Taking Your Local SEO to the Next Level: Advanced Strategies to Outrank Competitors
In my previous post, we covered the basics of optimizing for voice search and implementing a localized SEO strategy. Now it’s time to take your local SEO to the next level.
Implementing basic local SEO best practices is the minimum you need to do to gain visibility. But claiming that coveted first page ranking in local search results requires advanced strategies.
In this post, I’ll share actionable tips to help you outrank your competitors by optimizing your GMB listing, earning high-quality backlinks, dominating review platforms, and leveraging schema markup. Let’s dive in!
Optimize Your Google My Business Listing
Your GMB listing is often the first touchpoint between customers and your brand. That’s why optimizing it is mission-critical for local SEO success.
Here are some advanced GMB optimization tips:
- Include high-quality photos that showcase your business. Offer exterior, interior, product/service, and staff photos.
- Create and regularly update GMB posts to share news, offers, and events. This signals freshness to Google.
- Respond to 100% of reviews to show customers you value their feedback.
- Add services, brand names, menus, and FAQs in the profile to pack it with relevant keywords.
- Verify your listing for enhanced visibility in local packs.
An optimized GMB profile builds trust and visibility to drive more clicks, calls, directions, and foot traffic.
Earn High-Quality Local Linkbuilding
In SEO, backlinks remain a top ranking signal. Earning backlinks from reputable local sites demonstrates your authority and relevance in the area.
Here are some powerful local link building tactics:
- Identify locally recognized newspapers, blogs, magazines and pitch them an exclusive.
- Sponsor local events, charities, sports teams, and organizations and obtain backlinks on their sites.
- Collaborate with complementary local businesses and exchange backlinks on your websites.
- Request to be featured on “best of” lists published by local media outlets.
- Guest post on industry blogs catering to your local target audience.
By securing authoritative local backlinks, you signal trust and establish yourself as a known entity in the community.
Dominate Local Review Platforms
In local SEO, online reputation is everything. Reviews significantly influence local search rankings and conversion rates.
Here’s how to leverage reviews for maximum impact:
- Respond professionally to 100% of Google reviews to demonstrate customer centricity.
- Incentivize customers to leave reviews through discounts, giveaways, and promotions.
- Monitor reviews across Google, Facebook, Yelp, and industry-specific platforms. Keep your responses consistent.
- Address negative reviews promptly and with care. Never delete them unless they violate policies.
- Share and showcase positive reviews on your website, email signatures, and marketing materials.
By actively managing your online reputation, you build trust and social proof with potential customers.
Implement Schema Markup
Schema markup enables search engines to better understand your content and display it prominently in search results. For local SEO, schema can help you stand out.
Relevant schema markup includes:
- LocalBusiness schema highlights key business info like address, opening hours, and contact details.
- FAQPage schema to improve featured snippet potential for relevant customer questions.
- Review schema to make your positive reviews more visible.
- Event schema for local events like sales, classes, concerts, or galas.
Properly implemented schema markup enhances how your website content appears in local search results, driving more clicks.
Measure Results and Continuously Optimize
As with any marketing initiative, you need to track your local SEO efforts against key performance indicators (KPIs).
Important metrics to monitor include:
- Local organic traffic and keyword rankings
- Google My Business metrics like views, clicks and actions
- Positive review rate and response times
- Backlink growth from local sites
By regularly assessing your local SEO performance against targets, you can refine your strategy and focus on what delivers results. SEO is an ongoing process.
Stand Out Locally and Get Found
Competing for local customers increasingly happens online. By implementing advanced local SEO techniques, small businesses can gain an edge over the competition.
Optimizing your GMB listing, earning authoritative backlinks, managing online reviews, and leveraging schema markup enable you to rank higher and convert more local searchers into customers.
Now over to you – which of these advanced tactics will you try implementing first? Let me know how it goes! If you need any clarification or have additional questions, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help fellow small business owners strengthen their local SEO game.