5 Simple Mistakes Hurting Your Local Search Visibility
There are many variables that go into gaining visibility in online searches. But it only takes a few mistakes for your competition to get a leg up on you. Let’s look at five simple mistakes that could be hurting your business’ local visibility.
Not Claiming a Google Business Profile
For Google to recognize your business as legitimate and suggest it to online searchers, you need to claim your business on Google. It’s easy to create a Google Business Profile and claim your business online. Just be sure you optimize your Google listing with accurate contact information, user-friendly features, and applicable business categories and attributes.
Ignoring Website Optimization
Optimizing your website is an essential step in winning the local SEO battle. Be sure to use keywords related to your business throughout your site. Make use of internal links, calls to action (CTAs), and simple navigation to make your site more user-friendly. Also, be sure that you have filled out metadata—that is, the meta title and meta description—for each page.
Non-Mobile Friendly Site
Google changed the way it indexes websites in 2021 in favor of mobile-first indexing. Essentially, the first time Google looks at a website, it judges how mobile-friendly the site is for users. Make sure your webpages aren’t too text-heavy or bogged down by images or videos that are difficult to load.
Inconsistent Content Creation
Consistently creating content on your website is a great way to leverage keywords and links to your local search advantage. Google loves new content because it shows that the business is active online and providing customers with value outside of traditional products or services. Creating a blog on your website is one of the best formats for this content and can help you gain visibility online.
Ignoring Reviews
Reviews are one of the most important local search ranking factors on Google. Respond to as many reviews you can, even the negative ones. It’s best to respond positively to all reviews because sentiment is something Google takes into consideration. By responding to Google Business reviews, the search engine knows you’re paying attention to your customers and are interested in solving their problems.
Learn about more local SEO mistakes to avoid and how to optimize your Google Business Profile to help increase your business’ online visibility on the Local Search Fuel blog!