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A stellar search engine optimization (SEO) strategy is what differentiates average businesses from well-performing ones. SEO stands for the set of practices used to organically improve your website’s positioning in online search results. Prominent positioning within the first page of search results is important, as 75% of search engine users don’t go past the first page. One of the most effective ways to utilize SEO is to localize it. Implementing a local SEO strategy will help ensure your business appears in local search results.

There are numerous benefits to local SEO. Local clients can end up being some of your most important clients. They can spread the word about your business, and recommend products or services based on their experience. With enough hard work and promotion, your business could become a staple within the community. If you’re interested in learning more about why local SEO is important for your business, below we’ve highlighted five reasons why you should consider making it a top priority within your business’s marketing plans.

Encourage Repeat Local Customers

It’s your responsibility to promote your business to the correct audience. For people within your community to be aware of your business, you must utilize SEO. People care about convenience. They’re more likely to frequent shops or businesses that are within their community because they’re closer to them or offer fast, reliable shipping.

People are also more aware of supporting their local businesses. More than ever before, people are willing to spend more or go out of their way to find local, small businesses they can put their money into rather than large chains. By utilizing local SEO you can take advantage of these natural wants of the consumers.

Improve Your Business’s Online Visibility

As we mentioned earlier, nearly 75% of search engine users find their answers on the first page of search results. That percentage can get as high as 91% of users during high-traffic times such as during the holidays. These numbers speak to the importance of online visibility for your business.

Local SEO can help ensure your business is listed within that first page of search results—and better yet—listed amongst the top results. Having your business positioned within the top results on search engines will positively impact your traffic rates as well as your business’s bottom line.

Build Community Trust 

Gaining trust from local community members is crucial for a business to succeed. Your community can be the one to spread the word about your business, a driving force in keeping a business alive and thriving. One of the best ways to gain the trust of your community is by using local SEO. Local SEO keeps your business and your business’s events at the forefront of search results.

People are more inclined to trust those top search results, so by coming across your business time and time again, they’ll be bound to check it out. A Google Business account can garner trust from the public as well as it will assist in creating a legitimate online presence. Enable reviews and be sure to respond appropriately to them. Having a well-reviewed Google Business account also increases the chances of your store coming up in local searches.

Create More Relevant Traffic

Local SEO helps bring the right customers to your business’s website. By ensuring your business is amongst the top search results within your localized community you’ll be guaranteeing an increase in your traffic, with more relevant customers being directed your way. Hubspot reported that businesses that focused on local SEO optimization saw a 72% increase in new customer interest within a 5-mile radius.

Without search engine optimization, there’s a strong chance you’re missing out on customers living within your community. They won’t know you exist until you ensure your business is getting into their online search results. Local SEO can do that for you.

Increase Sales

Local SEO executed correctly has a direct relation to an increase in sales. The goal of local SEO is to draw attention from customers you may be missing. By implementing a local SEO strategy, you’ll be able to grab the attention of those local community members that may not have been able to find you previously.

This is especially important for brick and mortar businesses, as the community around them supporting their business is pivotal for its success. Gaining the support of local consumers is great for sales, as these community members can turn into local regulars.