Which Business Is Likely To Benefit Most From Local SEO Practices?

These days, customers are always online searching for particular products or services. A business could potentially be missing out on sales and leads if they have little to no online visibility, especially on search engines. This is where local SEO plays a vital role for businesses to increase revenue and boost brand awareness. Let’s explore everything you need to know about local SEO and which business is likely to benefit most from local SEO practices below: 

What is local SEO? 

Local SEO is the process of optimizing a business to appear on search engines for relevant local terms used by customers. A few common terms that customers include would be specific cities or ‘near me’. This helps customers to search for a particular product or service which are located nearby. With local SEO, it will help businesses to appear at the top search results for customers to see. 

Google My Business (GMB) profiles are one of the examples of local SEO. Besides that, online reviews and websites are also part of local SEO. 

Why do businesses need local SEO? 

There are several benefits for businesses to leverage on local SEO. Here are some of them:

1. Affordable marketing tactic

Compared to offline marketing such as billboards or paid marketing, local SEO is much more cost-effective as it specifically targets customers who are already looking to engage with your product or service. Hence, you don’t have to waste money to advertise for those who aren’t your target market. 

2. Boost online visibility and presence 

Local SEO is also one of the best ways for a business to increase online visibility and presence, especially when most customers are always searching for products or services online. Plus, if a business can be found easily online, it will increase brand awareness among those who haven’t heard of your brand before. 

3. Enhances credibility 

Businesses that regularly appear online will be deemed as trustworthy and credible. This is particularly true if your business appears on Google Maps or the ‘Local Pack’ on Google since most customers tend to trust these features.

4. Increase sales and conversion rates 

Since revenue is the most important factor for businesses, local SEO plays an important role in business revenue as customers who are actively searching for a product or service online are more likely to convert.  

What are the best local SEO practices? 

There are several methods on how to implement local SEO. Check out some of the best local SEO practices: 

1. Claim or create a Google My Business (GMB) profile

Google My Business is important for all businesses as Google usually displays this on the ‘Local Pack’ or Google Maps, which are located at the top of search results. This will help customers know your business information such as contact details and address. 

2. Ensure mobile-responsiveness 

Since most customers tend to search for products or services on mobile, it’s best if your website is mobile-responsive so that Google will place your website at the top of search results. It will also enhance the user experience for the customers using mobile devices. 

3. Implement local keywords 

One of the most important local SEO practices would be to include local keywords everywhere – such as your Google My Business (GMB) profile or website. This helps your business to appear for these particular target local keywords and for customers to be able to find you. Some local keyword examples would be “best dentist in petaling jaya” or “top cafes in kuala lumpur”. 

4. Gain more online reviews 

If you encourage customers to leave reviews, it will help to boost the credibility of your business. Google also favors businesses that have plenty of positive reviews. Don’t forget to interact with your customers and reply to the reviews in a professional manner. 

What are the factors that impact local SEO? 

There are many factors that will influence the impact of local SEO. Here are the most common factors: 

1. Bounce Rate

Bounce rate refers to how long a customer stays on your website. If they tend to linger around and browse other pages on your website, then it signals to Google that the customers are interested in your business.

2. Click-through Rate (CTR)

The click-through rate is an important factor that will impact local SEO as the more customers click on your website, the more it goes to show that they are interested in your product or service. This signals to Google that your business appears for the relevant keywords. 

3. Distance of the Business 

This involves how close your business is to the customer searching the term. If your business is located far away from the customer’s current location, then it will not be shown to them. Ensure the address of your business is accurate to not miss out on potential customers. 

4. On Page SEO

On Page SEO refers to optimizing the meta tags, content, and headings with relevant local keywords. With proper on page SEO in place, it will boost the local SEO and appear higher on search results.

Which business is likely to benefit most from local SEO practices? 

Since we now know how important is local SEO, which business is likely to benefit most from local SEO practices? Here are the businesses that will reap the benefits of local SEO: 

1. Food & Beverage (F&B)

Businesses in the food and beverage industry such as cafes or restaurants will benefit from local SEO as many customers are constantly searching for local eats or drinks on Google. Additionally, customers who are looking for dining options at their current location will always be using their mobile phones to search. For example, the common local keywords would be “best banana leaf in Kuala Lumpur” or “top japanese restaurants in Subang Jaya”. 

2. Dental Clinics

Customers who are searching for dental clinics probably need dental services urgently. Hence, dental clinics that don’t appear on search engines for local SEO will be missing out on potential leads or conversions. Having local SEO will also get more walk-in customers to enter your clinic. Some common search terms include “dentist in Subang Jaya” or “dental clinics near me”. 

3. Home Renovations & Repairs 

Another industry that will most likely benefit the most from local SEO would be businesses that provide home services such as bathroom repairs, renovations, plumbing, aircond services, and so on. Customers who search for these home services require immediate action, hence why businesses that appear on search results will be able to capture these leads and turn them into conversions easily. For instance, search terms such as “24/7 aircond service” or “emergency locksmith services” will do well for local SEO. 

4. Salons 

Salons such as beauty spas, nail services, or hair services will benefit from local SEO. Most customers will do some research online before considering engaging with that particular salon’s service. Plus, customers who are searching for salons will most likely be looking at the reviews, which is why local SEO will be beneficial for the salons. Some popular search terms are “nail services near me” or “hair saloon in Petaling Jaya”. 

5. Hospitality and Tourism 

People love to travel – whether they are locals or tourists. Therefore, hotels, travel agencies, or Airbnb hosts will benefit from local SEO to target both locals and tourists who are looking for accommodation within a certain location. For example, customers will be searching for keywords such as “things to do in subang jaya” or “best boutique hotel in kuala lumpur”.   

Conclusion 

All in all, understanding which business is likely to benefit most from local SEO practices is important to plan an effective marketing campaign. By targeting local customers, your business will foresee a boost in sales and conversions. Therefore, increasing the overall business revenue as well. Check out our local SEO guide to learn more about this marketing strategy.