Local SEO: A complete guide for NZ businesses
Today, local SEO is a must-have for businesses in New Zealand. It sets you apart and brings customers right from your local area. In our digital world where competition is fierce, local SEO can lead to more customers walking through your door and a spike in your online visibility.
A strong local SEO strategy can help boost your profits. This guide will outline key steps to improve local SEO for your NZ business.
Implement Local SEO Strategies on Your Google My Business Listing
Google My Business (GMB) is a free tool that helps you control how your business looks on Google Search and Maps. Here’s how to use GMB to its full potential:
- Claim and verify your business.
- Check your business information (name, address, phone number) for accuracy.
- Write a detailed business description with the right keywords.
- Upload good-quality pictures and videos.
- Request reviews from customers and respond to them quickly.
Focus on Local Keywords
Identify the local keywords that are most relevant to your NZ business and your customers. Use words and phrases that Kiwis often use when they’re searching for products or services in your area. For instance, if you run a cafe in Dunedin, target keywords like “Dunedin cafe” or “best coffee in Dunedin”.
Create Content That's Relevant Locally
Make content that’s interesting, relevant to the local area, and aligns with your audience. This could be blog posts about local events, local news, or industry trends that affect your NZ business. By using local keywords and focusing on what your community needs, you’ll make your local SEO efforts even stronger.
Optimise On-Page Elements
To climb higher in local search rankings, you need to get your website’s on-page elements right:
- Use local keywords in title tags, meta descriptions, and headers.
- Use schema markup for local business info, like addresses and phone numbers.
- Make unique, keyword-rich content for pages that target specific locations.
Build High-Quality Local Backlinks
Getting backlinks from trusted local websites can improve your reputation and boost your local SEO. To get high-quality local backlinks:
- Work with local businesses or groups.
- Sponsor or join in local events.
- Write guest posts for local websites or publications.
- Add your business info to local directories.
Use Local Online Directories and Citations
Having accurate and consistent listings in local directories can boost your online visibility and help your local SEO. Put your NZ business on local directories like Neighbourly, Localist, and Finda, and make sure your business info is the same across all platforms.
Encourage Customer Reviews
Positive customer reviews can draw in more customers and push you higher in local search rankings. Ask happy customers to leave reviews on Google My Business, Facebook, and Yelp. Always respond to reviews professionally, showing gratitude for good reviews and addressing any problems or complaints.
Local SEO is vital for New Zealand businesses to make a mark in their community and build a solid customer base. By optimising your Google My Business listing, focusing on local keyword research, creating locally-focused content, optimising on-page elements, building high-quality local backlinks, using local online directories, and encouraging customer reviews, you can build a winning local SEO strategy.
Sleepi Digital is ready to help your NZ business succeed locally. Get in touch with us today to find out more about our local SEO services that are tailored to you. We can work together to create a powerful local presence that resonates with your audience and gets real results for your NZ business. With our skills and commitment, you can use the power of local SEO to help your business flourish in your community.