Suppose you’re a small business owner aiming to stay ahead of your competitors and attract prospects who select products or services based on local search results. In that case, you need to ensure business optimization for local search.

Local search engine optimization (SEO) is a strategy that helps increase a business’s online presence in Google’s local results. Using local SEO agencies’ best practices will help you ensure that customers can find your local company and connect with it. As a result, you will not only drive more local traffic to your website and get new leads but also improve brand awareness.

How Google ranks search results in Libertyville

It would be hardly possible for Google to find the needed content without prior sorting and ranking it. So when a user does a Google search for some query, Google uses certain algorithms to quickly analyze websites included in the Search index and categorize them in accordance with their relevance, prominence, and popularity.

To provide you with the most helpful data, Search algorithms consider various on-site and off-site factors, including but not limited to page usability and relevance, words included in the query, your location, etc. After examining all the factors, Google algorithms determine websites that answer your query and place them at the top of the search results list.

If you want your website to rank higher, you shouldn’t ignore some critical factors listed below.

Meaning of your query

Before giving you the most relevant results, Google algorithms first clarify your search query. Then, they create certain language models aimed at figuring out how the words you insert into the search field correspond to the most helpful information available online. Such models are based on different criteria, including those that can identify and rectify spelling errors or use a synonym system capable of finding web pages with LSI queries (i.e., words or phrases similar in meaning to those you were looking for). Additionally, Google’s system recognizes trending keywords you search for and provides you with up-to-date information instead of offering web pages with older content.

Relevance of content

Google’s algorithms also scan web pages to determine if they include information relevant to your question. The key indicator showing the content is related to your search request is the presence of the same keywords (as those in your query) in the web page’s content. For instance, if the heading or subheading of the web page text includes keywords you are looking for, searching systems will consider this page to be potentially relevant.

Quality of content

Once Google’s systems select the most relevant content, they will work on ranking them based on their usefulness to the user. Next, they detect signals helping identify content that shows trustworthiness, expertise, and authoritativeness. For example, if some credible and famous websites have backlinks from the website found by Google’s algorithm, this can testify people can trust the page’s content.

Usability of web pages

If web pages defined by Google systems seem relatively equal, algorithms evaluate website design and web page usability, i.e., the ease of user’s interaction with the website. For example, many users prefer to search for content using mobile devices meaning mobile friendly content on websites with a high page speed will be more popular. Google systems analyze if web pages are easy to navigate (i.e., users can find the needed information in no time) and are loaded quickly.

When you improve the SEO of your website by optimizing certain vital elements of its digital footprint, you may be sure Google will rank you business higher and show it more frequently in search results.

What is local SEO in Libertyville?

After analyzing numerous user searches, Google systems have come to the conclusion that people (who look for certain businesses creating services or offering products) often need results related to their location. A local search algorithm analyzes the proximity factor to make search results more useful. Thus, when you insert a local query (e.g., “pizza delivery”) at work, Google will evaluate websites with the pizza delivery and create a list of locations close to your office. But if you search for the same keyword at home, the local search results will be absolutely different (as your location has changed).

Local search has existed for decades, but the possibilities for applying it were quite limited as people could use only their desktop computers. But the situation has drastically changed thanks to the appearance of the mobile Internet. Now people can order goods or find local services on the go, so local SEO has turned out to be vital for business owners who sell local products or offer local services.

Why is local SEO important for business in Libertyville?

Since many people are searching for local businesses, you need to ensure search engines can easily identify your company by location and show it to customers in the neighborhood. Have a look at some stats demonstrating how local SEO influences your business:

• 72% of users making a local search will buy products or use services within five miles from their home. (Source: HubSpot)
• Local searches account for 46% of all Google searches. (Source: Go Globe)
• 75% of people find the necessary information on the first page of Google results and do not even open the second page. (Source: HubSpot)
• 88% of local web search queries conducted by mobile device users will result in a call or a visit to the store within one day. (Source: Nectafy)
• 97% of users making business searches on Google want to find a business in the neighborhood. (Source: Hubspot)
• The number of clicks on every local listing placed below the top 6 Google search results doesn’t exceed 2%. (Source: ChatMeter)
• Almost one-third of all local Google queries (specifically, 28%) result in a purchase transaction. (Source: Joel House Search Media)

As you can see, people find local searches to be really helpful. Thus, local SEO is an important instrument that adds value to your business and contributes to its success. Once you start doing local SEO, you may get the following benefits:

Targeted website traffic growth

Locally optimized content ensures a higher ranking of your site in search results, which, in its turn, leads to getting more clicks and increasing the traffic to the website.

