Since Google is such an influential source when it comes to online searches, optimizing Google listings can result in increased website traffic and higher conversion rates. So how can you make sure your Charleston-area business is included in Google's local pack? In this post, we'll discuss the basics of local SEO and give you a few tips on how to rank higher in Google search results.
If you own or operate a small business in Charleston or surrounding areas in the Lowcountry, it is important to make sure that you're appearing in Google's local 3 pack. This is the pack of results that appears at the top of the page when someone searches for a local business. It includes the businesses that are most relevant to the person's search and is a critical aspect of local SEO.
If you're not in the Google local 3 pack, there's a good chance that you're not going to be found by potential customers. That's why it's important to make sure that your business is appearing in those results. You can do this by optimizing your website for local search and making sure that your business is listed on Google Business Profile, formerly known as Google My Business
But how do you get there? It's not as easy as it sounds...
The real trick to getting a spot in the Local 3-pack is consistency. Everything about your Charleston small business needs to be consistent across the web because Google will use these details to populate your local listing. If you can keep your NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) updated and consistent across all of the local listings, especially Google Business Profile, Yelp, Facebook, and your small business website footer, your Charleston small business will be more likely to rank well in local search results.
Create a Google Business Profile Listing
First things first, you need to make sure your local business information is correct and up-to-date. This includes your name, address, phone number, and hours of operation, your website, your social media profiles among other things.
If you don’t have a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) listing you’re missing out on valuable information about your business that Google is collecting and using to show your business in the SERPs (Search Engine Results Page). So head over to Google Business Profile and sign up for your Charleston small business page.
It’s free and it’s easy to set up. You’ll be able to add photos, hours of operation, and other important information about your business. If you already have one simply make sure your listing is up to date.
With a Google Business Profile you can connect with people who search for your business on Google. And it’s really important that you do because that’s where people are searching for you online. If you don’t have a profile, people won’t be able to find you when they search for you on Google. So they can't connect with you online. That's bad news if you want to grow your business.
Google Reviews — The Missing Link to 3-Pack Rankings
Google is the most popular search engine in the world. If you want your Charleston small business to rank within the Google Local 3-Pack, it's important that you have a strong presence on Google Reviews.
A study by BrightLocal found that 90% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses and 88% trust them as much as personal recommendations. This means that if you don't have any reviews or only a few, then people are going to assume your business isn't very good and won't be inclined to use it over another competitor with more positive reviews.
Reviews drive traffic for local businesses because people look for reviews to see if it is worth visiting. In fact, having a 5-star rating earns a business 39% more clicks from Google local results than having a 1-star rating. Since reviews matter to your audience, you want to use them to entice leads so they will visit your business. Additionally, when you earn reviews, you will boost your visibility.
If you have good reviews, you will attract more people to your listing. This will help your business earn more credibility and clicks to your website creating a much better opportunity for your Charleston small business to show up in Google's local 3-pack position.
How Local Content Builds Your SEO: Google Charleston 3-Pack
Creating local content for your small business website and having a local presence helps increase your chances of showing up in Google’s local 3-pack.
If you’re a small business in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, James Island or any other area in the Lowcountry, and are looking to increase your website traffic and local visibility, creating local content is a must. Not only will this help improve your small business local SEO and improve your chances of landing in the Google 3-Pack, but it can also help attract new customers who are interested in what your business has to offer.
One great way to create local content is by adding listings for your small business on online directories like Google Business Profile. This will help ensure that potential customers can find accurate information about your company when they search online. Additionally, make sure to include keywords related to Charleston and/or your specific industry in all of your website copy and blog posts – this will help improve your site’s ranking in local search results and improve your chances of landing in the Google 3-Pack.
This information can include local business data such as local business listings, review sites, geographic data, and even tips for local residents. Utilize your Charleston social media accounts that are specifically for your business and add local information and engaging content to them. You can also join local network groups and websites.
And, if people do skip Google’s local SEO 3-pack? No worries!
Your site will be more visible to people in your community.
You'll enjoy seeing your local small business site rank on the first page of Google!
You'll be able to generate more leads for your small business.
Wrap Up
If you’re a small to medium sized business in Charleston or surrounding areas of the Lowcountry, chances are that Google is one of your top traffic sources. But if you aren’t ranking in the local 3-pack of Google, then it might be time to take a closer look at how well optimized your local digital marketing plan is.
Don't let this happen to your small business! Make sure that your Charleston-area small business gets found by customers who are actively looking for you online. Brand U Media offers digital marketing services that help local businesses in the Charleston, SC area attract new customers online.
Brand U Media specializes in Charleston digital marketing strategies designed to get more exposure for local business through local SEO, social media and lead generation campaigns. Contact me today at (843) 284-6650 or email me to learn how I can help grow your Charleston-area small business!
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