Is your Valparaiso or local business not getting enough attention online? Are you disappointed when you search for “local {your industry}” and your Google Profile is on page 10? Don’t worry! As an SEO expert who values helping small businesses across the United States, I have 5 tips to boost your local search ranking and attract customers in your area. I’ll use a lot of references in this blog post about Valparaiso, IN. That’s because using your location in your blog post is another way to help with local SEO ranking. Let’s dive into these SEO boosting titans!
1. Speak the Local Lingo, Valparaiso Style, Texas Style, or the Local Flare of your Community:
When trying to attract local customers, it’s important to speak their language. For example, instead of just using the generic term “house cleaning,” incorporate specific local keywords like “house cleaning Valparaiso” into your website, Google profile, Google profile posts, and social media hashtags and posts. Additionally, optimize your website images with these keywords and create compelling meta titles and descriptions that mention your location to attract clicks. It’s important to use your local terms where it makes it sense. Don’t over stuff it everywhere. There are so many tools like Yoast SEO, Bard.Google, and Chat GPT that will give you an indication of if you are using your keywords correctly, to much, to little, and in the right places. I highly recommend using one or even all of these free tools. I personally use Bard.Google and Yoast the most plus SE Ranking for keyword research but SE Ranking is a paid platform starting at $55/month.
2. Claim Your Google Google Business Profile:
Imagine a bright neon sign proclaiming your business’s greatness to everyone in Valparaiso or Santa Fe, New Mexico. This is the power of a verified and optimized Google Business Profile. Ensure that yours is impeccable with correct NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number), explicit service areas, and a description packed with keywords that emphasize your distinct selling points. Remember to include photos! Display your cheerful team, satisfied customers, and impressive before-and-after transformations (if relevant). The more information you can provide on your Google Business Profile the better. Don’t forget to regularly post updates, offers, and events for your Google audience to see. I post all social posts also on my client’s Google Business profile so it is seen in all my channels. This increases ranking and opens your content up to those searching for your business type on Google, not just your social channels. The point of marketing is to be seen as many times and as many places as possible so your brand resonates and sticks with your ideal customer.
P.S. Reviews are gold dust for local SEO. Encourage your happy customers to leave some love on your profile. Respond to both positive and negative reviews like a rockstar – it shows you care and you are active!
3. Get Social, Get Local:
Forget national trends for a sec. Think Valparaiso vibes, Chicago vibes, LA or San Antonio vibes. National trends are harder to rank for and they do not speak to your locals. I always tell my clients to become a masters of their own domain before they step into others. Join local Facebook groups, participate in relevant community conversations, and don’t be shy with those #Valpo #local hashtags. But it’s not just about posting. Share valuable content: local event updates, relevant tips, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and shoutouts to your amazing clients. Remember, Google loves social media, so those engaging posts might just land you on the coveted search results page.
4. Be a Local (Valparaiso) Insider:
Think beyond your website and social media. Get listed in local directories like the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce website. Partner with other local businesses for cross-promotion and backlinks. The more you connect with the local online community, the more visible you become. I promise you will have fun doing too! The best way to connect with locals is to be with locals and other local businesses. Local businesses that are more established can add credibility to your business while you grow and get more of those coveted reviews and testimonials.
5. Let’s Chat! Unleash Your Local SEO Potential:
Ready to see your local {Valparaiso/your city} business shine online, attract local customers, and maybe even expand your reach? I’m here to help! Schedule a free consultation or SEO audit and let’s discuss how I can tailor my local SEO expertise to your unique local SEO small business needs. Remember, a strong local presence is always the foundation for sustainable growth, even for businesses with big dreams beyond Valparaiso.
So, there you have it! Put these tips into action, and watch your local SEO soar. Don’t forget to keep adding valuable content, engaging with your Valparaiso/local community, and showcasing your awesomeness online. And if you ever get stuck, remember, your friendly neighborhood SEO expert is just a click away!
Get FREE Local SEO Audit and Consultation
Contact Michelle and get a FREE SEO Website Audit and Consultation on how you can grow your audience and increase your Google ranking. I love helping small, local businesses grow and look forward to helping you!