You’re a business owner in Orillia, so you understand the value of reaching customers right here in our own local community. Nowadays, however, a storefront just isn’t enough. You’ve got to be discovered online, and that’s where Local SEO comes to the rescue. Local Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is simply the process of making sure your business website appears near the top when Orillia residents search online for the products or services you offer.
Don’t worry if you’re not tech-savvy! Below are some simple-to-execute but effective Local SEO strategies that any Orillia business owner can use to get discovered online:
1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP): Your Online Welcome Mat
Think of your Google Business Profile as your free local business listing on Google Maps and local search results. It’s most likely the prospective customer’s first impression of your company, so make it a positive one!
Claim and Verify Your Listing: If you haven’t already, go to Google Business Profile and claim your business listing. Complete the process to verify it, normally by mail or phone.
Complete Every Section: Complete your business name, address, phone number, website URL, hours of operation, categories, and attributes with complete and up-to-date information.
Add High-Quality Photos and Videos: Showcase your storefront, products, team, and any other photos that portray your business in a positive manner.
Regularly Post Updates: Share news, promotions, events, and even answer frequently asked questions through Google Posts.
Encourage and Respond to Reviews: Google reviews play a significant part in local rankings. Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews and respond to them, whether good or bad.
2. Consistency is Key: Nail Your NAP Information
NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone number. It is essential that this information is identical on your website, Google Business Profile, and any other online mention of your business. Search engines use this information to validate your business and local relevance.
Use the Exact Same Formatting: If you write “Street” instead of “St.”, write it everywhere the same way.
Make Sure It Is Accurate: Ensure that your address and phone number are correct and up to date.
Embed Your Google Maps Listing: Embed a Google Map of your business location on your website’s contact page.
3. Think Local: Identify Relevant Keywords
Keywords are the terms people type into search engines when they’re looking for something. With Local SEO, you’re targeting keywords that include your location in them.
Brainstorm Locally Relevant Keywords: Think about what Orillia residents would search for in a search engine to find your business (e.g., “best pizza Orillia,” “plumber near me Orillia,” “coffee shop downtown Orillia”).
Use Keyword Research Tools: Use free tools such as Google Keyword Planner (requires a Google Ads account) to find out popular local search keywords.
Think Long-Tail Keywords: These are longer, more specific phrases (e.g., “affordable dog grooming services in west Orillia”). They have lower search volume but higher conversion rates.
4. Optimize Your Website with Local Keywords
Now that you have found your local keywords, it’s time to insert them strategically into your website content.
Page Titles and Meta Descriptions: Include your primary local keywords in your page titles and meta descriptions on your website. These appear in search results.
Website Content: Naturally include your local keywords within your website content, especially on your homepage, services/products pages, and contact page.
Image Alt Text: When adding images to your website, include descriptive alt text that includes relevant local keywords.
Local Landing Pages: If you operate multiple locations in and around Orillia, build separate landing pages optimized for each location.
5. Get Listed: The Power of Local Citations
Local citations are the mentions of your business’s NAP information on other websites. These build trust and authority with search engines.
Focus on Reputable Directories: List your business on well-known directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, Facebook, Apple Maps, and industry-specific directories.
Make NAP Consistent: Again, make sure your Name, Address, and Phone number are consistent on every citation.
Look for Local Orillia Directories: Look for local online directories that are specific to our town or region.
6. Reviews Are Important: Get Customer Reviews
Online reviews are online word-of-mouth. They not only influence potential customers but also inform search engines that your business is good and has good service.
Ask for Reviews: Politely ask satisfied customers to leave a review on your Google Business Profile or other relevant websites.
Make it Easy: Provide direct links to your review websites.
Respond Professionally: As mentioned earlier, always respond to reviews, showing that you value customer feedback.
7. Mobile-Friendly is a Must: Orillia is On the Go!
More and more, individuals are using their cell phones to search for local businesses. If your website is not mobile-compatible, you’re likely losing out on potential customers.
Make Responsive Design: Your website should automatically adjust its layout to fit different screen sizes (desktops, tablets, smartphones).
Quick Loading on Mobile: Optimize your images and website code for faster loading on mobile.
Easy Navigation on Touchscreens: Make your buttons and links easy to tap on smaller screens.
8. Get Involved with Your Local Community Online:
Being an active member of the Orillia online community can indirectly boost your Local SEO efforts.
Engage on Local Social Media Groups: Participate in and join relevant Facebook groups or other local online communities.
Sponsor Local Events Online: If you’re sponsoring a local event, make sure it’s mentioned on your website and promoted online.
Partner with Other Local Businesses Online: Cross-promote each other’s services or create joint content.
Why Local SEO is Important for Orillia Businesses:
In a town like Orillia, where community spirit is strong, Local SEO enables you to target that local audience effectively. By applying these simple tips, you’ll be able to increase your site’s local search ranking visibility, get more Orillia customers, and ultimately grow your business.
Ready to proceed with getting found online right here in Orillia? Start with these simple Local SEO strategies, and watch your online presence glow!
Get Found in Orillia: Simple Local SEO Tips for Your Business Website
