Local SEOLocal Search engine optimisation Christchurch

What is Local SEO?

Local search marketing is a critical aspect of search engine optimisation for retail stores, doctors, restaurants, hotels and more.
Local SEO is an effective way to market your business website online. It helps businesses promote their products and services to local customers at the exact time they’re looking for a local business.

Critical factors that affect Local SEO?

There are 5 main areas you can focus on to dominate Local SEO?

Title and meta description tags 

Online directories and citations

Google My Business & Google Maps

Online reviews

Use local structured data markup (schema)

Read more on the critical factors for Local SEO in 2019 ->

Local SEO techniques

Local SEO uses a variety of strategies — getting your site ranked on search engines like Google My Business & Bing Places for Business page, or business directories such as Yelp, Foursquare, Google, Apple Maps, localized content on your website, online reviews and other strategies.Thousands of customers use local search every day to find the best local businesses in their area. You can help increase your chances of getting found by these potential customers through Local SEO.

Local SEO Audit

Every business that competes in a local market will likely find the need to conduct a local SEO audit.  Follow this SEO MOZ guide to performing the Ultimate Local SEO Audit! How to Perform the Ultimate Local SEO Audit
Why Local SEO
Why is Local SEO important to attract new customers to your business?
Local customers are turning to the internet to find local businesses on desktops, tablets and mobile devices
While some people still use printed phone books, but more and more people are going online to source information about local businesses.
Statistics:

96% of PC owners conduct local searches
46% of all Google searches are local
64% of local customers use search engines and directories as their main way to find local business
50% of local mobile searchers look for business information (like a company’s address or phone number)
A whopping 78% of local mobile searches result in an offline purchase

(Sources: searchengineland.com and business2community.com)
1. Local search marketing

Local SEO Marketing is highly targeted and timely.  The main reason for local search is to find a specific business.
The second most common reason is to find a product or service.

Many local searchers are looking for a specific business’ name, but many who search don’t have a specific business in mind when they begin their hunt.
By using local search marketing strategies you can better position your business and promote what you have to offer to local customers when they’re looking for your type of business.
There’s no better time to connect with a potential client than when they really need you.
2. Highest conversion levels
Local SEO has the highest conversion numbers, period!
Online directories (like Yelp, Citysearch, Foursquare, etc.) display a business’ name, address, phone number and sometimes additional information (like a menu or business description.) Local directories can sometimes dominate the first page of many local search results.
Local directory marketing (just one of many Local SEO strategies) has a higher conversion rate than other more traditional advertising options – up to 50% conversion on some directories.
That means that by getting your business accurately listed on as many quality online directory sites as you can, you’ll convert a greater number of leads into actual customers.
3. Mobile Internet is Growing
More and more customers use mobile phones or tablets to find the best local businesses while they’re on the go.
In fact, mobile digital media time in NZ is now higher at 55% compared to desktop use at 41%.
Local SEO also covers both PC, tablet and mobile internet access meaning you never miss out on potential sales.
4. Return On Investment
Unlike traditional advertising (e.g. local newspapers, leaflets, direct mail, etc.), with local SEO there is little wasted exposure. You reach potential customers when they need you — not when they don’t. This makes Local SEO both efficient and cost-effective.
5. Only 54% of NZ businesses have claimed their Google My Business local listing
Google My Business is a FREE listing that Google makes available for almost any business. Getting listed on Google My Business can help increase your chances of showing up high in local search results on Google. Additionally, many local businesses haven’t figured out the importance of online marketing yet. That leaves the door open for you to get a head start before your competitors wise-up and it gets more competitive. Strike while the iron’s hot.
6. Many of the best local SEO opportunities are FREE
It’s free to claim your listing on Google My Business, Bing Webmaster, Places for Business and on hundreds of other online business directories. That means free advertising for your business.
7. 88% of Local Consumers Trust Online Business Reviews
Word of mouth is a major factor in the success of many local businesses. So increase your company’s online reputation, ask trusted customers to leave a positive review about your business online — and attract hundreds of new customers.
Grow Your Business Using Velocity Websites Local SEO
These Local Search trends are strong now and they’re only going to get stronger and more significant in the future.
Now is the time for you to take advantage of local search engine optimization and boost your business before your competitors catch on. All local businesses, from plumbers and builders to florists and accountants can improve their business and make more money through local SEO. So get started today!
What is a Google map citation
Citations are used to help rank your Google+ Local map listing (this was formerly called Google Places Pages) by providing Google with credible sources of information about your business in order that Google can understand your business exists, is legitimate and that what you say about your business is true
What is a citation for SEO?
A citation is an online reference to your business’s name, address and phone number (NAP). Like links to your website, Google uses them when evaluating the online authority of your business. Unlike links though, citations don’t need to be linked to your business’s website in order for you to be credited for them.
What is NAP in SEO?
NAP stands for Name, Address, Phone Number. NAP is critical for businesses wishing to rank well in the local organic search results, because search engines like Google take the data into account when determining which companies to show for geo-targeted searches.
What is the local listing in SEO?
A local business listing is an online entry that contains your business Name, Address and phone number (NAP) along with other details. There are a lot of websites like Yelp, Foursquare and Yellow Pages where local businesses can create free local business listings.
What we can do for your local optimisation

Enter you business in all the directories below – S150
Make sure there are no duplicate listings or old addresses and outdated data on any local business directories -$50
Whenever there is a change in detail in your business we will update every local directory with that information – $20
Monitor your traffic and provide data on where you rank on google and where your top three competitors rank on Google. $50 per month

Give us a call today to discuss your Local SEO program.
Contact Us Today!Top New Zealand local directory sites to list your business!