Why local SEO can be a game changer for your business

Local SEO or local search engine optimization, makes your business stand out locally in Google. This means making your business more visible to people in the area specifically looking for the services or products you offer.

Our world is mobile, and more and more people are searching for local businesses on the go via their phones and Google Maps. Worldwide, more than 1 billion people monthly use Google Maps - an impressive number that presents huge opportunities for businesses that operate locally. With Local SEO, you optimize not only your website, but also your Google Company Profile (formerly Google My Business). This profile on Google immediately gives potential customers all the basic information about your business, such as photos, contact information, opening hours and customer reviews. Thus, you are visible when someone types in a local keyword such as "restaurant near you" or "bakery Leuven."

And the competition? Who often miss this! Many companies have still not fully completed their profiles. By fully utilizing your profile, you will quickly differentiate yourself and attract customers who are actively searching in your area.

1. Optimize your Google Company Profile: complete your profile with name, address, phone number, business hours and photos. This not only ensures recognizability, but it also helps you rank higher in search results. A fully completed profile combined with good reviews will quickly make you more findable. Post regular updates and new photos and communicate any changes, such as new opening hours, in a timely manner. An up-to-date and dynamic profile radiates commitment and boosts your position in Google.
2. Collect and manage reviews: actively ask customers for a review and respond to the feedback you receive. Reviews play a crucial role in the credibility of your business and contribute to your ranking in Google.
3. Use local keywords: research what keywords customers use to find local services. Strategically incorporate these keywords into your website content and meta descriptions.
4. Consistent data: this may sound logical, but make sure your name, address and phone number are consistent everywhere online. So even on external websites! This increases the reliability of your business information and strengthens your position in search results.
5. Collect regional backlinks:link building is essential for SEO and with Local SEO, regional backlinks specifically help. Look for partners and local websites that can link to your business, such as news platforms, municipal websites or neighborhood organizations.
6. Prepare your website for voice search: more and more people are using voice search, especially for local questions such as "where is the nearest store?". Therefore, customize your mobile-friendly website with natural, demand-oriented search terms.

Want to maximize local exposure for your business with minimal effort? Then local SEO is for you! From optimizing your Google Business Profile to implementing local keywords and backlinks on your website, Local SEO increases your online visibility anyway.

Have questions or need help? Contact us and make Local SEO your competitive advantage!