“Best Food near me”
“XYZ near me”
“SEO Agency near me”
Commonly referred to as local SEO. When individuals look for a product or service, Google’s system organizes data by identifying nearby businesses fitting those search terms.
Getting your business to appear in local search results can increase local income for your company and help you connect with a wider audience.
As Google keeps updating its algorithm to more accurately understand real search intentions, the era of these aggressive targeting tactics might be ending. Now is the moment to adopt fresh approaches to appear in the local pack for the increasing number of searches based on location.
How Can I Improve Visibility for Near Me Searches?
Google My Business Profile
Having a Google My Business account means Google acknowledges your business. So, when people search using ‘near me’ terms, Google uses the information from your GMB account to show your business in local search results.
Therefore, keeping your Google My Business listing updated is crucial for creating your local business identity and increasing your visibility in the local marketplace.
What Does Your Business Profile Need?
Ensure your business details are correct, consistent, and current.
Upload personalized photos and videos to your profile.
Provide your physical store’s location through Google Maps.
State your business hours and how to contact you.
Display your current customers’ reviews on your My Business page.
Schema Markup
Schema markup is coding that helps you provide a detailed description of your business for search results.
Putting schema on your website brings many advantages. It improves rich snippets, helps your business appear in the knowledge graph, tells Google your exact location with coordinates, boosts your brand’s visibility, and more, making it an essential step.
You can make the schema with a tool and add it to your website using a plugin or by editing the backend HTML directly.
On-page Content
You can make your website’s content better for “near me” searches and local SEO. Start with finding the best keywords, then make a list of those you want to use.
For instance, if you own a clothing shop in Indianapolis, you might title one of your pages “Women’s Clothing Near Me”. Putting “near me” in your page titles, link texts, and image descriptions can help your business appear more in local search results. It’s important to use your keywords naturally and not just stuff them everywhere, focusing on helping your visitors.
Also, write about local topics on your blog. For example, use keywords related to your location to promote a sale at your store.
Improving your website’s content can also help you climb higher in search results. Building a network of quality links with other local businesses that don’t compete with you can be mutually beneficial and grow your influence.
Keep in mind, not only locals but also visitors might be searching for what you offer. Tourists might need your services during their stay, and locals could become regulars. Showing that you’re valuable for both locals and visitors can boost your income and change how both groups see your business.
Trust signals Because E-E-A-T
Besides how close your business is, reviews and signs of trust are also crucial. A lot of good reviews can motivate users and show Google’s algorithm that your site is reliable and authoritative.
Putting “Leave a Review” buttons on your website, asking for reviews through emails, and reaching out to your current clients can build a solid base in this area.
Asking for reviews might seem scary because of the chance of getting negative ones, but Google has said it values all feedback, good or bad. Google even believes having a variety of reviews makes your listing appear more genuine.
Listing your business in different places is another method to show it’s credible. Besides the main ones like Google Business Profile, Bing, Yelp, and Facebook, there are many other places where you can add your business information.
When creating citations, it’s crucial to keep your Business Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) the same everywhere, including your website. Being consistent and clear shows Google your details are current and correct, which improves the experience for users.
How OutreachNerds Can Help You Rank?
You can still show up in “near me” search results relevant to your field and location. Even if these aren’t used exactly like keywords, they still attract a lot of searches and show strong interest from potential customers.
How can you rank for these searches without targeting them directly? Just make sure your business details are correct everywhere online, including your own website, and let Google handle the rest.
Interested in improving your local search rankings? Look into our local SEO offerings and get in touch with our team to tailor a plan just for you!
