What is local SEO and why is it important?

Local SEO is, without doubt, something that is often neglected in the drive to give businesses greater online visibility.  If you, as a Search Engine Optimization expert, are guilty of committing this error, then you could be doing your organization a great disservice.

What is Local SEO?

Local SEO can be defined as the process by which a website or blog is optimized for greater local Search Engine visibility.

Why is Local Search Engine Optimization Important?

There are a number of reasons why businesses must optimize their sites for greater local visibility. Most of the businesses that are out there are, by their very nature, local. It does not, therefore, make any sense for them to try and reach out to a global audience.

Lets assume that you run a coffee shop that is located in the suburb of York in Toronto, Canada. The nature of this type of business is such that you will only get your customers from  so many kilometers around your location. In fact, the most that you are likely ever going to get is foot traffic.

Search results tend to be local in nature

One of the things that you need to understand is that Search Engine Results are not homogeneous across the board. What you get on Search Engine Result Pages varies depending on the location from which you are making your query. Location is, however, not the only factor that has an influence on the type of results that you get when you make a Search Engine query. Other factors are;

  • The type of device that is used; either mobile or desktop
  • An individual’s search history and preferences
  • The browser that is used when making a query

The Importance of Local SEO

There can really be no doubting the importance of Local SEO. We have already given the example of a Cafe as one of the types of businesses that should target local SEO. That, in reality, is the only way through which you can increase your business’ visibility where it matters the most; to your local customers. This article was only intended at defining local SEO. We will produce another article in which we explain how you can effectively carry out local SEO.

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