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Why Mobile Optimization Is a Must for Local SEO Success

by Erica

What was trending yesterday night might not be the same in the next two days. This is the scenario with most things these days. Same is the case with SEO. Now people make use of smartphones for everything be it looking for certain information, shopping and for accessing other services as well. So if you aim to attract more and more local customers to your website, then mobile optimization is a must for local SEO success. Especially if you serve a specific geographical area then mobile optimization is not an option for you but a major necessity. So in this guide we’ll be sharing some crucial information about the same, so to learn about it keep reading.

Understanding Mobile Optimization?

Mobile optimization is a process through which you develop and design a website that not only works greatly on the desktop but also on mobile devices including tablets. A mobile optimized website offers quick loading, fits perfectly to all the screen sizes as well as provides an intuitive user interface. Additionally, it includes text that is readable, offers quick clickable buttons as well as allows for easy navigation. For easy understanding here are the key aspects of a mobile optimized website:

  • Responsive design
  • Fast loading speed
  • Touch-friendly interface
  • Simplified layout and content
  • Clear call-to-action buttons

Understanding Local SEO

Local SEO is a branch of SEO (Search Engine Optimization). With local SEO you can improve the visibility of your business in local search results. Here the main aim is, when any customer uses a term like near me, open now or puts up a certain geographical location, then your business should show up immediately. The basic components of Local SEO includes:

  • Optimizing your Google Business Profile.
  • You need to ensure consistency in business information like name, address and phone number.
  • Getting listed in local directories
  • Managing online reviews and ratings as this can be highly influential. 
  • Targeting location-specific keywords.

Relation Between Mobile Optimization And Local SEO

✓ User Behaviour Is Mobile First

There is no doubt about the fact that most people use their mobile device while looking for anything. Be it for local shopping stores, service providers, open hours or any specific information. Therefore if your website is not optimized for mobile use then it can negatively impact your SEO success as well as it increases the bounce rates. 

✓ Mobile First Indexing By Search Engines

Various search engines now use mobile-first indexing. This means that the mobile version of your website is the primary version which is taken into consideration for indexing as well as ranking in search results. So if your desktop website is emitting perfect results but the scenario is not the same with the mobile version then your visibility can highly suffer. Particularly when it relates to local SEO. 

✓ Local Searches Usually Come From Mobile Devices

When you are out and about, where you need quick information regarding a specific service provider, then one definitely makes use of their smartdevice. This has also been approved by many studies. Therefore mobile optimization allows your site to better serve these users and convert more of them into customers.

Perks Of Mobile Optimization For Local SEO

The benefits are numerous but not considering mobile optimization has even more losses. 

✓ Improved Search Rankings

First thing first, websites that are mobile friendly are more likely to appear higher in search results, especially in mobile searches. This is beneficial when any user is looking for an immediate solution, then they majorly choose from top three results. So mobile optimization can help you with the same. 

✓ Better User Experience 

Users appreciate the websites that load up quickly, offer easy to navigate interface and also quick call to action. Whereas if your website is sluggish, doesn’t fit into the screen of a mobile device, then the user will definitely drop out of it quickly. This impacts the local SEO performance. So a good user experience will convert the viewers into clients.

✓ Higher Engagement And Conversion Rates

When visitors have a seamless experience on your mobile site then they are more likely to take a call. This can include making a quick purchase, booking an appointment, or coming to your physical location. So if you want better engagement then mobile optimization is extremely relevant.

✓ Strong Brand Reputation 

If your website is mobile friendly, then it gives a lasting impression on the user. It includes more trust and also gives an impression that the site is customer focused. Whereas no matter how good your service is, if the navigation is not user friendly then you will definitely let the user move towards your competitors. 

Best Practices For Mobile Optimization 

✓ Use Responsive Mobile Design 

If you want to excel in local SEO then you need to make use of responsive design. As it helps your site to adjust automatically to different screen sizes. So with this you need not focus specifically on mobile optimization as your website will be able to fit seamlessly into every screen be it of desktop, mobile phone or a tablet. 

✓ Speed Up Your Website 

These days everybody expects quick results just within the blink of an eye. As waiting can be frustrating and also leads to abandonment. Therefore to improve site speed you can consider these recommendations:

  • Compress images
  • Minimize code (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
  • Use browser caching
  • Avoid unnecessary plugins and redirects.

✓ Optimize Local Content 

Moving forward, optimization of local content can be done by using local relevant keywords that flow naturally throughout your content. Include your specific city name or region in titles as well as in descriptions, and also in page content. Additionally, make location-specific landing pages if you cater to multiple areas.

✓ Ensure NAP Consistency 

If you use different phone numbers, address and business name across your website then it can first impact trustworthiness. Second it leads to confusion and the user ends up moving to some other website. Therefore ensure the name, address and phone number of your business across websites and on all platforms is same. 

✓ Prepare for Voice Search

Mobile users mostly use voice search to find local businesses. So you need to optimize your content accordingly and also include answers to common questions using a conversational tone.