The Ultimate Guide To Local SEO

How to Grow Your Local Business Using the Internet

With 1 in 3 of all Google searches being for local businesses, getting your website onto the first page of Google in your local area is more important than ever.

And who wants to pay Google for your traffic via Adwords when you can get it for free?

If you’re looking to get more traffic and enquiries in your local area from search engines, then local SEO should be at the heart of your marketing plan.

If you have ever wondered:

How do I get my website to rank 1st in Google in my local city?

How should my local business website actually look?

Why am I getting no business through my website?

What content do I need to put on my business website?

The Most Bad-Ass List of Local SEO Resources on the Internet

From website design to getting customer reviews, these resources cover it all

Chapter 1

The Foundation of Local SEO

If you’re new to Local SEO – or want to see what the differences are between traditional SEO and other online marketing strategies, then these resources will start you off in the right place.

You will learn how to discover what keywords your local customers are typing into Google, how and why Google displays its search results in the order that they do.

Creating a solid foundation for your local business’ online presence might take a little bit of time to set up, but the results in the long term will be worth it.

These resources will help you get your local SEO campaign off on the right foot.

What Makes Up The Ranking Algorithm

Wondering how Google actually decides which websites to rank first in its local search algorithm? The main factors are typically: citations, reviews, backlinks and on-site factors.

These resources are excellent places to start to discover how Google works, and what elements make up it’s ranking algorithm.

Finding What Your Local Customers Are Searching For

How can you find out what your customers are typing into Google to find your targeted services in your location?

These epic posts give an extremely comprehensive overview on how to do keyword research in the (not provided) era and successfully find the ‘money’ terms in your local area.

Chapter 2

Your Website

40% of small businesses DON’T HAVE A WEBSITE!! Your website is incredibly important to ranking well in your local search results – if you serious about your business, then GET ONE NOW!

How you structure your local business website, and what calls to action you have on there, makes a big difference. Here you’ll learn how to make a website that not only ranks well, but generates more customers.

We highly recommend using WordPress for any local business website and using responsive web design instead of a dedicated mobile site.

Chapter 3

Your Google Business Page

Your Google+ page (also known as your Google Places for Business page) is your direct line into Google’s search results. Here you control how your business information is displayed directly in the search results, respond to customer reviews and upload photos and videos.

You need to claim your Google+ page and ensure that the information is consistent with the data on your website. These resources will help show you how to maximise your listing and make it “Google friendly”.

Chapter 4

Citations

Citations are simply mentions of your business name, address and phone number on the internet and happen to be a foundation of how Google interprets your business information. Consistency is key and builds your trust score with Google. Conflicting data from several different sources lowers it. So tidy up those citations!

Simply put, citations are mentions of your business’ name, address and phone number (full citation) or name and phone or address (partial citation).

Chapter 5

Reviews

Reviews of your business are another foundation stone for local SEO. The quantity and quality of 3rd party reviews on your Google+ page and on other review websites has a major impact on your rankings in your local area.

Why do they matter? Well, people tend to trust customer reviews almost as much as personal recommendations. The equation is simple…get more reviews!

Chapter 6

How To Make Content That Drives Traffic and Conversions

The information you have on your website can be the difference between a landslide of leads, and a ghost town.

These resources will help you come up with ideas for your local website content, some best practices for the content you create, and how to actually implement these ideas (and turn them into sales).

Chapter 7

Blogging For Local SEO Success

Blogging can be a powerful weapon when it comes to dominating your local area. It’s a chance for you demonstrate your expertise and show your customers you know what you’re talking about, and an awesome way to attract social shares and backlinks. These resources will give you some blogging ideas and help you come with with a system that works for you.

Chapter 8

Link Building

Link building is at the very core of any SEO campaign. A few relevant high quality backlinks from authority websites can be the difference between ranking #1, or on page 5.

These resources will make you a link building pro in no time. Read them. Do them. This is not optional.

Chapter 9

Blogging For Local SEO Success

Do you have more than one location? Well, you’re not alone. Thousands of small businesses have multiple locations or offices around the country or in a given city.

If your business has several locations, your SEO approach should be slightly different. These resources will show you exactly how to structure your website and manage your marketing plan across multiple locations.

Chapter 10

Lead Generation For Local Businesses

It’s great to drive tonnes of traffic to your local business website. But what is the point if none of them turn into phone calls, emails or website enquiries?

These resources will help you turn your website into a local lead generating machine.

Chapter 11

How To Use Email Marketing to Build Your Customer Base and Make More Sales

Email is very much alive and can still be an extremely effective channel to generate more customers in your local area and can kick social media’s ass when it comes to conversions.

If you don’t have a email list of your local customers – you need one. Now. These resources will help you build your list and turn this list into money in the bank.

Bonus Chapter

Other Useful Local SEO Resources

No ultimate guide to local SEO would be complete without giving out a free bonus chapter full of other amazing resources that will help you to totally dominate your local area. In no particular order, here they are…

Seb Smith

06:33 27 Mar 18

Andrew and the team at The Marketing Department were a massive help to me when I decided to start my own electrical business. From developing my company website and advising on the best content for social media channels, it wasn't long before I started to see leads coming through from activity online. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to start or grow their business.

