What is SEO?
SEO is short for “search engine optimization”. To put it simply, SEO is the practice of increasing your website’s visibility in search results for the services or products your business offers. The closer to the top you are in search results, the more visible you will be to prospective and existing customers when they’re searching for what you offer.
How did Search Engines evolve?
When the internet was in its infancy, there were relatively few websites, so it was easy to find what you were looking for. As the number of sites increased, users needed a little help finding the information they were seeking - enter the search engine. While there are many sites to help you find what you’re looking for (like Bing, Yahoo and DuckDuckGo), the undisputed king is Google. According to Statistica, over 83% of the market is using Google to find what they’re looking for, so you’ll want to play by their rules.
What makes Google unique?
Google was the first search engine to develop an algorithm estimating how trustworthy a website’s information may be. What originated as a review of links between sites has evolved into assessing over 200 data points, both on and off of your website, to determine your rank in relation to a specific search request. These data points create your “digital footprint” which encompasses your brand’s expression across the internet, including things you have published as well as what others have posted about you. Just like word of mouth in social circles determines your reputation, your digital footprint dictates your relevance online.
What are Local SEO Services?
Not so long ago, when we were looking for a local business, we picked up a phone book and thumbed thru the index to find a list of nearby private schools or the neighborhood exterminator. Now that (most) folks turn to the internet to find businesses near them, and because the internet is overflowing with information, you must optimize your content to ensure your name is at the top of the right search results.
While traditional SEO focuses on your business being found on a global or national scale, Local SEO boosts brand exposure in “near me” and other location-dependent searches. It is particularly important for small and medium-sized businesses with a storefront (or several within a region).
When your target market is regional, Local SEO optimization services are not something you can afford to overlook. Have you ever searched for something like “oil changes near me”? You can thank Local SEO for pointing you to the shop just down the road and not to the biggest garage on the east coast.
Why is Local SEO important?
If you have ever searched for something while at work - say, “auto repair near me” - and then later replicated the search at home, chances are your results were a bit different. This is because Google’s algorithm takes into account your proximity to potential search results. Google knows that when your vehicle’s dash lights suddenly rival a Christmas tree’s, you probably want to find the closest possible mechanic.
Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) and why it’s a big part of Local SEO
Appearing in the top search results is your goal and your Google Business Profile is key to ranking in both Google Search and Google Maps. This is the fast track to verifying your brand’s existence and authenticity. It allows you to share (and control) important details such as your NAP (name, address, and phone number), your operating hours, and the best ways to contact you.
Appearing in Google’s Local Pack (or map listings) is critical to establishing and maintaining your Local SEO. Have you claimed your Google Business Profile? This is one of the easiest ways to get ahead of your competitors. This service will increase your local online visibility, help you outrank your competition, and drive more traffic to your website. The result? Increased leads and sales.
How Local SEO grows leads and sales
As you know, your business needs a steady stream of qualified leads to meet or exceed your sales goals. Google Business Profile and Local SEO make it easy for prospective customers to find your website and your physical location (if you have one). You can use Google Analytics to see how your Local SEO is performing, which allows you to test keywords and campaigns to see what is most effective for you and your business.
Of note: while Local SEO will drive traffic to your site, it’s up to you to make sure your website is a place that folks will want to stay awhile. Your website should be easy to navigate with short load times, functional links, and a mobile responsive design. People naturally follow the path of least resistance, so you’ll want to make sure your user experience is a smooth one. Not sure if your website is living it’s best life? Contact us for a free consultation!
How to Increase Local SEO - What matters most?
Searching for local information has been around since the advent of search engines, but until recently, it was primarily limited to folks using desktop computers. Now that the American population is near-saturated with mobile devices, mobile search is the #1 way people are searching for your business. Why is this important? According to Google, 76% of people who find a local business via search on their smartphone will visit within one day. What does this mean for you? Proximity matters, so search engines must know where your business is. So, how do you get found?
Google Business Profile
If marketing your business online is new to you, start here and set up your Google Business Profile. This simple step can gain customer trust and build brand recognition. Make sure to keep your information consistent across your digital footprint (your website, your social media, your GBP, etc).
Target Keywords
Determine what your target audience is searching for, and be sure to use those words in your virtual content. For example, here at Cube Creative Design, we are inbound marketing specialists in Asheville, NC, so we want to also use related keywords like Western North Carolina, digital marketing - and Local SEO, of course!
Landing Pages
This hyperlocal, keyword-specific content helps search engines recognize your site as relevant for geographical searches.
Backlinks and Link Building
Each page on your site has a link assigned to it. One way to increase your Local SEO is to create valuable content other local businesses may want to share. When they share your content, linking back to your site, it builds Google’s confidence in your subject matter expertise.
Local Citations and Listings
Now that you’ve set up your Google Business Profile (right?!), your local business is visible on search engines. The next step is to ensure your business has a presence on other platforms like social media and directory listings. Again, make sure to keep your information consistent within your digital footprint so your reputation continues to grow.
