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When it comes to SEO, many business leaders are unsure about what to do and how to do it. There’s so much advice out there, and so many avenues to take, so it can be overwhelming and tough to know what to focus on.

Access to the internet has helped many businesses to expand overseas, and with so many opportunities, companies might be wondering whether it’s actually worth bothering with local SEO. That’s especially true for small businesses: if you’ve only got a limited budget, you might be wondering if you should ignore local SEO in favour of casting a wider net.

For us, there’s only one answer to that question: absolutely, local SEO is definitely worth the effort for many businesses. If your company has a local element, be it a brick-and-mortar location or a service area, you can benefit from local SEO. With 46% of all Google searches being for local businesses, its clear that no company can avoid ignoring it.

The main goal of local SEO is to increase online visibility for people searching within your geographic area, so you could get more customers from there and increase your reach among your local community. We’ve listed many other benefits of using local SEO below so you can see the importance of this often-overlooked digital marketing tactic.

It Offers A Boost For Your Physical Presence

Businesses that offer goods or services in the physical realm, such as tradespeople or retailers with physical stores, will need local customers as they can’t travel as far or move their premises easily. As such, you can get many benefits from using local SEO, particularly if you live in a highly-populated and competitive area like London. For businesses in London with a physical presence, local SEO is crucial if you want to get noticed among the many other providers vying for your audience’s attention. Check out Bigsurfdigital.co.uk to see how their London-based SEO experts can help you to grow your reach and welcome more customers through your doors.

Local SEO Can Improve Credibility

When your business appears in local search results, it increases your credibility and brand recognition among your target market. Many people trust businesses that they feel are a part of their local community. So, having a strong presence in local search results can help you to improve your credibility, as can having plenty of great online reviews, which you can get if you have a strong focus on working with your local community and customers. When you see positive reviews from satisfied customers, consider mentioning the local area in your response. Also, when you’re sharing locally-focused content on your site or social media platforms, consider using local community leaders you’ve collaborated with or team members from the area to showcase the human side of your business.

You’ll Get Strong Returns From Local SEO

Local SEO can be a cost-effective alternative to other forms of digital marketing and give you stronger returns on your investment. Compared to traditional local advertising, local SEO is relatively cost-effective because you’re not paying for space in a newspaper or time on a radio station. Instead, you’re investing in enhancing your online presence, which can yield long-term results. Also, compared to larger SEO campaigns, smaller, more closely targeted local ones can be an easier to quickly get strong returns from. So, if you’re looking to optimise your SEO budget and get the most from your digital marketing efforts, then local SEO could be the perfect option.

Mobile And Local SEO Are Intrinsically Connected

Mobile SEO is strongly connected to your site’s local presence. Think about it: when you’re having a wander out and about, and you want something, you’re going to search online for a local business. You don’t want to travel 40 miles for a milkshake: you want a provider that’s close to you. As mobile usage continues to grow, local SEO becomes increasingly important. Most mobile searches are done with local intent. If your business shows up in these searches, you’ll reach more potential customers. Thanks to the strong link between mobile and local search, your business needs to focus on creating a site that can be access by any type of device. Studies show that 61% of mobile searches will contact a local business if they have a smartphone-friendly site, so if yours isn’t optimised for mobile already, then you need to talk to your website developer and get it updated to ensure ease of use for potential customers on any type of device.

Other Businesses Might Be Slower On The Uptake

As this article highlights, many small businesses have overlooked the importance of local SEO. As such, you’ve got a unique opportunity to get ahead of them. If you start focusing on it now, you’ll have a competitive advantage and will be able to access a wider pool of potential clients. As the online market continues to evolve, you’ll be ahead of your slower competitors and will already be on top of local SEO and other important digital marketing skills. Learn about vital local SEO skills, like using Google My Business, which is a vital aspect of local SEO. A well-optimised listing can get your business featured in Google’s local pack, which appears at the top of local search results. Learn to use this and other vital local SEO techniques to your advantage and ensure that you start working to get ahead of the curve before your competitors.

Conclusion: Local SEO Is Key To Business Growth And Longevity

By focusing on local SEO, you can bring substantial benefits to your business and help it to grow within your local community. It helps to connect your business with your community, allowing you to foster stronger relationships and improve customer loyalty. Moreover, as the online space gets more competitive, having a strong local SEO strategy becomes crucial for companies that want to set themselves apart from the rest. So, use this article to understand the importance of local SEO and find ways to start improving yours.