Your Comprehensive Local SEO Checklist for 2021: A Step-by-Step Guide to Elevating Your Rankings
In today’s digital landscape, local SEO has become essential for businesses aiming to attract nearby customers. Whether you are a small café or a professional service, optimizing your online presence can significantly impact your visibility and growth. This guide outlines step-by-step strategies to ensure your local SEO is effective, keeping you competitive in 2021 and beyond.
Step 1: Establish Your Google My Business Profile
Kick off your local SEO efforts by setting up a Google My Business (GMB) account. An optimized GMB profile can enhance your visibility on Google and make it easier for potential customers to find your business.
- Claim or create your business listing: If your business is already on Google, claim it; if not, create a new listing.
- Specify primary and secondary categories: This helps Google serve your business in relevant searches. For instance, if you own a coffee shop, choosing “coffee shop” as your primary category helps you show up in local searches like “coffee near me.”
- Provide your business address: Display your address if you welcome walk-in customers. If your business doesn’t accommodate foot traffic (like consulting services), consider hiding your address and only showing the service area.
- Include a contact number: Offering a correct phone number is critical for ensuring customers reach you. Misleading numbers could lead to lost business.
- Optional: Link your website: If you have a website, include it on your GMB profile to assist customers in finding more information about your offerings.
Pro Tip: Verifying your business location enhances your ranking potential on Google Search and Maps.
Step 2: Optimize Your GMB Profile
After creating your GMB profile, it’s crucial to fill it with relevant information to entice potential customers.
- List your business hours: Always keep your hours updated, including holiday timing, to ensure customers are informed.
- Highlight your business attributes: Mention features like delivery options or accepted payment methods to give customers a better understanding of what to expect.
- Showcase your products and services: Directly inform potential customers of what you offer, which is especially beneficial for service-based businesses.
- Upload quality images: Great visuals can attract customers and should include exterior shots, interior perspectives, service depictions, and photos of your team.
- Craft a compelling business description: Include local keywords to aid discover