On-page optimization is the cornerstone of every successful SEO strategy, and it works just as same for Local SEO. However, landing on those precious near-me results isn’t a piece of cake from the very outset, but it can be, and even be the icing on the cake when done right. On-page Optimization for Local SEO sends out ranking signals to the search engines nudging them to notch your rankings up a bit in the local search results. While most of the businesses stick to creating a Google Business Profile and citations, there is certainly a whole lot more to it. Do you own a business and want to rank higher up the ladder in your neighbourhood and many others around it, here are Top 5 Tips for Local SEO On-page Optimization that you need to go through now.
1. Dial Up the Quality of On-page Content
It all begins here. Creating high-quality, high-value, and original content is the best way to let your visitors and search engines know you are a force to be reckoned with. Only then will your visitors engage with your content and become paying customers, and only then (well, not quite but it should be one of your top priorities) will Google rank you higher in the local search results. This also includes doing a thorough keyword research based on what potential customers around you are searching for and what the ideal keyword search phrases are.
2. And then Optimize, Optimize, Optimize
Include target keyword in the URL, the headline, the first paragraph and several times throughout the body, at least once in the subhead, in the header tags (using H1, H2, and H3), in the Meta Description. If using images in the body, update the file name to include the target keyword and use relevant ALT Text. Doing all this religiously will ensure the crawlers get to analyse and understand the basic overall structure of the page as well as makes visitors get a fair idea about what to expect when they read through the entire page’s content.
3. Ensure your NAPs are Consistent
NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone Number, and it need to be accurately displayed on all the places it needs to be displayed, consistently. Surprising as it is, this little piece of information more often than not becomes make or break deal for many websites. One of the better places to put it on your website is its footer, from where it will yield the best possible results. But the most important thing to remember is that this information needs to be the same everywhere you put it, whether on your website or social media or other directories. This gives crawlers a chance to close the gap between your brand and its Google Business Profile.
4. Make the Best Use of Internal Links
Internal linking is the foundation stone of every powerful internal linking strategy and SEO strategy as a whole. When done right, this can increase your organic search performance manifold. It is also a good way to create a logical and comprehensible site structure and sends a positive ranking signal. A powerful internal linking structure (by mentioning cities and using them as anchor texts to link to location-specific service pages) across your website thereby is a good way to let your customers and search engines know that you are available to serve to that city or area.
5. Optimize Local Business Schema Markup
You can’t expect search engines to rank you if you are not willing to show them all your cards. This isn’t poker. Local Business Schema Markup includes information such as the NAPs, reviews or testimonials, hours and days of operation, your social media accounts, service area and maps. All this gives search engines an idea about who you are, what your business is, the duration you are operational, the area you are operational in, and people should visit your website, making it for the search engines all the more easy to decide why and where they should rank in the local SERP results.
Once all this is in place then slowly but surely you’ll get to know whether it worked or not simply by looking at the SERPs. You can also utilise tools such a BrightLocal or Google Business Profile Metrics to map your progress or lack of it thereof. Majority of you, however, will see positive results. Get going straight ahead.
