The most important local SEO ranking factors?

Why different rules apply for local SEO

You probably know the SEO SUCCESS LAWS and SEO basics from my previous posts. Of course, these also apply to local search. However, local SEO is a small science in itself.

 

 

Did you know that...

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... a large proportion of search queries can lead to completely different results - depending on where the searcher is at the time?

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... pages without local optimization have little chance of landing in the directly visible area of the results for search queries with a local reference?

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... 89% of all people make a search query at least once a week to find a local business?

 

Reason enough to take a closer look at the local SEO ranking factors that will boost your chances of a good ranking.

 

Rankings at the top are particularly relevant in local search, by the way, because users often only see the top section on mobile devices - and most local searches are carried out on the move.

 

New trends such as voice search ("Okay, Google! Show me restaurants near me!") could also ensure that top rankings become even more important.

 

 

 

 

 

Factor #1: Visual reference of the website

In order for you to achieve a good ranking for local search queries (e.g. "locksmith Hamburg"), Google must first understand that you are really relevant for this region.

 

The following measures can help:

• Create structured data (address, telephone number, opening hours, etc.). For example, schema.org can help here. The location should also be integrated into the META data.
• Integrate a map on the page, integrate the address in the footer, etc.
• Highlight regional relevance via appropriate content (e.g. blog articles on events that are related to your city)
• Create a GOOGLE MYBUSINESS REGISTRATION: An absolute must for anyone who wants to be displayed in the local Google search. By the way, I have already uploaded an article about this.

 

 

 

Factor #2 Boost local power

In the second step, you need to show Google that you are not only relevant for a specific region, but that your site also deserves a place at the top of the rankings.

 

This is how you can increase your LOCAL SEO power:

 

• Generate local citations and regionally relevant BACKLINKS (e.g. entries in business directories, profiles on Yelp, Tripadvisor & Co, mentions on local news sites etc.).
• Generate reviews on Google MyBusiness and other review sites as well as on social networks (especially Facebook). Caution! You should always respond directly to negative reviews and start an open dialog with the critic.
• Generate social signals. Post articles on social networks, upload videos to YouTube and boost the importance of your brand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Factor #3 Improve user experience

So far, you have done your duty so that Google classifies your page as relevant and worth showing. To really conquer the top spots in the rankings, you also have to work hard on the user experience.

 

This is how you create a good user experience:

 

• Ensure low abandonment rates on your website. With well thought-out internal linking, you can achieve more page views per session. To achieve this, however, it is necessary to have sufficient - preferably regionally relevant - content in stock.
• Optimize your Google MyBusiness entry with images, videos and informative posts. Also make sure that all data is correct (e.g. telephone number and opening hours). You should also use the Questions & Answers section to provide more information for your potential customers. You can also enter ready-made questions and answers here.
• Offer the right solution! Google aims to present searchers with the best websites that match their search query. Make sure that you fulfill this requirement with your website. If you own a restaurant, for example, a reservation tool on your website is a must.

Conclusion on improving the user experience
Improving the user experience is certainly the most difficult part, as you first have to get to know the behavior of your target group. However, with Google Analytics or the statistics from the Google MyBusiness area, you can already assess quite well whether you are on the right track.