Local SEO for retail businesses

As shops open again and (hopefully) restrictions continue to cautiously lift, SEO isn’t an area to neglect if you’re in retail. People may be flocking back to the shops, but you want to make sure that they’re flocking back to your shop, with local SEO.

“Where to buy” and “near me” mobile inquiries have increased by over 200% in the last two years, and 59% of customers have said that they use Google to research products before they buy, regardless of whether they buy online or in person.  If people are Googling a product you sell and you’re nice and close, you need to be coming up for these local searches.

What is local SEO?

Local SEO is an SEO strategy that ensures that your business is more visible in local search results on Google.  Any business that has a physical location such as a retail business, or serves a set geographic area such as a retail business that delivers, can benefit from local SEO.

Google’s local search algorithm includes a proximity factor, which means that Google takes a searcher’s location into account when they search for a keyword with local intent – a keyword where location is relevant such as ‘pizza delivery’ or ‘dental hygienist’.  This even happens when the searcher doesn’t include a city/town/location name or ‘near me’ in their search.

Because it’s based on proximity, the results shown depend on the location of the user and not the user themselves.  So if a searcher looks for a hairdresser when they’re at home and then when they’re at work, they’ll see completely different results and then choose if they want one nearest home or work.

What matters for local SEO?

Website content is a significant factor in the same way that it is for Google’s traditional algorithm, but in addition, location-based factors are also relevant. These include having a business listing in ‘Google My Business’, local citations from data aggregators, local link popularity, and reviews published by your local customers.  When considering local SEO, these are all factors to bear in mind.

Do I need local SEO?

If your business requires you reaching only people within a set geographic area then unless you have no time, room or space for more customers, yes you need local SEO in order to ensure you’re reaching the right people and not just as many people as possible.  This is true of most retail business looking to maximise profits and increase their client base.

For more information about help with your business’s SEO, get in touch with SME Media – experts in SEO in London and Surrey.