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Even brick-and-mortar businesses need SEO. In fact, we’d almost say that especially brick-and-mortar businesses need SEO. Here’s why: When consumers in your neighborhood want to find a good local business—whether a law firm, hairdresser, pizza place, or discount electronics store—they turn to the Web. What they find in Google’s local search listings determines which nearby company they take their business to—simple as that.

You’ve got to be findable to local customers; you’ve got to stand out from the crowd of your competition. In this post, we’ll show you how.

Local SEO Tips to Help Your Business Be Found

Write Strong Meta Data

The Google Search Engine Results Page (SERP) doesn’t give you much space to make a case for yourself—so you’ve got to seize the opportunity. Make sure each page of your website has a strong meta title and meta description. Include your business name, keywords, a call to action, and a value proposition.

Ensure Consistent NAP

NAP stands for name, address, and phone number. You want to have this information displayed consistently across every page of your site, as well as on social media profiles, etc. To reiterate, consistency is key!

Earn Local Citations

Getting links from credible, local directories can really help with your rankings. Seek opportunities on the local Chamber of Commerce page, industry-specific directories, and more. In addition, sites like Yelp, Foursquare, Citysearch, and MerchantCircle provide good citation opportunities for you.

Start a Google My Business Page

This is a free tool that Google offers to make your business more easily discoverable on the Web—so there’s no reason not to make use of it. Make sure you fill out the profile completely. Add keywords as naturally as you can. Don’t forget NAP information!

Get Some Reviews

Reviews on online review sites—and on Google, in particular—help with your rankings. Make it easy for customers to leave you feedback. Include a link to your review profile on your company website. Also consider asking for reviews on receipts and invoices, or in your email newsletter.

Use Schema Markup

This one may require you to get some help from your Web developer, but it’s worth it. Schema markup can provide Google search engine users with additional information about your company, such as hours of operation, location, and current Google star rating. Include it if you can!

Aim for More Time on Site

The more time people actually spend on your website, the more it helps your search engine rankings. The best way to increase time on site is through giving people content that engages them. Blog posts work well, and video works even better!

Include Plenty of Links

Invite readers to explore your site further; include internal links to relevant/related pages. Don’t go overboard, but do add some subtle, internal navigation wherever you can. External links, to authoritative websites, can also help enhance your page’s SEO potential.

Ensure Your Site Loads Quickly

Do a speed test. If it takes you more than four seconds to get the page fully loaded, there’s a problem—and you need to discuss it with your Web developer right away! More and more, slow-loading pages are being actively penalized by Google.

Step Up Your Search Engine Optimization

There are always further enhancements you can make to your SEO efforts. We’d love to audit your site and make some specific recommendations—all with the purpose of making your website highly visible and truly competitive. Start that process today. Reach out to Driven2020 for a full digital marketing audit.