One of the most important facets of digital marketing in recent years is related to positioning. Local SEO. However, few companies are fully familiar with this concept. 

To really understand the importance of the Local SEO In an online marketing strategy for SMEs and small businesses it is necessary to know everything that is involved, and in the following article we provide you with all the necessary information. 

What is local SEO?

A agency Local SEO is in charge of giving visibility to the company when a user is searching based on location. 

This type of SEO is actually a variation of regular SEO, the only difference is that the venue must ensure that users searching for a specific location find the business and consider it a viable option to buy. 

Generally this type of search is based on geographical points such as city, country or postcode. In fact, Google provides an option capable of geolocating the exact location in order to find the nearest shops more quickly. 

In this way, it is found that the Local SEO is of utmost importance for SMEs and small businesses that have a certain locality or area which can limit their expansion. 

According to leading business agencies, 95% of users use their smartphones for local searches. This makes it very important for businesses to have their information accurate and up to date.

This trend of Local SEO is not going to stop growing, especially as these are people who are regularly in demand and the numbers and statistics back this up.

If the service provider offers what the person is looking for, they will immediately appear on the radar and become a potential customer.

Basics of local SEO 

Once it is known about Local SEO and its importance for business it is possible to apply the right actions to regularly improve this service to provide the best for your customers. Find out in the following section the necessary basics:

Accurate and up-to-date information

When designing a strategy for Local SEO It is important to keep in mind that searches are entirely location-based, which makes it a requirement to indicate the exact location for businesses to appear within the first results. 

If this information is not up to date, it will be very difficult for it to appear when a potential customer is searching. 

Another piece of information you need to be sure to enter is the name, address and telephone number of the business so that it is included as one of the most recommended businesses. 

Quotes and reviews

In order to achieve success with the Local SEO It is necessary and very convenient to use citations, which consist of a third party website mentioning the business as a reference and including contact information. 

In addition, Google takes into account the number of reviews in order to classify them and generate a good reputation among users. Asking customers for reviews is an excellent way to achieve good results. Especially when it comes to positive reviews. 

Benefits of local SEO

In every SME and small business, it is important to have an Local SEOand these are the main benefits:

Generates visibility

With a Local SEO The business can be shown more easily and simply to potential customers beyond the physical area, customers that can also be translated into a number of loyal customers.

Immediate information

All users need immediate information, and with a Local SEO This is possible because they provide everything they need. Good and fast information to potential customers leads to increased sales and significant profits. 

Generate traffic 

The recruitment of a Local SEO in a business generates traffic even if it does not have a website, as the information is stored prominently on Google which can work in a positive way. 

High conversion rates

Obviously, website visits are important, especially physical visits, as they are an important part of the business. To achieve this, it is essential to have a Local SEO to help increase sales. 

Enthusiasm to consume products and services

The more data and information provided to customers about the organisation, the better the trust generated in customers. Likewise with a Local SEO curiosity is aroused in order to increase the number of sales. 

Google My Business: the ideal tool for local SEO 

Having the right tools in place is essential for an effective Local SEOcreating or updating your business listing with Google My Business is the best option. This is a free and simple tool that helps to geographically position a business. 

For this tool to work properly and be successful, the following steps are necessary and essential: 

• Enter the name of the company in either of the two categories provided.
• Register the address of the company with the Google Maps option and the location pin.
• Choosing the ideal category that will define the business
• Add phone number or website
• Verify the business 
• Complete all necessary information: timetables, photos and secondary contacts.

Once this information is provided and completed, Google will immediately provide a geographic positioning with which potential customers will be obtained by area. All this depending on their needs. 

Local SEO tips

Here are some top tips on how to create and develop a strategy Local SEO that delivers the best results:

• Establish local positioning keywords
• Register the business on reputable tools
• Specify the geographical area on each of the updated pages.
• Detail the location on the home and contact page with a map.
• Include the address on social media profiles
• Sets geo-targeting on Google Search Console sites
• Use Google's bookmarking service
• Exchange with local links
• Create blog content with area contextualisation

Finally, with all this information provided on the Local SEO It is clear that no matter the size of the business, it is important for all businesses to establish a positioning plan to take advantage of the different benefits. 

In this way, it is important to have this tool not only to boost sales, but also to increase the organic ranking in each of the search engines. When applying this type of strategy, it is important to have a specialised SEO agency in charge of creating, implementing and monitoring this strategy. 

If the objective is to develop and generate greater success, this is the ideal option, which can also provide an infinite number of alternatives to be used in the right way to obtain a greater presence in the markets.