In the current business world, with the ever-present threat of competition for all types of businesses, there are two kinds of businesses managing to be successful. One focuses on the global and domestic audience and aims for its own local market and customers. A little known fact is that Google, among other search engines, gives more significance to businesses that are locally targeted”. With the growth in mobile Internet platforms, locally targeted businesses are ranked more highly than other businesses.
Therefore, it is vital for any new online business to first target the local markets and clientele before broadening its scope. A few ways by which a company can fare well in the local markets are:
Involve the local community: Gone are the days when building links was a sure way to increase SERP rankings. With so many algorithm updates implemented by Google, online businesses have to use other measures instead of depending merely on building outbound links. One way is to involve the local community through participation in trade fairs, business shows, etc., to introduce them to your range of products and services. It would help if you documented all your activities using video and audio aids and feedback from visitors to your business. These then need to be uploaded to your site to gain a social media profile. This can also engage the services of paid advertisements which will then garner your business greater recognition and exposure with the public.
Explore the offline market: Surprisingly, quite a few online businesses neglect to focus on the offline segment of customers out there. When an SEO campaign targets the local market, it is vital to cater to the offline aspect of the business as well. It involves utilizing electronic and print media promotional methods by printing banners, flyers, and other promotional methods. Whenever offline promotional modes are used, ensure to include the URL of your website and also any social profiles that you may have. These will help people to connect with you.
Content Promotion: Being a guest blogger is a very effective method of content marketing. E.g., If your business is based in Upstate New York, you have to find blogs to guest post in of the same area. The content must be relevant, helpful, and fresh and use local keywords within the article or post””. Once this generates back-links from these blogs, your site’s credibility will be enhanced.
Submit to Local directories: One of the best ways of gaining brand recognition is by subscribing to local directories of your area, as these will influence your standings with SERPs. These directories serve as links that help you connect with customers and help achieve higher conversion rates. Good reviews in them generate more business leads you need.
Utilizing the measures mentioned will help improve your brand recognition and improve the profitability factor to a considerable extent.
