Local SEO in Ireland
Optimising your website for local search in Ireland is becoming increasingly important, especially considering the growing number of users performing searches on mobile devices while on the go. To improve your chances of appearing in both local listings and natural search results for location-based queries, follow these simple steps:
The amount of effort required will depend on the competition for your targeted keyword phrases. However, implementing the following measures will undoubtedly boost your local SEO rankings.
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) refers to the strategies and techniques implemented to enhance the visibility of a business in search engine results for location-specific search queries. For instance, if someone searches for “Mechanic Laois,” local SEO aims to ensure that businesses offering mechanic services in Laois appear prominently in the search results.
Local SEO encompasses two key aspects: local listings and natural listings. Local listings involve leveraging platforms like Google My Business to optimise business information such as address, phone number, business hours, and customer reviews. This helps search engines understand the relevance and credibility of the business in the specific location.
On the other hand, natural listings focus on optimising a website’s content and structure to improve its visibility in organic search results for local queries. This involves strategic keyword targeting, on-page optimization, and other SEO techniques.
It’s important to note that for your business to rank well in local search results, it must have a physical presence in the targeted area. Local SEO is especially beneficial for businesses that rely on local customers, as it helps them connect with potential customers who are actively searching for products or services in their vicinity.
What is Search Engine Optimisation?
Are you unfamiliar with Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)? If so, you can learn about Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) from our website.
How To Rank Your Local Business?
Here are a few simple tips on how you can improve your local search performance.
Sign Up For A Google My Business Account
Google My Business (GMB) allows you to increase visibility in Google Maps and Google Search in your local community. It’s very easy to create a listing and best of all, it’s free to do so. Your GMB account holds all the relevant information to get your business on the maps. Simply, add your business details (name, address, phone number) and choose a category.
Once Google has verified and accepted your information, you can add other details about your business such as business hours and images. The richer and more informative the page is, the easier it will be to make it rank.
Incentivise Reviews
This is probably the most important thing you’ll need to do. Encourage your customers/contacts to leave a review on your Google+ Page. You can do this at the end of emails, on business cards, through discounts or by offering them a review in return. Reviews will help you to rank within the local listing more than any other factor.
Reviews on websites such as Yelp and Foursquare can also have a positive impact on your local rankings.
Local Listings Sites
There are plenty of local listing sites and local directories in Ireland. These sites are a great, easy way to promote your website and include citations, review sites and directories.
Local listing websites are webpages which feature information about your business, a map, images and reviews. Some of the main sites are listed below:
Show Your Address on Your Website – This may sound obvious but it is often overlooked. Your address should be on your contact page at the very least and it should preferably use a microformat.
Include A Google Map – Again this is a fairly obvious one, but it is often overlooked. It may not propel you to the top of the listings but it will help to authenticate you as a local business.
Include A Local Number – List your local number on every page of your site. This will help to authenticate you as a local business. Ideally, the number should be in text as opposed to embedded within an image as search engines will not be able to identify it otherwise.
Include Your Location In Your Page Titles – This is a particularly effective way of improving your ranking for local queries. If you haven’t already, mention your location within your page titles where possible.
Mention Your Location Within Your Content – If possible, try to use your location within your content when describing your business, products or services.
VIMAR has extensive experience in helping businesses rank higher on Google, increase website traffic, and boost sales. We offer a free consultation to discuss your specific needs and provide valuable insights. Contact us today to schedule a FREE Consultation and to optimize your local SEO and achieve online success.
Alternatively, you can email us at info@vimar.ie , or call us at 057 850 9060
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