Last Updated on January 20, 2021 by Guest
Marketing a new business is a lot different from what it used to be a decade ago. You cannot expect to survive and thrive without a robust online presence, so digital marketing investment does not remain a choice for startups. You have to start with SEO, build on your social media presence, show up in paid ads, and connect with customers through personalized emails. But when it comes to creating a successful digital marketing strategy for a startup, local SEO is one element you need to prioritize.
Local SEO gets you recognition and visibility in your local area, as compared to making it appear in top web searches on a global scale. It is a great place to start when you are just breaking into the business landscape and want to get the attention of the consumers nearby. Let us explain the reason why startups should go the extra mile with this reliable online marketing tactic.
Secure targeted traffic for your website
Startups run on tight budgets, and it always makes sense to take a targeted approach with their operations, including marketing. It is exactly what local SEO is all about because it brings targeted traffic to your website and physical store. Since your business will be visible in local neighborhood communities, these are the people who will be there to check out your store. These visitors have better chances to convert, which makes the strategy valuable for new ventures looking to break even with initial sales targets.
Gain edge over the competitors
The business landscape is highly competitive right now. No matter which niche you pick, your startup is most likely to compete with hundreds of businesses offering the same product or service. Everything boils down to gaining an edge over the competitors so that you can get the attention of your target audience and win their trust. Thankfully, appearing in local searches can get you ahead on this front. Potential buyers are more likely to visit the businesses that appear in local searches and offer all the information they want. Local search optimization comprises creating an information resource, offering details like your address, phone number, timings, offerings, and more.
Build long-term customer relationships
Customer relationships fuel growth, so no business can afford to overlook them. While you need to focus on bonding with every single customer, the ones nearby deserve more attention. A happy customer near you is more valuable than those located beyond your geographical location. They are more likely to return for repeat purchases and stay loyal to your brand for the long haul. Local SEO, therefore, becomes the best marketing strategy you can opt for building long-term customer relationships. These relationships matter all the more for startups that need to consolidate their presence and loyal customers play a foundational role in taking the venture ahead.
Get attention from Google
Google prioritizes trust, and local businesses that are able to win this trust are likely to get attention from the search engine. It offers a range of free tools for local businesses because it wants small businesses to stay in competition with large conglomerates that can invest millions in branding. Startups can collaborate with a reliable local SEO company for small businesses to help them leverage these tools and gain trust with the audience nearby. It is a worthwhile investment because any business that wins the favor of Google is likely to rank high in its search rankings. A strong local SEO strategy, therefore, boosts the overall digital marketing strategy as well.
Grow brand authority with reviews
Another reason why startups shouldn’t miss out on local search optimization is that it helps you grow your brand authority with positive reviews of real customers. Whether you are new in the market or run an established brand, reviews are the fuel that keeps the business moving ahead. Consumers are most likely to trust the word of mouth of real buyers, which is the reason why the ones they share on business listings can serve immense value for your branding strategy. Just request your customers to share good things about their experience with your business, and you will be able to pull the crowds.
Get excellent Return on Investment
ROI matters a lot for startups because you have limited budgets and prioritize strategies that yield more with less. Digital marketing tactics, including local SEO, are great from the ROI perspective as they do not cost a fortune yet deliver excellent benefits. You need not worry about spending a massive dollar amount like that on strategies like newspapers, billboards, and TV ads. But you can still make your business visible and create brand loyalty with consistent work on your listings. Moreover, a local SEO strategy does not require you to invest in massive efforts as you only need to update the information regularly. There are hundreds of options in forums and business directories that you can leverage to promote your startup.
Nearby matters the most in the pandemic era
Startups admire local SEO because of its efficacy and affordability, and it has also emerged as one of the essential strategies for every enterprise in the pandemic era. Travel and international business are limited due to the virus right now, so startups and even bigger brands are looking to gain a stronghold over the local markets. Customers are most likely to stick with the local sellers, and businesses cannot afford to miss out on this opportunity. So building a local presence is not a choice for brands as nearby is likely to be the game-changer for some time.
Startups need to be selective about their marketing strategies because they have to manage things within their budget constraints. Fortunately, local SEO is a tactic they can rely on because it offers them the expected benefits and a lot more without burning a hole in the wallet. If done right, it brings results quickly and sustains them for the long haul. So it is something that you should embrace as a part of your marketing plan right from the start.