Links building with other local businesses

Though you need to stay competitive, sometimes it’s useful to build friendly relationships with businesses operating nearby.

Conversion rate growth

By optimizing web pages for local searches, you improve the conversion rate, increase the number of consultation requests, email subscriptions, and phone call requests, as well as bolster up sales.

Customer retention

When you include local SEO near me into your search engine marketing strategies, local customers have more chances to find you through the online search. And if they like your products or services, they become your returned customers, so it will be easier for you to sell them your products. Besides, satisfied customers are likely to recommend your business to their friends living nearby, thus bringing your company more clients.

Enhanced trust level thanks to higher rankings

When users try to find some business online, they usually click on search results listed higher on the page. They consider such brands more credible and trustworthy than those with lower search engine rankings. When your website is located at the end of the top 10 search results or on next pages, customers will hesitate to buy from you. Local SEO will ensure higher website rankings, making your business more trustworthy in buyers’ eyes.

Advertisement cost cutbacks

The majority of smartphone users apply the “near me” parameter while searching for something. If your company appears at the top of Google search results related to a particular query, it means your local targeting functions correctly. When customers can easily find your business via the Internet (thanks to organic search or Google ads), you may save money on localized campaigns conducted on social media and/or ads placed in local newspapers.

How does local SEO work in Libertyville?

In general, local SEO works similarly to a standard Google search. When a person inserts some keywords into the search box, Google scans the list of available websites and identifies the best results that answer the person’s query. While conducting research and ranking the results found, it analyzes the semantic core of each website and considers the user’s location. Notably, the user doesn’t need to specify their location or add phrases like “near me” or “in the neighborhood” – Google does this automatically and picks up the results with the user’s location in mind.

Having received a local query, Google shows two types of results on its search results page:

1. The Google Map Pack results. This set of local searches is displayed at the top of a page with search engine results. It comprises three Google-Maps-based local listings considered the best match for a user’s query by Google. Since the Google Map Pack is shown in 93% of local searches, it’s vitally important for a business to appear in its ranking to achieve greater online visibility.
2. Organic search results. These are the standard ten website links shown on the Google results page. They follow the Google 3-pack results.

Being a local business owner, you can optimize your website to fare well in both rankings.

Local SEO ranking factors in Libertyville

The uniqueness of local SEO lies in the fact that while performing the search, Google uses an additional group of ranking factors related to the user’s locality. If your business operates locally, SEO professionals will advise you to concentrate on the following aspects.

Google Business Profile (GMB) in Libertyville

According to Brightocal’s survey, 36% of respondents working as SEOs consider GMB to be the most crucial factor for the Google Map Pack ranking, while only 6% find it essential for traditional organic search results.

As a free service, Google Business Profile allows any company to fill out a profile containing information about the company location, contact details, and reviews. Once you fill out the profile, Google marks your business on Google Maps, and customers will have more chances to find and choose your business. In particular, they are 70% more likely to purchase products or order services from a company with the filled out Business Profile.

Additionally, the service enables you to manage information that appears across all Google’s services. For example, the information will automatically change everywhere when you change company location in your profile. This feature is crucial for small businesses because potential customers, who find any controversial information about your company, may think your business is outdated or simply disorganized. So, while considering the optimization GBP in Libertyville, don’t ignore the following best practices:

• Choose the right business category
• Specify business hours
• Add your company address (if you have a brick-and-mortar store)
• Enumerate the list of goods or services you provide
• Add up-to-date photos of your products or business
• Encourage users to leave their feedback and don’t forget to reply to them
• Inform customers about company news by publishing updates and press releases on your website

Libertyville NAP citations for your business

NAP (name, address, and phone number) citations are usually placed not only on the company website pages but also in different listings. NAPs help Google confirm the validity and accuracy of your business information. Remember that the more NAP citations are found online, the better Google ranks your business, considering it to be more credible.

Place NAP citations in various directories To make your company more visible online. As a rule, directories are displayed on the Google search results page when users search for local queries, so you’ll have a high chance of being noticed by users clicking on web links with listings.

To get better results:

• Get listed in big directories (e.g., Yelp, Citysquares, Facebook, Yellow Pages, Data Axle, Localeze, Foursquare, Nextdoor, LinkedIn, Bing Places, etc.) or on any other local websites you find appropriate for promoting your business.
• Ensure the consistency of data (name, address, and phone number) you publish everywhere.

Reviews from customers in Libertyville

Reviews are used to identify the quality of products or services provided to customers. For example, while reviewing organic search results, users prefer visiting websites that appear at the top of the page. But when consumers check out Google local pack listings, they choose results with higher rating scores.

