How to Rank for ‘Near Me’ Searches with Local SEO Optimization

The “near me” searches are exploding day by day due to significant increase in the usage of mobile devices. People often find it convenient to use their mobile device to look for various products and services that are closer to their location. So if you own a business and want to rank in near me searches then there are various Local SEO strategies that you can consider. Considering these strategies can help you with the long survival of your business as well as can generate higher revenue. The best part is that you do not need assistance from any tech genius or SEO agency to show up in near me searches. By following our below written Local SEO strategies you can easily compete with the businesses that are considered best in the market. 

What Are Near Me Searches?

If you are new to the SEO world, then first introduce yourself to the popular term that is “near me”. So basically near me searches happen when consumers look for something that is extremely close or nearby to their current location. For example: best clinic near me, best bakery near me or restaurants open near me. 

To show up results relating to the same, the search engines make use of various things like GPS, IP address and search history. Therefore if you want the search engine to show up your business, then you need to optimize your website for Local SEO. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Rank for “Near Me” Searches

By following the below written steps, we ensure your business will definitely rank higher in near me searches. 

✓ Curate Your GBP ( Google Business Profile)

First thing first, start by curating your Google business profile. Ensure the information in it is accurate. The profile should be complete. It should contain premium quality pictures of your specific product. If you are running a service based business then add pictures of satisfied clients and their reviews. Make sure you provide basic information like your business name, it’s to the point address as well as the contact information. Keep the profile up-to-date by telling your upcoming or current offers, discounts and other benefits that you are serving to the clients. Also do not forget to mention your opening or working hours. 

The Google business profile plays a very important role as Google uses this specific information to show your business in Google maps as well as in near me searches. 

✓ Use Local Keywords On Your Website 

Now the task is to search for keywords that the localities are generally using. There are ample numbers of tools through which you can easily conduct this research. When you find these words, you need to create content around the same. You need to use the keyword in your page titles, meta description, headings, let the keyword flow naturally in the body of your content. Try using the exact city name, neighborhood as well as landmarks to help search engines understand your local relevance. 

✓ Add Location Pages For Different Area

If you own a business that is not limited to just one specific location, then instead of mixing the content for each area in one page, try curating different location pages for every area where you serve. Remember one thing very clearly that each page should include unique content, local keywords, and contact information for that specific area. Many businesses often make mistakes by copying the same content and just changing the keyword. So if you want to rank in near me searches then avoid copying and pasting the same content across all your pages because Google dislikes duplicate content.

✓ Make Your Website Mobile Friendly 

There is no doubt about the fact that the near me searches are mostly done through mobile phones. As searchers find it easier to do so. So if your website is not mobile friendly then the bounce rate will be higher. This means you won’t be able to benefit from near me searches that are done through smartphones. So the checklist for optimising your website for mobile use includes: first is quick loading time. Searchers don’t like to wait, rather they love instant results that pop up within a blink of an eye. So aim for fast response time. Next ensure the text is easily readable. Use clickable buttons.Lastly, ensure easy navigation. 

✓ Ask Your Clients To Leave Reviews

Reviews can highly impact your businesses near me rankings. Because it directly affects your credibility. The reviews tend to grab the attention of the searcher due to which the conversion chances increase. To grab more reviews, first ask the clients in person to leave a feedback. Alternatively send a follow-up email and attach the review link there. 

When you receive reviews, do not forget to respond to each of them be it negative or positive. As it directly indicates that you are active and care about customer satisfaction. Remember Google takes into consideration businesses that gets frequent and positive reviews in near me search results.

✓ Get Local Backlinks 

Local Backlinks is yet another strategy that you can follow for optimisation of Local SEO. So to get local backlinks, try to collaborate with other businesses, participate in local events and charities, consider sponsoring them as well. Remember quantity doesn’t matter, what matters is quality, so create backlinks that are trustworthy and credible. One strong backlink is better than 50 spammy backlinks. 

✓ Be Active On Social Media

Do not think that search engines only look at your website while showing the results for near me searches. Rather it also considers your online presence overall on the web. So make sure you are active on all the social media platforms. Create your business profile on all popular social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and more. Regularly post genuine content and tag your specific location using hashtags. Remember engagement on these platforms can help Google see you as a real, active business in the community.