If you have a business that serves people in a specific geographic area, you may think you don’t need to focus on the internet to market to your customers. After all, won’t they see print ads and billboards and hear radio ads?
If you’re a small business owner who’s eschewed the power of the internet for growing your business in favor of other lead generation techniques — it’s time to think again. In fact, one of the most powerful way local business owners can bring in new customers is by harnessing the power of the online search engine, which is an easy way for people to discover a business in their vicinity — and easily get in contact with that business.
In order to use search engines for growing your business, it’s essential to focus on search engine optimization — or SEO. Doing so means you’ll rank high in search engine results — and potential customers can easily find you when searching on their smartphone or computer. Here are some helpful tips on how to use SEO in order to generate local leads.
Use the Right Keywords
You want to use the keywords on your page that people are actually looking for. This means you should optimize both for keywords relating to your industry (products, services, etc.) and relating to your geographic area. When optimizing with keywords, include those words in the body text of your site copy, in headings and subheadings, and in alt+tags for images. That way, when people search for a business related to yours in your area, they’ll be able to find you.
Create a Blog
Blogs are an excellent way to add more text to your website — which means that they’re a great place to put more keywords. Start a blog that includes valuable information that your customers will appreciate. Then, you’ll not only boost your SEO — you’ll also brand yourself as a valuable thought leader.
Build Links
The more links to your website that exist on the web, the higher you rank in search results. Try building links by including a directory of complementary (or helpful) businesses on your site. Then, reach out to those businesses and let them know you’ve linked to them — and ask them to link to you as well. Also, make sure to include links to your site on your social media pages (and in posts), in email newsletters, and in press materials whenever you are hosting a local event or happening.