20% of all search strings include some geographic component. Local SEO isn’t about ignoring potential customers in other areas – it’s about making the most of the opportunities that are right in front of you. Take a look at this 7-step guide for taking control of your local business online presence.

1. Take Advantage of
Local SEO

2. of all search strings include
some geographic component20%
or more of all local searches
are done on mobile50%

5. Start with a strong, responsive website
that’s already been optimized for search
Step 1

6. Make it easy for search engines and
searchers to understand where you are
Step 2

7. Use local neighbourhood names and landmarks in content
writing, especially H1s, H2s, and alt text for photos

8. Make sure that your critical contact information like name,
address, phone, hours and directions, is prominent and easy
to find on both desktop and mobile views.

9. Keep your Name, Address, Phone (NAP)
consistent with what’s listed in Canada Post
for all citations

11. Get on Google My Business
Step 3

12. Optimize your Google My Business page

13. Optimize your Google My Business page

14. Optimize your Google My Business page

15. Optimize your Google My Business page

16. • Use local business Schema markup
Schema markup is code (semantic vocabulary)
that you put on your website to help the search
engines return more informative results for users.
Documentation:
https://developers.google.com/search/docs/guides/
<div itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/LocalBusiness">
<h1><span itemprop=“name">Pasquales</span></h1>
<span itemprop=“description”>Romantic, white-tablecloth restaurant with
traditional Italian fare, patio seating and many wines.</span>
<div itemprop="address" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/
PostalAddress">
<span itemprop=“streetAddress">6806 Macleod Trail SW</span>
<span itemprop="addressLocality">Calgary</span>,
<span itemprop="addressRegion">AB</span>
</div>
Phone: <span itemprop=“telephone”>403-252-0553</span>
</div>
<script type="application/ld+json">
{ "@context": "http://schema.org",
"@type": "LocalBusiness",
"address": { "@type": "PostalAddress",
"addressLocality": "Calgary",
"addressRegion": "AB",
"streetAddress": "6806 Macleod Trail SW" },
"description":"Romantic, white-tablecloth
restaurant with traditional Italian fare, patio seating
and many wines.",
"name": "Pasquales",
"telephone": “403-252-0553" }
</script> jsonmicrodata

17. Write A New Blog Post
Blog about local events that are
topically relevant to your business
Step 4
The Calgary Stampede Will Have An Italian Food Truck For The First Time.

18. Expand your digital footprint by adding - and using
- relevant social media platforms regularly
Step 5

19. Social media plays a large role in findability
because users tend to post about what’s
in their daily life and neighbourhood

20. Encourage online reviews
Step 6
Business reviews appear next to your listing in Maps and
Search, and can help your business stand out on Google.

21. Develop local media contacts
Step 7
When bloggers and editors say good things about your business,
it’s an independent endorsement that influences buyers. It enhances
your online reputation. And can generate links back to your website
that work to improve your search engine rankings.

22. What does it mean for your website?
Mobile First

23. Make important
information easily
accessible

24. of smartphone users will visit
a business or store within a day50%

25. Hyperlocal targeting lets
you reach people based
on their location.
This is an excellent way for brands
to capitalize on “near me” searches
and “I-want-to-go” micro-moments.

26. • Design and optimize your site for speed and
mobile-friendliness (size images appropriately,
don’t use Flash, make buttons large enough to
touch easily)
• Optimize images and text content for mobile
to fit the small screen well (maximum 480px
wide for images)
• Optimize mobile content and mobile
pages to convert (phone number, contact
information up high)

27. Blog: Loving Local Directories Again
http://kyak.mobi/2r8zk4T
5 Tips To Get More Online Customer Reviews
http://kyak.mobi/2qDA8es
6 Simple Ways To Get Customers To Review Your Business Online
http://kyak.mobi/2sjMoC6
5 reasons why websites still matter to local search in 2017
http://kyak.mobi/2rSbxaw
Helpful Links

28. kyak.mobi/2rlK1S3
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