By Kate Herbert-Smith
So, you’ve got your hands on BrightLocal’s Local Search Grid data, and now you’re staring at a sea of numbers and colored grids. It’s easy to get lost in the data, but don’t worry—I’m here to break it down for you. Let’s take a deep dive into how you can turn this data into actionable steps that’ll boost your local SEO and make your business the go-to option in your area.
1. Adjust Your Google Business Profile Categories
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) category is more than just a label—it’s a major player in your local search visibility. If you’re not ranking as well as you’d like, it might be time to reconsider your category.
Take a look at the Overall Top Ranking Competitors table in your Local Search Grid report. What categories are they using? If you’re in the same industry but using a different category, it could be worth switching to align more closely with the top performers.
“Your category is your business’s identity in Google’s eyes. Make sure it’s the right one,” says SEO expert Claire Carlile. If the primary category is spot-on, then dive into your secondary categories. Sometimes, tweaking these can give you the edge you need.
2. Increase Your Reviews and Star Ratings
In the world of local SEO, reviews are gold. If you’re seeing fewer reviews or lower star ratings compared to your competitors in the Overall Top Ranking Competitors table, it’s time to step up your review game.
Run a review generation campaign. Encourage happy customers to leave positive reviews. It’s not just about getting more stars; it’s about building trust. More reviews and better ratings can significantly boost your visibility.
“Think of reviews as digital word-of-mouth. They’re one of the first things potential customers look at,” advises Carlile.
3. Boost Your Links
Links are the backbone of your website’s authority. If your Local Search Grid data shows that you’re lagging behind your competitors in the link department, it’s time to step up your link-building efforts.
Quality trumps quantity here. Focus on getting backlinks from reputable, relevant sites. This could mean guest blogging, local sponsorships, or partnerships with other businesses.
“If your competitors have more links, they’ve got more votes in Google’s eyes. You need to catch up,” says SEO pro Greg Gifford.
4. Address Location-Based Filtering
If you notice that your business isn’t ranking well even at its actual location on the geogrid, you might be dealing with Google’s location-based filtering. This happens when Google filters out your business from local results, even though it should be showing up.
This could be due to issues with your Google Business Profile. Check for any potential problems or conflicts that might be causing this filtering. Sometimes, tweaking your profile or removing conflicting information can help.
“Filtering can be frustrating, but it’s usually fixable. Make sure your GBP is as clean and clear as possible,” recommends Carlile.
5. Resolve Google Business Profile Conflicts
Are other entities within your organization, like individual practitioners or service providers, outranking your main business listing? This could be because you’re sharing the same Google Business Profile category.
To fix this, optimize the profiles of individual practitioners or other entities with different keywords or specialties. This reduces conflicts and helps ensure that your main business profile gets the visibility it deserves.
“It’s all about harmony in your Google Business Profiles. Make sure everyone has their own space to shine,” says Carlile.
6. Report Keyword Stuffing
Finally, if you notice competitors playing dirty with keyword stuffing in their business names, don’t just sit back. Use the ‘Flag’ button in your Local Search Grid report to report them directly to Google through the Redressal Form.
“Keyword stuffing is so 2010. Don’t let your competitors get away with it,” Carlile emphasizes.
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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