Local SEO Tips for Website Owners

Off-site Local SEO relates to local signals from other websites like directories, social media etc

Get listed on the best local (and niche) directories

Submitting listings on local directories is also a great way of ensuring that people can find you. It also builds local authority by having multiple citations of your  details. Since the best local business directories review submissions and do their own verification, listings build local authority with multiple citations of your details. Include detailed (and consistent) information about your website, your business, address and contact details. Where possible, add content including photos and videos to build the profile of your listings.

Don’t forget niche directories. If you have a website that promotes your hotel, for example, you should undoubtedly be listed on Tripadvisor. And if you have a local restaurant that you wish to advertise, make sure that you are on sites like Zomato, formerly known as Urbanspoon.

Have you visited you local council and community websites? They may also list local businesses, and are a great local signals for Google.

Your “Google My Business” page

If you have ever searched for something locally in your area, you will have probably noticed that often Google displays a map with local businesses highlighted. To appear in this “local pack” section of the search results you’ll need to create a “Google My Business” page, or claim one if it already exists. To verify your address Google will mail a postcard to you with a your verification code.

Get started at the Google My Business Help Center.

Provide complete and detailed information on your Google My Business page. Better for searchers, and Google will reward you with better search results. Optimise it by including:

A detailed description including keywords
Link to your website
Adding photos and videos
Asking local clients to leave testimonials.

So check out this list of local business directories that you can begin submitting to today.