McManus Builders

03:12 09 Apr 18

We are delighted with the website created by the Marketing Department for our business. Working wth Andrew and the team has been the best decision we've made as we've experienced a strong rise in online enquiries generated through our site. This has ultimately resulted in a very positive increase in us getting client's to contract and therefore benefitting our bottom line. Great investment and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend their services.

Marnie McManus

11:05 26 Jul 17

I have worked with The Marketing Department on a range of different projects and their service and knowledge is best in town. I have seen incredible results, especially across digital and social channels and this has undoubtedly lead to new business through the door. We love our new website and look forward to continuing to grow our business with the Marketing Department as an extension of our team.

Leighton Boyd

05:43 05 Aug 17

Highly motivated to help you achieve the outcomes you're looking for and good communication throughout the process. My experience with The Marketing Department has been very positive, pleased to recommend.

Brett Humphrys

03:45 17 Jul 17

Andrew was great to work with, and has helped us grow our business beyond what we could do on our own. Would highly recommend The Marketing Department!

Jack Jennings

07:37 30 Jul 19

The team at the marketing department are knowledgeable and helpful. I have used and recommended their services to others several times, and would not hesitate to do so again.

Jamie Broadhurst

09:46 05 Aug 19

I would highly recommended the team at The Marketing Department after they helped us create our website and a video. Their professionalism, knowledge and skills made the experience a huge success.

Adam

09:44 16 Oct 19

Disappointing end to many years of loyal patronage. Many phone calls and emails left unanswered and not returned. Poor attentiveness to adwords and Facebook campaigns and even after offering a potentially lucrative new opportunity, I still did not receive a response. Unfortunately I could not in good conscience recommend their services due to poor service. I would also note that all other reviewers have only left either one or two reviews, which suggests they are not credible.

Joshua Trinchini

19:54 06 Nov 19

The team at The Marketing Department were very easy to work with and they are very knowledgeable in what they do! Would highly recommend them to anyone looking for any marketing needs. We look forward to continuing our work with The Marketing Department!

Three Pillar Coaching

21:57 06 Nov 19

The Marketing Department provide a great service and we really enjoy working with their friendly team!

Millie Looker

02:29 13 Nov 19

The entire team from Adelady are completely over the moon with our brand new website! Working with The Marketing Department team was so easy — they really took on board our directions of colour and style and nailed the brief. It was also great to know that they were flexible and absolutely dedicated to making sure we were happy with the end result — nothing was too hard! We've recommended The Marketing Department to many of our clients and friends and continue to work with them as we grow our online presence. Thanks again guys!

William Crouch

06:50 20 Nov 19

An excellent team who can comprehensively fulfill all of your professional needs. Expert knowledge, extremely professional and committed to guaranteeing successful results!

Mel Eglinton

23:45 19 Dec 19

Andrew, Kristy and team were instrumental in the design and launch of our new website, logos and business cards. From the first meeting the team listened to all of our requirements and exceeded our expectations in every aspect. We can't thank them enough for all of their hard work and for making the process enjoyable and stress free!!

Holly Hammond

13:28 31 Dec 19

We had the help of the marketing department for the collateral for our event. They designed the hard copy invite, Facebook event cover image & menus and we absolutely loved the work they did. Wouldn’t hesitate in recommending them to anyone needing marketing & design support for their business or event. Great to work with, quick turnarounds and quality work.

Ryan Burgess

04:55 14 Jul 20

With The Marketing Departments knowledge, experience and insights, we increased web traffic as well as web sales and our in-store and phone enquiry by huge numbers. Seeing the visible difference makes this a no brainer for us. It was also very convenient having Andrew available to answer any question and explain, in detail, aspects of our campaigns to all stakeholders in the business. We only scratched the surface with the things these guys can do for us, looking forward to engaging them more!

Chris Tsoutouras

00:23 19 Aug 20

Andrew & his team are, put simply, weapons!

Charley Merrill

02:01 20 Apr 23

I recently had the pleasure of working with Andrew from The Marketing Department and I couldn't be happier with the service I received. Andrew was quick to respond to my inquiries, and his knowledge and expertise was evident throughout our interactions.He was extremely helpful in answering all of my questions and providing me with valuable insights and advice that have helped me improve my business.

The Ultimate Guide To Local SEO

How to Grow Your Local Business Using the Internet

The Most Bad-Ass List of Local SEO Resources on the Internet

From website design to getting customer reviews, these resources cover it all

The Foundation of Local SEO

What Makes Up The Ranking Algorithm

Finding What Your Local Customers Are Searching For

Your Website

Your Google Business Page

Citations

Reviews

How To Make Content That Drives Traffic and Conversions

Blogging For Local SEO Success

Link Building

Blogging For Local SEO Success

Lead Generation For Local Businesses

How To Use Email Marketing to Build Your Customer Base and Make More Sales

Other Useful Local SEO Resources

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