Running A Business

7 Ways to Instantly Improve Your Local SEO

Dec 21, 2018 • 3 min read
California freelancer working on her laptop
Table of Contents

      If you’re reading this article, you’re one of three people: my boss, a Lendio geek, or someone who knows how to use Google. If you’re the last kind of person, then our SEO is working. And we want to help you get yours working too.

      Here’s the thing: SEO is a bit of an endless rabbit hole. You can perform little search engine optimization tweaks until you forget your own name. But, that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few easy ways to get your feet wet if you’re looking to hop into the local SEO game to boost your small business.

      Here’s a few tips to get you quick results:

      1. Open a Google My Business account

      This allows you to add your business to the local roster of businesses in the area. You can add details like your business address, phone number, customer reviews, hours of operation, and a link to your website. Every business that deals its wares to locals needs a Google My Business account.

      2. Get some reviews

      When people come into town or when they feel like going somewhere new they’re going to boot up Google and type something like, “Thai food near me.” And, if you followed tip 1, they’ll likely see your business. Here’s the thing, though, they’ll also see that other Thai place down the street. If the other place has more reviews and a higher rating, they’re likely to choose it..

      But, you can remedy that by encouraging your patrons to write reviews of your business on Google and Yelp.

      3. Handle poor reviews

      Once you start getting reviews, zero in on those reviews that are negative. See if you can find a way to help the customer resolve the issue. Be humble, address their concern, then ask them to amend their review. Turn them from a doubter into a brand evangelist.

      4. Write some content

      Got a website? Put some words on it. Write things that really communicate the voice of your brand. Write about your business, your business goals, and about your passion for your products.

      5. Get your keyword game on point

      Research a few long-tail keywords that you can use when talking about your brand. Use the language your customers use to describe your business. Ask yourself the question, “what would I type into a search engine if I wanted to find me?”

      6. Use social media to link to your site

      Yeah, you can hock stuff on social media sites, but using social media to build your brand and drive traffic to your site will really help your SEO grow.

      7. Get geeky

      There are a lot of websites dedicated to SEO education. Use these tips as a start, but don’t hesitate to learn the tricks of the trade as thoroughly as you can. Remember the rabbit hole? Sometimes it’s a good idea to just hop down and see what you find.

      About the author
      Andrew Mosteller

      Andrew Mosteller is a freelance writer and regular contributor to Lendio News. His upbringing in an entrepreneurial family nurtured a passion for small business at a young age. Andrew's father, an equity fund manager, taught him the ins and outs of investment financing. Now, Andrew spends his time writing copy for business owners, helping them expand and advertise their unique brands. He's also studying Strategic Communications at the University of Utah. When Andrew's fingers aren't glued to the keyboard, he spends his time reading, podcasting, composing music, and bombing down the ski slopes.

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