Local SEO for retail and how to dominate your patch

Now the UK retail sector is showing signs of recovery from the tumultuous few years, it’s crucial to ensure that customers are flocking to your shop specifically, and that’s where local SEO comes into play.

In the past two years, mobile inquiries for “where to buy” and “near me” have increased by over 200%. Additionally, 59% of customers rely on Google to research products before making a purchase, whether online or in person. If potential customers are searching for products you offer and you are located nearby, it’s essential to appear in these local search results.

But what exactly is local SEO?

It’s an SEO strategy designed to enhance your business’s visibility in local search results on Google. Any business with a physical location or serving a specific geographic area, such as a retail store or delivery service, can benefit from local SEO.

Google’s local search algorithm incorporates a proximity factor, meaning it takes the user’s location into account when searching for keywords with local intent. Even if the searcher doesn’t include a specific location or “near me” in their search, Google considers their proximity for relevant results.

Since local SEO is proximity-based, search results vary depending on the user’s location rather than their personal preferences. For instance, if someone searches for a hairdresser at home and then at work, they will see entirely different results, allowing them to choose the nearest option based on their location.

When it comes to local SEO, website content plays a significant role, just like in Google’s traditional algorithm. However, location-based factors also come into play. These factors include having a business listing on “Google My Business,” local citations from data aggregators, local link popularity, and reviews from local customers. Considering these factors is crucial for effective local SEO.

Now, you may wonder if local SEO is necessary for your business. If your business primarily caters to customers within a specific geographic area and you have the capacity to accommodate more customers, then yes, it is essential. It ensures you reach the right audience rather than simply targeting as many people as possible, which is particularly valuable for retail businesses aiming to maximise profits and expand their client base.

For more information and assistance with your business’s SEO, don’t hesitate to contact Digibubble, experts in SEO based in London and Surrey.