In today’s digital age, local search engine optimisation (SEO) is crucial for new businesses aiming to enhance their online presence and attract local customers. For new businesses in Wales, capitalising on local SEO strategies can significantly improve visibility and drive traffic.
This guide provides practical advice for new businesses to optimise their local SEO, focusing on key areas such as Google My Business (GMB), Apple Maps, and more.
- Setting Up and Optimising Google My Business
One of the most critical steps in enhancing local SEO is setting up a Google My Business (GMB) profile. This free tool allows new businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps.
- Create a GMB Account: Create a GMB account and claim your business. Ensure all details like business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are accurate and consistent with your website and other listings.
- Optimise Your Profile: Add high-quality images, update your hours, and write a compelling description. Regularly post updates and respond to reviews to engage with your audience and show activity. For instance, Spiffy, a Camrthen business, significantly boosted their local visibility by maintaining an updated and active GMB profile.
- Getting Listed on Apple Maps
While Google Maps dominates the navigation app market, Apple Maps is also a significant player, especially for iPhone users.
- Register Your Business: Visit the Apple Maps Connect website and register your business. Ensure that your business information is accurate and up-to-date.
- Encourage Reviews: Similar to GMB, customer reviews on Apple Maps can influence your visibility. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews.
- Consistency Across Online Directories
Consistency is key when it comes to local SEO. Ensure that your NAP information is consistent across all online directories. Inconsistent information can confuse search engines and reduce your search rankings.
- List Your Business in Local Directories: Apart from GMB and Apple Maps, list your business in other local directories such as Yelp, Bing Places, and TripAdvisor. Local Welsh directories like WalesOnline can also be beneficial.
- Monitor Your Listings: Regularly check and update your listings to ensure accuracy. Tools like Moz Local and Yext can help manage multiple listings efficiently.
- Creating Local Content with Local Keywords
Creating local content with strategically chosen local keywords is essential for enhancing your local SEO and increasing visibility in local search results.
- Research Local Keywords: Use tools like Google Keyword Planner and Ahrefs to identify relevant local keywords. For instance, if you own a bakery in Newport, target keywords like “best bakery in Newport” or “Newport artisan bread.”
- Write About Local Events and News: Judith Bond Cakes in North Wales used the strategy of creating blog posts about local events, news, and engaging with the community to grow their business. This strategy not only attracts local traffic but also establishes your business as a local authority.
- Engaging with Local Social Media
Social media platforms are valuable tools for local SEO. Engaging with your local audience on social media can drive traffic to your website and improve your local search rankings.
- Create a Strong Social Media Presence: Set up profiles on popular social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share regular updates, promotions, and engage with your followers.
- Use Local Hashtags: Utilise local hashtags to increase your visibility among local users. For example, hashtags like #CardiffBusiness or #WalesEats can help you reach a local audience.
- Building Local Backlinks
Backlinks, or links from other websites to your own, are a significant ranking factor in SEO. Focus on building local backlinks to improve your local search visibility.
- Partner with Local Influencers: Collaborate with local bloggers or influencers to get featured on their websites or social media profiles.
- Engage in Community Events: Participate in local community events or sponsor local charities. These activities often result in backlinks from event pages or local news websites. For example, the Traditional Welsh Sausage Company improved its online presence through a focused digital marketing campaign that included local SEO.
Conclusion
For new businesses in Wales, implementing local SEO strategies is essential for increasing organic visibility and building a local customer base.
By setting up and optimising GMB and Apple Maps profiles, ensuring consistency across online directories, leveraging local keywords, creating locally relevant content, engaging with local social media, and building local backlinks, businesses can significantly enhance their online presence.
