10 tips for local SEO

Optimizing a website for search engines should be a top priority for every business, regardless of its size and location. SEO requires discipline on some fundamental principles as well as patience. Making your website friendly for local web searches can be extremely rewarding if you follow a set of tips and best practices.

So, here are 10 tips for local SEO.

Local top level domain (TLD) – Getting a local top level domain is a great start towards your SEO goals. You can still get its generic .com version; however, try focusing on optimizing on your local domain.

Use local keywords – You need to repeat your local keywords at least once for every 150 words in your content and most importantly at the page title of your homepage. For example, if you sell handmade jewelry in Manchester, NH, do include Manchester, NH as often as possible.

Contact page details – This is one of the most important parts of your local SEO execution. Create a contact us page and add your exact location, together with your business address and telephone number.

Location details on footer – Another key placement of your keywords is the footer, because the footer content is usually identical throughout the website.

Google places – Make sure you claim your location at Google Places. They always come on top of your search results when you include location based keywords.

Local directories – Add your business in local business directories, such as Yelp, using keywords at the business description.

Guest posts on local blogs – Do guest posts on blogs within your geographic target market, it will help you build back links and gain brand awareness.

Local social media accounts – Sign up for a Twitter profile, a Facebook page and a Foursquare business venue using your keywords and stating your location. You can add as many social networks as you want, however, try to focus on where your market is.

Local Groupon deals – Although, I am not a great fun of Groupon, if you need to get rid of some excessive inventory or create awareness do give it a try. Again, make sure you add your keywords on the business description and deal details.

Have a blog – Blogging is one of the key assets in building long lasting SEO benefits. Blog about local happenings, provide reviews on other relevant businesses to yours, ask your customers to write a review and allow guest post by other local businesses.

In a nutshell, local SEO is not much different from generic SEO, follow the exact same guide lines and focus in the long run.