What is meant by ‘local’ SEO?

September 12, 2023 | by NeSEO

Search engine optimisation or SEO has long been billed as the digital marketing strategy that, if planned and executed correctly, can give you easy access to the biggest part of your target audience. But, in this day and age, it pays to go local.

Local SEO has become something of a buzzword in recent years. In fact, Google loves brands that enhance their online presence to get more business from local searches. This is just one of the reasons why you should be optimising with local SEO in mind right about now. But let’s start by covering the basics…

What exactly is local SEO?

As the name suggests, local SEO is just that. It’s when your website is optimised to rank for the queries that are entered into search engines, like Google and Bing, by local audiences. With local SEO, you’ll be targeting browsers who are based within the local vicinity of your business premises, or in an area you are looking to target with your products or services.

How does it compare to SEO?

Your website is there for the whole online world to see. Yet search engine optimisation allows you to use it, and other aspects of your online presence, to reach people who are more likely to be interested in the products or services you sell.

In comparison, local SEO goes one step further, and aims to optimise your website for higher ranking across a specific geographical area.

Why should I optimise for local search?

Whether it’s physical footfall or online hits you crave, optimising for local search unlocks several plus-points. In addition to enjoying higher rankings in local listings and gaining plenty more traffic as a result, you’ll generate increased leads and sales from local audiences.

The enhanced visibility means people who are interested in your products or services are more likely to shop with your brand and even return for repeat purchases.

With a physical location linked to your website, you’ll also enjoy more trust and authority, which will work wonders for brand awareness and reputation. By focusing on local SEO, you’ll ultimately gain the edge over competitors who don’t optimise for local listings.

Ready to get started?

You don’t have to optimise for local search alone. Our SEO experts are here to help, whatever your location or target area. Get in touch with our team today to get started.