While analyzing reviews, Google not only scans feedback and comments left on Google Business Profile but also takes into consideration all online reviews about your business. By asking your customers to leave reviews, you get a higher company rating from Google, build trust, and urge prospects to select you among the competitors (thanks to positive reviews from previous customers).

If you wonder how to get more customer reviews, follow these guidelines:

• Remind customers about yourself and ask them to leave a review.
• Open Business Profile Manager, generate a review link, and send it to your customers. Using this short URL, they’ll be able to rate your products or/and services, leave feedback, and look at your Business Profile.
• Always reply to customers’ feedback (positive or negative) to show their comments and suggestions count.

Link building for your business in Libertyville

Link building is a process aimed to acquire hyperlinks to your websites from other sites (preferably more authoritative ones). Combined with great content, excellent user experience, and good on-page SEO, link building is an efficient instrument for driving organic traffic to your website to improve Google search visibility.

With many link-building strategies being in place, you may start with the following ones:

• Creating guest posts on other websites
• Using manual outreach
• Promoting your local company on social media platforms
• Replicating backlinks of your direct competitors
• Determining unlinked brand mentions, contacting the person who mentioned you, and asking to add the link to your website
• Reclaiming lost backlinks
• Using broken link building

To help web pages rank higher, you need to:

• Create helpful and quality content users will like to link to
• Make a list of link-building strategies that will help you get more backlinks
• Put these strategies into practice

When determining the best results for the user’s query, Google checks “if prominent websites link or refer to the content” of your website. And if they do, it’s a good sign for Google algorithms demonstrating that users find your website’s content useful and trust it. Thus, your website is ranked higher in SERPs. Additionally, if you publish great content, but your website is new and has no authority, you may work on getting links from reliable websites to let Google know your website should be considered more authoritative.

While working on acquiring backlinks, don’t forget that placing links on quality sites with high-quality content and good traffic is highly advisable. Avoid getting links from websites that are spammy or irrelevant to your business, as Google will understand you are trying to cheat search algorithms and won’t give your website high local rankings.

Though link building is a time-consuming process, the results will exceed your expectations and lead to organic search success.

Tools for local SEO in Libertyville

Local SEO tools aim to provide valuable insights concerning current online visibility of your business and opportunities for reaching more potential customers to sell your products or services.

The most helpful tools offer a variety of features including, but not limited to:

• Customer feedback collection
• Brand reputation monitoring
• Content performance tracking
• Website traffic analysis
• Rankings tracking
• Audits
• Keywords search
• Listings management
• Local SEO reports generation

The current market offers a variety of local SEO solutions ranging from niche or specialized programs to comprehensive software platforms. To fill your business needs and implement your local SEO strategy, be ready to use more than one local SEO tool.

Below you will find the list of some tools that can help you improve your website’s local SEO in Chicago to promote your business and get more prospects.

Whitespark

Aimed to improve websites’ search rankings and boost the companies’ growth, this tool will be extremely helpful for businesses with multiple locations.  It comprises many features, including a local citation finder, review checker, reputation builder, local rank tracker, etc.

Google Analytics

It provides website administrators and business owners with free tools helping discover current trends and ways of visitors’ interaction with websites. This complex solution enables you to collect and analyze information concerning your business performance, visualize the received data, create different reports, and easily integrate with third-party applications.

Google Search Console

This Google service helps you measure and control your website’s performance in Google search results, optimize content after analyzing the website’s clicks and impressions,  fix indexing issues that may arise, and improve the website’s position in Google search rankings.

Ahrefs

It is the all-in-one tool designed to analyze and optimize your website; find keywords searched for by prospects and real customers; review your competitors’ websites; detect your niche’s top performing content (in terms of backlinks, social shares, etc.).

Screaming Frog SEO Spider

This SEO website audit tool helps you efficiently crawl websites, extract the necessary data to make reasoned decisions, find possible SEO-related problems and eliminate them to improve website SEO.

Order local SEO in Libertyville from More Local Clients

Are you a small business owner who doesn’t want to spend money on promotional campaigns in a generalized market with the unrealistic competition? Do you want to focus on building a reputation within a local search ecosystem to get quick and efficient results?

If yes, you’ve come to the right place. At More Local Clients, a local SEO marketing company, we offer a full range of SEO services in Libertyville that will increase the online presence of your business and bring it to ever greater heights.

Using a data-driven approach and only tried-and-true SEO strategies, our professional local SEO experts may optimize your website to get it noticed by Google, Bing, etc., bring additional organic traffic, and get more leads and/or sales.

Don’t waste your time! By improving your local SEO with MLC today, you’ll beat your competitors and achieve all of your business goals. Get in touch with our SEO specialists right now to discuss your specific needs and find the best solution.