Local SEO for SMEs: 3 tips!

Local SEO for SMEs

So, now that you know exactly what SEO means, we will go into more detail on how you can apply it locally.

Is it especially useful for your business to be known in the area? Then local SEO comes into play. Local SEO for SMEs focuses specifically on optimising your website to be better found by people in the area looking for local products or services. Some successful tactics:

• Create a Google Company Profile (formerly: Google My Business). In this blog we already cited why it is so important to create this profile. It remains one of the most important steps for local SEO. Still, haven't made a go of it yet. Then get started on it NOW (and come read on afterwards for more tips).
  Bet on local keywords. For example, instead of "fresh croissants", your bakery could use "fresh croissants in Malle" on its website. This way, you target searches with local intent.
• Collect positive reviews from satisfied customers on platforms such as Google and Facebook. Encourage customers to leave reviews and respond to them as well. Even on negative reviews! This shows commitment and builds trust. No one gets only five-star reviews, this would only create suspicion.
• Do local link building. Try to get your business listed on other local websites such as business directories, local blogs,... This increases the authority of your website which will make you rank higher in Google search results. In other words: Google will find you more credible this way.
• Use social media and be active on it: post relevant content regularly, communicate with your community,... This increases your online presence and helps potential customers find your business.

Proven success: content optimisation for better ranking

Ok, you have created your Google Company Profile, collected reviews, got other sites to link to your website AND you are active on social media. Congratulations! That's quite a lot. Unfortunately, these efforts will yield very little if your website is not in tip-top shape. Enter: content optimisation; this means creating high-quality and relevant content that is attractive to both search engines and the user of your website.

An example:

In your keyword research, you found out that the term "the best lawyers in the Kempen" is often searched for. You obviously think that your firm has those best lawyers. It is therefore useful, for example, to write a blog post entitled "Lawyers and legal services in the Kempen". This blog can then clarify why you have the best services, you can explain your working methods or perhaps tell a short piece of history in which tactics are obviously just not given away. Be sure to include a Google map on this blog page so that people can quickly find your office! This way, you do storytelling, an important part of content marketing and indispensable to optimise your content for a good ranking in Google.

A few more examples of effective content optimisation:

• Create guides or tutorials that answer common questions or issues within your industry.
• Write blog posts comparing different products or services within your industry and discussing their pros and cons. This can help potential customers make a decision.
• Keep your audience informed about local events that you and your company are participating in.
• Try posting interactive content such as a quiz or poll. This kind of content is entertaining for your audience and can ensure higher engagement, mainly than on social media.

Conclusion

In a world where online presence is increasingly important, SEO is an essential tool for small and medium-sized businesses to grow and thrive. By applying local SEO tactics and investing in content optimisation, your business can increase its online visibility, generate more traffic and ultimately attract more customers. So what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of SEO and give your business the boost it deserves!

No idea where to start or not enough hours in a day? We understand. Read here all about our services or contact us for a tailor-made proposal in which we help your business grow!

See you soon?