If you lead a local church, school, ministry or business, there is an EXTRA part of SEO to getting your organization to rank well in map searches and the “local pack” of the search results – Local SEO.
In this Search Engine Optimization Frequently Asked Questions (SEO FAQs) video blog, I address the question, What is Local SEO? and share 4 key aspects of local SEO.
(The article below is a summary of the video, but you’ll get more details and examples if you watch the video.)
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO is all about enhancing your online presence in maps and local search results. Think of those familiar platforms like Google Maps, Bing Maps, and Apple Maps.
Moreover, it’s about securing a spot in the coveted “local pack” in general search results. You know, when you search for something like “church near me” or “School in Safety Harbor,” and you see a map followed by three listings – that’s the local pack.
Now that you know what local SEO is, let’s talk about the specific things to focus on to improve your local search rankings.
4 Key Aspects of Local SEO
1. General SEO
The better your website performs in general (organic) search results, the more prominently it will feature in local searches. This involves the components of SEO we discussed earlier in this SEO FAQs series – technical SEO, keyword research, on-page optimization, link building, and content marketing – but with the added focus of targeting keywords that include the names of the cities, counties, and neighborhoods you serve.
2. Google Business Profile
It’s important to go through the manual process of setting up your Google Business Profile, because for the most part, Google won’t do it for you. Verification is a crucial step, typically involving a phone call or a postcard. Then it’s essential to maintain accurate information on your profile, including your address, phone number, business hours, and details about your organization.
Google doesn’t do this for your automatically, so it’s critically important that you know How to Create, Claim and Verify Your Google Business Profile or have someone who does do it for you.
3. Other Local Listings
While a Google Business Profile is most impactful, there are other maps, local search engines and local directories which can help your local SEO. Platforms like Bing Maps, Apple Maps, Yelp, and YellowPages.com shouldn’t be overlooked. The more places your organization is listed, the better the chances that people will find the right information about you, no matter where they’re searching from.
4. Online Reviews
Lastly, let’s talk about reviews, particularly Google Reviews. Generally speaking, the more reviews an organization has, the higher it will rank in maps and local search results. It’s not just about having perfect 5-star reviews; more reviews, even if they’re not all perfect, can boost your local search rankings significantly.
In summary…
Local SEO has its own unique tactics. If you’re a local organization and not using these local SEO tactics, you’re missing people in your community.
Get your local SEO done right
When we onboard a local church, school, ministry or business with an SEO service, we make sure the keyword research and on-page optimization focus on the cities they’re targeting. We also take care of the setup, verification, and optimization of their Google Business Profile and local listings.
If you have any questions or want to discuss church SEO or Christian SEO for your business, school or ministry, with one of our SEO experts, we’d love to talk with you. No pressure or obligations.
Fill out the consultation request form below (mobile) or to the right (desktop)
Comment and Share your thoughts:
- What questions do you have about local SEO?
Read or watch more SEO FAQ articles and videos!
Co-founder & CEO, OurChurch.Com
Paul has been the CEO of OurChurch.Com since its founding in 1996, combining his passion for faith and technology to lead the organization.
An accomplished writer, Paul has authored over 2,000 articles on faith and technology, featured on platforms like ChurchLeaders.com, The JoyFM, and his personal blog, LiveIntentionally.org.
Beyond his professional achievements, Paul serves as an elder at Journey Community Church and is deeply engaged in his community through his involvement with the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch and the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce. He is a contributing author of the book Outspoken! Conversations on Church Communication.
9 Comments
Hmmm… I got the point. But My question is Which one is more effective to increase site traffic ?? Local SEO or Normal SEO ??
Thanks for reading the post. In the future, please post your comments with your name rather than targeted keywords, so I know your comment is genuine and not simply a link building campaign.
Local SEO and Normal SEO both are important to increase traffic and after seeing your video I totally agree with you. Both are useful to optimize your website.
Thanks for the comment. Seemed a bit spammy though so the text and link were removed.
Outstanding post however I was wondering if you could
write a litte more on this topic? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit more.
Bless you!
Sure. What would you like to know? BTW, we don’t allow links to porn or gambling sites, so I had to remove your link.
Having read this I thought it was really informative.
I appreciate you finding the time and effort to put this content together.
I once again find myself spending a significant amount of time both reading and posting comments.
But so what, it was still worth it!
I’m glad you found it helpful
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point.
You clearly know what youre talking about, why waste your
intelligence on just posting videos to your
blog when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?