Local search engine optimization (SEO) has become extremely important for businesses in Patna to reach their local customers online. With more and more people using search engines and maps to find businesses near them, ranking highly for local searches can bring in a lot of foot traffic, calls and conversions for Patna businesses.
This article will discuss what local SEO is, why it is so crucial for customer acquisition for Patna businesses, and how you can optimize your business for local SEO to attract more local customers.
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO refers to optimizing your online presence and visibility in a way that you show up on the first page of search engines and maps when someone searches for local businesses similar to yours or searches for a local business in Patna.
For example, when someone searches for “Patna plumber” or “plumbers near me” on Google, the goal of your local SEO efforts is to show your plumbing business on the first page of the search results. This is opposed to ranking for non-local searches like “best plumbing services” where you compete countrywide.
The key difference in local SEO is optimizing your on-page content, listings and citations specifically for ranking well in Patna-based searches by local customers.
Why Local SEO is Important for Patna Businesses
Here are some key reasons why ranking higher in local searches should be a top priority for local businesses in Patna:
- Most Customers Search for Local Businesses Online
Statistics show that over 50% of all mobile searches are for local businesses and services. Patna customers are no different. Before visiting a business, they search for options near them. Local SEO taps into this demand and helps you get found easily.
- Higher Local Ranks Mean More Store Visits and Calls
Ranking on page 1 of Google for searches like “furniture stores in Patna” leads to a massive jump in website traffic, phone calls and walk-ins for local businesses. Improving your local SEO can directly impact your offline sales.
- Builds Brand Awareness and Credibility
When local customers repeatedly see your business showing up highly in local searches, it builds familiarity with your brand. You are seen as a credible local player in your industry. This makes the customer more likely to buy from you over unfamiliar competitors.
- Local SEO Competitors Have Low Competition
Going after broader nation-wide keywords is difficult due to high competition. However, optimizing for local keywords like “Patna dentists” is easier to rank for. Less effort yields greater rewards.
- Customers Prefer Buying from Local Businesses
Surveys show over 80% of customers prefer to buy from local businesses in their neighborhood or city whenever possible. Local SEO leverages this preference for your advantage.
Optimizing Your Patna Business for Local SEO
To optimize your business for local SEO and reach the right type of customers, focus on improving these aspects:
Optimize Your Google My Business Listing
Google My Business (GMB) is a free tool for local businesses. It allows you to create a listing that shows up prominently in Google local searches. Ensure you create and verify your GMB listing with accurate details like business name, full address, phone number and opening hours. Provide detailed information in the profile, add good quality photos of your storefront, products, services and staff. The more complete your GMB profile is, the better it ranks in local search. So optimize it fully focusing on Patna customers.
Build Quality Local Citations
Citations are mentions of your business name, address and contact details on directory sites, review sites and niche listing platforms relevant to your industry. Examples are YellowPages, JustDial, AskLaila for directories. Practo and Wellness360 for doctor listings. Zomato and DineOut for restaurants. Building more quality citations consistent with your GMB listing signals to Google that your business exists in Patna and improves local ranking.
Optimize Your Website for Patna
Your website is the hub that brings together all your local SEO efforts. So ensure it reflects your Patna location and audience. Ideally use a Patna address on the Contact page. Have the area name or neighborhoods you serve in the footer menu. Build service area or location pages targeting different parts of Patna you are accessible from. Use Patna, popular landmarks and street names in page titles, content, image names and meta descriptions. This communicates local relevance.
Encourage Customer Reviews
Positive online customer reviews build social proof and credibility for local businesses. Enable reviews on platforms like Google, Facebook and niche sites relevant to you. Prompt customers to leave reviews after providing service. Offer them incentives like discounts for writing reviews. Respond to reviews politely and fix issues mentioned.
Advertise Locally via PPC and Social Media
Running paid ads on Google and Facebook targeted by location is powerful. You can target people within few kilometers of your store location. Create ads and posts with location based messaging. Geo-target them to your service areas locally. Track conversions to see which locations give the best ROI.
Key Local SEO Ranking Factors for Patna Businesses
Now that you know how to go about optimizing for local SEO, here are some of the key local ranking factors to focus on:
Proximity of Business to Searcher’s Location
Google aims to show the most convenient options to users. So businesses located closest to the searcher get a ranking boost. Being centrally located with large service areas helps.
Prominence of Business Name, Address and Number
Having your business name, address and phone number visible and consistent across directories, citations and website improves local ranking. Format it uniformly everywhere.
Positive Local Reviews and Word-of-Mouth
Reviews, recommendations and mentions on the web from real local customers help a lot. Encourage customers to talk about your business on their social media feeds too.
Website Optimization for Local Intent
Tailor your website content for Patna. Use local keywords in pages, content and schema markup. This shows Google you cater to a Patna audience.
Relevant and Useful Content for Locals
Blogs, videos and posts that provide useful information to Patna residents will make you appear more relevant in local searches. Answer common questions and address local pain points.
Consistency and Accuracy of Business Listings
Incorrect or inconsistent business details on directories and citations hurt local ranking. Standardize all information everywhere. Checks for errors.
Tracking Phone Calls and Store Visits
Tools like Google Analytics can track calls, store visits and conversions from local SEO. Monitor these metrics to gauge local SEO ROI.
Conclusion
Local SEO should be a priority for Patna businesses who want to increase their visibility and attract customers from their neighborhood and city. By optimizing your online presence and visibility to rank highly for searches by Patna locals, you can drive more foot traffic, calls and conversions. Focus on building reviews, improving your Google My Business listing, creating locally optimized website content, and running targeted paid ads.
Track metrics like calls, store visits and revenue from local SEO efforts. Fix issues slowing you down. Compete on localization to beat other players. Done right, local SEO lets you connect with customers who are nearby and ready to make a purchase. The reward makes the effort worthwhile for Patna businesses.