As a new or small business, competing with other larger, more established businesses can feel like a towering impossibility, however, with the right approach to your local SEO, you can carve out a slice of the proverbial pie.

In this article, we’re going to show you how to unlock the secrets of top-notch local SEO in the big city. Read on if you want to take things to the next level!

1. Create & Optimise your Google My Business profile

First things first you need a GMB profile. This is the key to growing your online awareness in your local area.

• Provide detailed descriptions using the appropriate localised keywords (e.g., best New York City deli).
• Choose the appropriate category / sub-category for your business.
• Verify your profile by providing the relevant contact details (i.e., Name, Address, Phone Number, Email, etc.).
• Upload quality photos of your establishment, products and/or services (street-view shots help tremendously).
• Add extra details including parking, accessibility, and other useful information.

2. Go all out on your keyword research

Don’t underestimate the value of proper keyword research. It’s not enough to simply write some generic info about your business, you need to flesh your GMB page and website out with various keyword search phrases that people in your local area are actively searching.

If you’re up against some stiff competition, look for ‘long-tail keywords’ with less competition and lower search volumes (don’t worry, when done right these can have impressive conversion rates).

Then, start leveraging content marketing and build your authority.

3. Engage in local link-building and community outreach

There are many ‘white hat’ methods for link building and partnering with local businesses in your area is one of them. For example:

• If you are a local gym, you could write a blog post about the best gym attire and link to a local sports clothing store. They could then return the favour by creating a blog post about the best local gyms to train in, linking back to you.

4. Submit your business to local directories

Having a website and a well-optimised GMB page is great, but why stop there? Get your information up on as many local directory websites as possible. Every little helps with expanding your online awareness.

5. Get active on social media and engage with your local audience

Social media is an immensely powerful tool that you can utilise to grow your online awareness and engage with your target audience in your local area.

• Set a regular content posting schedule
• Gather feedback on various topics
• Respond to all engagement on your posts (and all reviews – positive and negative)
• Leverage trending topics to your advantage
• Create funny and relevant memes.

There’s so much you can do to build an audience and convert those clicks into customers. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the work involved, you can hire a New York City SEO company to help strategize and manage your campaigns to lighten the load.

Final thoughts

The above five tips are essential for establishing a solid local SEO presence. If you can commit to all of the above and continue creating content on a weekly basis, before long you’ll surely see your online presence rise higher than you thought possible!

Remember, SEO is a marathon. So, lace up those running shoes and hit the road!

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