If you are a local business owner in Amarillo or Lubbock, it can be difficult to differentiate yourself in the search results of your area. With growing numbers of consumers looking for nearby services, it has become crucial to work on your local SEO to be the business that pops up when a potential customer is looking for something online.
Fortunately, you have many options at your disposal to execute to have a higher local SEO ranking and be among the first to show up in a local search. Here is an easy-to-follow guide helping you with the first steps.
1. Optimize Your Google My Business (GMB) Profile
Google My Business (GMB) is a crucial tool for local SEO. It ensures that your business shows up in local search results and on Google Maps.
- Ensure Listing and Verification: If your business is not yet on GMB, make sure you list and verify it there.
- Fill out Your Profile: Include up-to-date information like your business name, address, phone number, and hours.
- Collect Reviews: Invite customers to review, and make sure to thank all who take the time to share their opinion.
An optimized GMB profile helps to get more eyes on you, and it builds a good rapport, so local customers can easily find you and get in touch with you.
2. Use Local Keywords on Your Website
The use of local keywords plays an important role in ranking because it makes the search engines understand that the business is in a particular area. For instance, instead of simply stating SEO services, you should use keywords such as “SEO Agency Amarillo, TX” or “local SEO Lubbock” throughout your website.
- Title Tags and Meta Descriptions: Make use of place-specific keywords to promote your ranking by search engines.
- On-Page Content: Use words like “Amarillo” or “Lubbock” in your content to show that you are the right candidate for local searches.
Embedding local keywords on your website is a good tactic for the search engines to find your business and recognize you as a local; thus, they will increase your local rankings.
3. Create Location-Specific Pages
Location-specific pages mean different pages dedicated to the different areas where your business is operational. This way you would be able to reach both Amarillo and Lubbock target groups effectively.
- Location-Specific Content: Explain the services that you provide in each location and feature the reviews of the local customers.
- City-Specific Keywords: Use keywords specific to the relevant city on each page to create better targeting.
Creating local landing pages for each place you serve allows you to rank for the search terms unique to each area.
4. Build Local Citations
Local citations refer to instances where your business is mentioned by name along with your address and phone number (NAP) on external websites. These mentions give you more authority and help you rank higher in the local search results.
Directories: Get your business listed on local business directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and industry-specific directories.
Good NAP Strategy: Make sure you have NAP that is accurate and consistent across all your listings.
Creating local citations from trustworthy sources strengthens your reputation and is a great helper in local SEO.
5. Optimize for Mobile and Local Search
Since most locals search through mobile devices, it is very important for your site to be mobile-user-friendly.
- Responsive Design: Ensure that your site is optimized for different screen sizes and that it loads rapidly on mobile devices.
- Local Content for Mobile: Give your customers the opportunity to easily contact you through a phone button and get directions.
A mobile experience without hitches increases customer satisfaction, and thus you are rewarded with higher local search rankings.
Your local SEO won’t get better overnight, as it is more of a continuous process, but it is crucial if you want to attract more customers in Amarillo and Lubbock.
Ready to take the next step?
Let Couture Marketing Group help you fine-tune your SEO strategy so your business shows up exactly where your customers are looking. Contact us today or give us a call at (806) 336-0532 to get started.