Your local search engine rankings have plummeted. How do you regain your online visibility?

1 Audit Time

Begin by conducting a thorough audit of your website to pinpoint the issues causing your rankings to fall. Look at your site's structure, content, and user experience to ensure they meet search engine guidelines. Check for broken links, loading speed issues, and any penalties that might have been applied by search engines. This step is about gathering as much information as possible to create a targeted plan for recovery.

2 Keywords Focus

Revisit your keyword strategy with a focus on local search terms. Ensure that your content includes relevant keywords that potential customers in your area are searching for. However, avoid keyword stuffing, which can negatively impact your rankings. Instead, aim for a natural integration of keywords into high-quality, informative content that addresses the needs and questions of your local audience.

3 Quality Content

Producing quality content is non-negotiable. Your website should offer valuable information that establishes your business as a local authority. This includes creating blog posts, guides, and news updates related to your industry and local area. Regularly updating your site with fresh content not only keeps it relevant but also provides more opportunities to rank for various search terms.

4 User Experience

Optimizing user experience (UX) is vital for keeping visitors engaged and reducing bounce rates. Ensure your website is mobile-friendly, easy to navigate, and provides a pleasant user journey. Fast loading times and clear calls to action will encourage users to stay longer on your site and interact with your content, signaling to search engines that your site is a credible and valuable resource.

5 Build Links

Strengthen your backlink profile by acquiring links from reputable local websites. These could be business directories, local news sites, or partnerships with other local businesses. Backlinks are a key ranking factor because they act as endorsements from other sites, indicating that your content is trustworthy and relevant. Remember to focus on quality over quantity to avoid the pitfalls of spammy link-building tactics.

6 Engage Socially

Finally, don't underestimate the power of social media for boosting local search rankings. Engage with your community through social platforms by sharing updates, participating in local events, and responding to customer inquiries. Social signals can indirectly affect your search rankings by driving traffic to your website and increasing brand recognition within your local area.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?