Boost Your Local Visibility: Expert Advice On SEO For Small Businesses

Local SEO can be a maze, especially for small businesses trying to navigate an ever-changing digital landscape. Rob Downey and Dean Kaylor, co-founders of Simply Be Found, have been in the trenches of local SEO for decades, helping businesses understand and leverage their online presence without breaking the bank. Let’s dive into their insights and address some of the most common questions businesses face today.

What is Local Visibility and Why Does It Matter?

Local SEO is all about making your business visible to potential customers in your area. It’s more than just ranking on Google; it involves being found on multiple platforms like Apple Maps, Bing, Facebook, and voice search devices. The key to local SEO success lies in three pillars: Content, Authority, and Trust.

Content: Regular updates and posts about your business.
Authority: Building credibility through consistent listings and reviews.
Trust: Earning trust over time through engagement and customer interaction.

How to Improve Your Google Ranking

Many businesses ask, “How can I rank better on Google?” The answer involves several components:

Regular Posts: Update your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) three to five times a week. Consistency is key; spread out your posts rather than posting multiple times in one day.
Complete Profile Information: Make sure your profile is complete with accurate business hours, descriptions, and services.
Questions and Answers: Use the Q&A feature to address common customer queries. Aim for 40 to 50 owner-generated questions.
Customer Reviews: Aim for at least ten reviews on Google, as this can significantly boost your ranking.

Rob and Dean emphasize that posting and maintaining your business profile is crucial. It’s not enough to just fill out the basic information; consistent updates and customer interaction build authority and trust, which are essential for improving your ranking.

Consistency Over Volume

One common mistake businesses make is posting all their updates in one day and then going silent. This approach doesn’t help your ranking. Instead, focus on consistency. If you post three to five times a week, spread them out evenly. Google’s algorithm rewards steady activity, and maintaining a regular posting schedule helps build authority over time.

Brick and Mortar vs. Service Area Businesses

If you’re running a service-area business (like roofing or plumbing), it’s essential to set your business as a “service area business” in Google Business Profile. Google defines a legitimate business location as a place where a customer can physically visit during business hours. For service-based businesses operating out of a home, Google may require a video verification to show your tools or workspace.

Brick-and-mortar businesses may have a slight edge in local search due to having a physical address, but service-area businesses can still outrank them by following the right SEO practices, such as regular posting, reviews, and accurate profile information.

Verifying Your Google Business Profile

Verification can be a tricky process. Google may ask for different verification methods, like postcards, video verification, or phone calls. If your profile gets suspended, it can be challenging to understand why. Rob advises persistence and attention to Google’s guidelines. It’s also important to avoid scams pretending to be Google support—only use the support system within your Google Business Profile.

The Role of Reviews in Local SEO

Customer reviews are the new word-of-mouth referrals. Rob and Dean recommend responding to all reviews, whether they’re five-star or one-star. Engaging with reviews shows customers—and Google—that you are an active business that values feedback.

Surprisingly, Rob suggests that a “sweet spot” for reviews is between 3.8 and 4.6 stars. A perfect 5-star rating might look suspicious to Google’s algorithm, potentially indicating fake reviews. Authenticity matters more than perfection.

Voice Search and Its Impact on Local SEO

Voice search has become a significant part of local SEO. Whether people are using Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant, they expect accurate, immediate responses. Being present on voice search requires complete and accurate listings across various networks. Simply Be Found ensures your business is registered and optimized for voice search across over 300 networks.

Why You Can’t Just Focus on Google

While Google is a significant player in local search, it’s not the only one. Bing, Apple Maps, Facebook, and various other platforms contribute to your online visibility. Simply Be Found emphasizes registering your business across these platforms to maximize your reach. Relying solely on Google is a mistake that could cost you potential customers.

Website and Schema Markup

Your website plays a role in local SEO, but it doesn’t need to be elaborate. A one-page website can be effective if it provides essential information clearly. Schema markup is crucial for your website, as it helps search engines understand what your business is about, leading to better indexing and ranking.

Old vs. New Businesses: Leveling the Playing Field

Age of the business doesn’t guarantee top ranking. New businesses can outrank established ones by actively engaging with their local SEO strategy. By focusing on consistent posts, Q&As, and reviews, new businesses can build authority and trust, giving them an edge over older businesses that rely solely on their longevity.

The Simply Be Found Advantage

Simply Be Found’s platform simplifies local SEO by bringing everything under one roof. You can manage your Google, Bing, Apple, and Facebook profiles from a single dashboard. The platform also includes a to-do list, guiding you on what tasks to complete to improve your visibility. Whether you’re new to local SEO or looking to enhance your existing strategy, Simply Be Found provides tools and guidance to help you succeed.

Local SEO is a long-term strategy that requires consistency, engagement, and a multi-platform approach. Whether you’re just starting or have been in business for decades, focusing on the three pillars—Content, Authority, and Trust—will help you stay competitive. Simply Be Found offers a straightforward way to navigate this complex world, ensuring your business gets found by more local customers.

Ready to boost your local visibility and get found by more customers? Visit Simply Be Found and start your journey to mastering local SEO today.