Ranking Your Local Business in 2017

Optimize for Voice Searches

Now that Siri, Alexa and Cortana have become everyone's favorite virtual assistants, voice searching is on the rise. More and more people are feeling comfortable making strange requests to their phone from a distance, even in public. When optimizing content for SEO, think about what kind of search terms people are likely to use vocally. This could give you a massive edge over the competition. 

Include "Near Me" in Your Keywords When Possible

Google now frequently autocompletes any mobile searches for local businesses with a "near me". This single action has caused a spike in the number of searches with the keyword term "near me". Many small businesses have not yet caught on, and have neglected to incorporate content into their site to accommodate this change. Be an early adopter and you could see a stronger flow of traffic coming your way. 

Don't Rule Out Using Ads in Conjunction with SEO

Organic SEO is by far the best long term strategy for increasing search engine rankings, particularly for small businesses with lower advertising budgets. However, it doesn't hurt to strategically use AdWords campaigns periodically to bolster your customer reach while you're implementing SEO strategies. They can work in tandem and support one another. 

Take Advantage of Google's Snippet Feature 

A snippet is when someone types in a query based search, and one of the results is at the top above all the rankings, with large portion of the page's content shown. Having your blog post, chart or infographic shared as a snippet could bring in a lot of traffic. While there isn't a guaranteed method of being chosen for a Snippet Feature, there are some common factors that many marketers seem to agree on. For instance, the snippets normally show when an internet user types a question into the search bar as opposed to a statement. For example, a homeowner looking for a solution to a clogged drain could type in a statement like, "drain cleaning company" or they could search for "how to unclog a drain". If you are trying to increase your chances of being featured as a snippet, the latter will likely be the best content choice. 

Are You Ready to Rank Higher in 2017? Call iBoost Today

Does your local business need help boosting your search engine rankings? Contact the SEO experts at iBoost today to find out how our quality services can help you grow your business in 2017 and beyond.