In 2016, the importance of local SEO has dramatically increased. While on-page SEO strategies remain important, it’s just as critical to make sure that your site is appearing in Google Maps and on review sites such as Yelp. You’re leaving money on the table if you are only concentrating on your website optimization while ignoring review sites, Google maps and local directories.

If you’re looking for a local listing on Google, you’ll see map listings appearing at the top while the local websites are showing up below. Internet users are noted for being impatient and will often click on the first listing they notice. You need to make sure that your business is appearing on the map as well as on the directory sites to create a powerful online impact.

My Business Listing on Google

The first thing you need to do is set up and then properly optimize the information for your business on Google maps. This can be done through Google My Business. This is a free service, and it’s easy to create a business listing there or to claim one that already exists.

Your Business on Yelp

Don’t underestimate the number of potential clients that are going to Yelp to read reviews about local businesses. If you aren’t showing up on Yelp with positive reviews, your business will suffer as a result. A lot of people are accessing Yelp from their mobile devices while they’re on the go. If your listing isn’t showing up, you can be sure that they’ll be visiting your competition.

How to Optimize Your Business Listings

This is a visual day and age so you’ll need to make sure that you add photos to your listings. This will let your potential clients and Google know exactly what your business is about. You’ll also need to ensure that all information such as your hours of operation and address are up-to-date.

Local Optimization

In order to create a strategy that works effectively for local SEO, a lot of factors will need to be taken into consideration. It’s important to follow the local trends in 2016 and to track the trends that are heading into 2017. The Internet today for local searches is quite different than it was even a short year ago.

Qode Media keeps up with these trends and takes all of the different components of successful local SEO into mind when promoting your business. Factors such as consumer behaviour, keyword impact, the design of your website and demographics, to name a few, all play a key role in determining the success of your business. Visit our website at www.qodemedia.com or call us today at 416-208-0157 to find out how your business can benefit from strategized local SEO techniques.