused on the services provided and the local area—home to around 100,000 residents. However, I find myself unsure about how to interpret this data and deploy it effectively.
Seeking Guidance for Local SEO Success
My ultimate goal is to enhance the business’s visibility in Google search results within the local context. I would greatly appreciate your insights regarding the following:
- Next Steps: What are the immediate actions I should take to boost local SEO?
- Is Blogging Beneficial?: Would maintaining a blog be advantageous for a small local business, or is it merely a time-consuming endeavor?
- A Local SEO Roadmap: Any specific roadmaps or checklists you recommend that can help us rank effectively in local search results?
Your expertise, resources, or step-by-step recommendations would be invaluable as we embark on this journey. Thank you in advance for your support and insights! 🙏
Let’s work together to elevate this new venture’s online presence and ensure it thrives in the local market!