If you're gearing up to open a new location for your business, you probably understand the importance of being visible online. In a world where the majority of customers begin their journey with a search engine, optimizing your local SEO is crucial. As Kyle Goodchild, Senior SEO Strategist at Powered By Search, points out, there are three main pillars to focus on: relevance, proximity, and prominence. So, how do you make sure your new location gets the attention it deserves? Let’s dive into it.
How Google Determines Rankings for Location-Based Searches
Before you can optimize your presence, it's essential to grasp how Google ranks businesses for location-specific queries. The three core pillars are:
Relevance: If your business isn’t relevant to the search, it won’t appear in the results. Google assesses how closely your website and Google Business Profile align with a user’s search intent.
Proximity: This factor considers the user’s location. If someone searches for “coffee shops near me,” Google will deliver results based on what's closest to them, considering both local intent searches within the area and broader local searches when users are traveling.
Prominence: This is all about your online credibility. Google prioritizes businesses that have a strong online presence and are frequently mentioned on trusted sites. This includes getting backlinks from reputable domains, being cited in directories, and gathering positive reviews.
Getting Started with Your New Location
Now that you understand the basics of how search engines function, it's time to apply this knowledge to your new location. Focus on three main areas:
Google My Business Listing: Ensure your new location has a verified Google My Business listing. It should accurately reflect your business details—name, address, phone number—without any attempts to game the system. A well-optimized GMB listing can increase your visibility significantly. In fact, the average well-maintained Google My Business listing receives five times more views than listings that aren’t claimed.
Website Optimization: Create a localized landing page for your new location. This page should target specific location intent keywords to improve your chances of ranking organically. For instance, if you're opening a coffee shop in Austin, craft content that resonates with coffee enthusiasts in the area.
Building Online Credibility: Focus on acquiring citations from relevant directories and generating positive reviews. Research shows that 91% of consumers aged 18-34 trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. A strong review management strategy can boost your credibility and help you stand out from the competition.
Final Thoughts
Opening a new location is exciting, but it also comes with its own set of challenges, especially regarding local SEO. You need to be proactive about optimizing your Google My Business listing, creating engaging content for your website, and establishing credibility online.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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