If you have spent any time researching digital marketing, you know there are thousands of articles promoting the latest local SEO tips. It’s easy to get lost in the technical jargon and back and forth about who is right and who is wrong. Suppose you found your way to this article. In that case, you are more than likely a Houston, Texas local business or you were specifically looking for Local SEO tips.
ProEngage Local is Houston’s go-to local SEO company; people always call us looking for SEO tips. Suppose you have called around looking for SEO tips. In that case, you have probably run into much fast talk about algorithms and everything other than what you wanted. Everyone knows the frustration of trying to understand something and getting the short talk experience instead.
This post will cover the same local SEO tips we share when someone calls us. You will see there is no secret sauce, but you will also see everything takes time, even when you know what you are doing.
Local SEO Tip 1 – Prioritize Website Budget
Let’s say you have a small budget that can only accommodate professional web design or an SEO consultant. In this case, spending your money on a professionally made website would be wiser. Remember that your website serves as a foundation for all your online marketing and advertising.
Suppose your business already has a professional website. In that case, a few search engine optimization basics are necessary to ensure your website is successful. Your website speaks volumes about your company and should be attractive, easy to navigate, and well-organized. Your text-based navigation should be appropriately labeled. Also, your home page should display what you do, your location, business hours, and contact information.
SEO Tip 2 – Google My Business (GMB)
You need to claim or add your business to Google My Business to keep your business info updated across Google Search and Maps. Ensuring potential customers can find you from anywhere on any device. If you still need to claim your GMB listing, we recommend you head to the Google My Business resource page. Then, set up and optimize your page with the following information:
- A proper description of your business and services
- Category to which your business belongs
- Accurate business address
- Your phone number
- Specific business hours and any holiday hours
Once you set up your GMB listing, refresh and update it regularly. You also can add posts. We recommend you take advantage of this by posting to your page weekly.
SEO Tip 3 – Optimize for Mobile
An increasing number of consumers are searching for businesses on their smartphones and tablets. So they are expecting a smooth and seamless experience even when browsing on these devices. If your website fails to live up to these expectations, it will drive visitors away.
To ensure this does not happen, you need a website that’s optimized for mobile. Not sure if your site is mobile-friendly? Click here to find out.
Even if your site is mobile-friendly, you can always enhance it. Here’s how:
- Organize your home page as we discussed above. People should be able to see your address, phone number, and business hours without having to pinch or scroll the screen.
- People scan the pages faster on a mobile device. So, using short paragraphs, sub-headers, lists, and bullets will help them skim without losing out on any vital information.
- Enhance readability with the use of images and white spaces to break up the text.
SEO Tip 4 – Location Specific Content
Location-specific content is a great way to build authority in a specific marketplace. Also, it allows you to target critical areas and customers that matter the most. It also gives you a leg up regarding local search rankings. For example, you may not rank as well for general keywords like “Garage Door Repairs,” however, you can improve your ranking for more specific keywords like “Garage Door Repair in Humble TX.”
Lastly The Best of All Local SEO Tips – Prove Your Credibility
Positive customer reviews and testimonials on your home page play a critical role in the success of your business. High-quality reviews are proof of your commitment to delivering first-rate service. A consumer can read your reviews and recognize that your business is legitimate. Posting your positive reviews on your GMB page increases your visibility and ranking. You should also include customer reviews and testimonials on your GMB page.
There are many great and powerful SEO techniques to build your online presence. We’d love to talk if you’re looking for an experienced Houston, TX SEO company to successfully market your business online.