I thought I’d bring you something a little different with this post. It’s no secret that many of my followers have their own blogs, and I thought I’d share some insight into how to get your blog to rank – particularly if you’re seeking a local audience – you’re welcome! When it comes to local SEO for your blog, there are a number of optimisations that businesses can use to make sure that their business is seen by those looking for a local business.

Why SEO for your blog matters

With searches split across different devices it is vital for businesses to make sure that they are being seen in local searches. It they are not being seen then they are not competing.

Key local SEO tactics should include:

• Optimising your website for those keywords that have local intent
• Updating and maintaining consistency for NAP (Name, address, phone) mentions across the internet
• Appearing in local directories

Essentially, local SEO is a valuable tool that helps a business appear in local SEO results. This could be, for example Google Maps or Google’s “Local Pack”. Whenever users look for services or products in their vicinity these are the results that come up. This can be as simple as a search for an “estate agent near me” or “DIY store in Birmingham”. Those businesses that have implemented local SEO best practises are prioritised by Google.

Factors for local SEO ranking

There are three elements that Googles looks at. These are ranking factors, when it chooses which businesses should appear in local results:

1. Proximity – How close your business is to the person searching
2. Relevance – Is your business a good match for what the person is searching for?
3. Prominence – Is your business well known and trusted

It is important to note that local SEO is not the same as traditional SEO:

• Target audience – local SEO wants to attract those from specific geographical areas whilst traditional SEO targets a broader audience.

• Search intent – local SEO takes into account location-based intent whilst traditional SEO is more informational

• Ranking factors – Local SEO relies on things like Google Business Profile and NAP whilst traditional looks more for quality content, backlinks, and overall domain authority

• Keyword strategy – location specific keywords are used for local SEO whilst broader terms are used for traditional SEO

• Search results – Local SEO determines where businesses appear in Google’s Local Pack and Google Map whilst traditional SEO is more about organic search results on a national / international level

• Backlink strategy – backlinks to local directories and community websites etc benefit local SEO whilst traditional SEO relies on backlinks to authority sources

• Content focus – Local SEO content is linked to specific region whilst traditional SEO prioritises thinks like general topics and in-depth blogs

Creating a successful local SEO strategy

There are some key components that you need to include in your local SEO strategy:

1.     Set up and then optimise a Google Business Profile

2.     Conduct a local keyword search – when you identify those key search terms people use you can ensure that you use them in your content

3.     Make sure that your one-page SOE is focusing on local intent

4.     Make use of online listings and local directories

5.     Encourage customers to write review – these are important because they help you build up your visibility, trust, and credibility

Finally, it can take time and effort to improve your ranking locally. However, good local SEO strategy for your blog will help you to really boost your business.