If the idea of keeping up with your business’s numerous listings gives you hives, check out Cube Creative Design’s Business Listing Management Services. We offer supercharged Local SEO services in Asheville and beyond!
User Experience
As mentioned earlier, your website needs to be user-friendly and engaging. No one wants to stick around a glitchy site, no matter how relevant your content may be. Also, make sure your design is objectively mobile-friendly; Google’s Mobile-Friendly test tool is the perfect way to find out. If your site needs some help - our web design services may be just what you need. Contact us for a free consultation!
Online Reputation Management
There are many places folks may post their opinions of your business and your prospective clients will be searching out these reviews prior to doing business with you. Replying to all reviews reflects your respect for honest feedback (and protects your brand image). This is why it’s crucial to stay on top of these mentions, no matter how flattering (or unflattering) they may be.
The more reviews you have, the better your Local SEO will be. Cube Creative Design partners with Birdeye to bring you an all-in-one platform for both requesting reviews and managing them. Contact us today for more information!
What does a successful Local SEO campaign look like?
Appearing on page one of search results is the basic goal of a Local SEO campaign, but for a campaign to be truly successful, there is more to consider. Ultimately, you want your business to gain clients and name recognition. To gauge your success in those areas, you’ll want to consider if you are attracting the right prospective customers (and converting them), how much your organic traffic has increased, what your bounce rate is, and how your site is ranking for keywords.
Does my business need Local SEO help?
The short answer? Probably. Here are a few characteristics of businesses that absolutely cannot afford to skip this investment:
- You rely on local customers for sales and revenue
- You want to target specific geographic areas to grow your business
- Your company has defined service areas (zip codes, neighborhoods, towns, etc)
- Your business has more than one physical location (or offers services in multiple regions) but is not nationwide
- You want to claim and manage your business listings in online directories
- You want your company to appear on maps and in navigation apps
- You want your company to be featured in Google’s Local Pack
When deciding if you need to hire a Local SEO firm to handle your local business SEO services, one of the biggest things to consider is where your time is best spent. You’re an expert at what you do - let us lend you our expertise in providing the best local search engine services in Asheville, NC.
Not sure how to sell Local SEO services to other decision makers in your organization? Contact us today for a free consultation!
How to Choose the Best Local SEO Services Company
If the idea of DIY’ing your business’s Local SEO is overwhelming, you’ll want to pick the best of the best to help move your business to the top of the relevant search results. Admittedly, there are many marketing companies who offer this service - but how do you know you’re choosing the best Local SEO services?
They are Ethical
Your business follows the rules and you should expect no less from your marketing firm. Look for an open, transparent organization that plays by the rules dictated by search engines, social media, and other places your digital footprint appears.
They Use Up to Date Strategies
Cube Creative Design is focused on your results. We use proven SEO techniques and inbound marketing campaigns to increase your site traffic and help turn visitors into leads.
They Have Good Communication
Just like you expect the flip of a light switch to illuminate a dark room, you should expect clear updates on your Local SEO campaign as well as any relevant shifts in the industry. We are small enough to know your business personally but you can expect support requests to be handled in just a couple of hours.
They Have a Great Reputation
You wouldn’t choose a vet clinic without seeking out customer reviews - be sure to do the same when selecting someone to help with your Local SEO! Since 2005, Cube has served the Western North Carolina market, sharing the talents of folks who also live in the Old North State. Check out what people are saying about us.
They Make Realistic Promises
As you’ve likely heard (and learned), there are no guarantees in life. A professional and experienced agency will never promise that they can push your rank to #1 on Google (or anywhere else). The best marketers will design measurable goals for meeting your objectives while setting reasonable expectations for your local search SEO services.
They Offer Transparent Pricing
At Cube Creative Design, we offer a variety of content marketing services to meet your needs. You can take advantage of our bundled service packages, optimized for inbound marketing or social media marketing.
They Know One Size Does Not Fit All
If you’re not ready to commit to a full suite of services, you can pick and choose from our custom menu. Our affordable Local SEO services are just one of many ways we can help you grow your business.
They Practice What They Preach
Can you find your prospective Local SEO provider via search? If not, they might not be the one you’re looking for.
How Cube Creative Design can help
While we are experts in helping companies like yours improve their Local SEO, we are so much more than that. Since 2005, our goal has been to help your business grow by managing your online presence. We can build and manage your website, your website’s content, your social media, your online reputation, and your online advertising, including Google Ads.
If you’re wondering how we have helped businesses like yours to succeed, check out our SEO Case Studies! Our affordable Local SEO services can help you to meet your goals.
About us
Cube Creative Design is a close-knit team of graphic designers, web developers, and content strategists. What does this mean for you? Most support requests are handled within a couple of hours; plus, we are small enough to know your business personally. We keep things 100% local - everyone involved in your marketing is based in North Carolina!
When you’re ready to take your business’s online presence to the next level, Cube Creative Design would love to help you achieve your goals. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation!