Truly local SEO is meant to increase rankings for a website in a limited geographic area. Does your restaurant show up on the first page of search results? Sadly, there 10 spots on the first page of Google, and there are hundreds of food franchises fighting for them. Still, Google automatically shows local results when users search for restaurants, so Local SEO is what you need. Let’s take some time to look at the important aspects of Local SEO that could benefit for your food business. Hence you’ll have the ammunition you need to increase your business’s visibility in local searches.
A Brief Recap
Local SEO in a snippet is the ‘power to be found locally online’. When users search for specific terms related to a business, Google knows they’re looking for results from nearby businesses. If you search for “Lebanese restaurant,” Google will give you a list of local restaurants. This because it knows you’re looking for a place to eat that’s nearby. Think of it this way: If you’re located in Modesto, California, you don’t really care if someone in Philadelphia sees your restaurant. That’s unless you have inter-state intentions.
Locally Searchable
So if the citizens of Philly want something from outside of their immediate area. They will probably use direct physical online food service providers who have presence there. Either way, the vast majority of searches will be for local restaurants for people in Philadelphia. This is where most food web designers fall short, they don’t include the most vital Local SEO elements. Furthermore, they choose to concentrate on traditional SEO elements that won’t be as effective. Above all, if you’re spending money for website optimization, wouldn’t you want what’s best for your site and business?
Local SEO Factors
Ironically, there’s a separate algorithm that determines the local search results. Accordingly, Google doesn’t tell anyone what factors are included in the algorithm. Though but some SEO experts have banded together bits and pieces to help solve the mystery. So what factors can one consider?
Google Places page
Usually forgotten, your Google Places page is extremely important to local SEO. Many food owners still haven’t claimed their location or have incorrect info listed. You’ve got to claim a Google places page. Do it now if you haven’t done it yet, select the right categories. Further, don’t try to stuff important keywords, use what’s already in the system.
Traditional Organic Website Optimization
Traditional organic website optimization obviously still matters, the basics! Your site’s content has to be unique. It’s also absolutely pivotal to have what’s called your NAP on your site, that’s Name, Address, and Phone number. You’re trying to send the signals to Google to prove that your restaurant is a locally relevant result. You also need location keywords in your title tags and H1 heading tags on the landing page. That’s the landing page you’re pointing to from your Google Places page. Most of the time, that will be your website’s home page.
Citations
Citations are mentions of your NAP (name, address, phone number) on other websites. Consequently, and arguably, they’re the most important element of Local SEO. The more importantly, your information should match exactly everywhere it’s listed online when it comes to citations. That means your restaurant’s name, address, and phone number need to be 100% the same – everywhere online. If you have citations with different information, it sends confusing signals to Google, hence lower rankings.
Backlinks
When it comes to backlinks to your website, it can get tricky. Are they international sites? Why would some random blog in the Sweden link to your Wisconsin website? Do the sites sound really spammy? Links need to be from relevant sites that have a real reason to link to you. If it’s a link from a local site, that’s even better. A link from a small local website can do wonders, even though it might not have a ton of authority.
Reviews
Online Reviews are another important element in the Local SEO. The number of reviews you have matters. Consequently, you need to be sure that you’re actively collecting reviews. Review velocity matters too, so you can’t just get a bunch of reviews and then stop. Reviews on your Google Places page are the paramount. Thus so you need to get reviews from third party sites like Yelp and Yahoo. In addition, a review from a “power reviewer” goes a long way. This a blogger or person who leaves a lot of reviews, compared to someone who rarely leaves reviews.
Social media
It’s crazy how many restaurant owners still ignore use social media. With over 2 Billion people on one form of social media, chances are your customers are there. Thus you should be too, plus it’s an important element of Local SEO. Consider increasing your following and make sure you’re sharing engaging content. Instagram likes, Facebook comments, Twitter followers, and social interactions are also important social signals. Avoid generic content and try to be creative. Share useful and entertaining content, not just links to your website. Furthermore, posts should be something that people will click “like” or “share” on.
Conclusion
Remember, citations are much more important for Local SEO than the other factors. In retrospect, citations have to match what’s on your Places page and your website. Finally, make sure your name, address, and phone number are consistent everywhere! Aside from that, if your site is well optimized the rest should be flow. Besides its really critical you consider this strategy for your local restaurant. When you decide to, we’ll be glad to help you navigate it.