Local SEO for E-commerce Businesses: The Why and How

If you run a dainty little pastry shop and are wondering why your website is still struggling to bring in customers, chances are you haven’t focused on local SEO. Even a polished website with pictures of your sumptuous pastries cannot help your sales unless you’re getting attention, especially from those who are nearby.

Local SEO is a boon for e-commerce businesses that are trying to build their footprint within specific regions. If you’re still questioning consulting a local e-commerce SEO firm, here’s why local SEO matters and how professionals can get you started.

The Benefits of Local SEO for Your Business

For any business that sells to specific areas or is just starting, local SEO is a must. Yes, it’s a long-term strategy that requires time and consistent efforts, but the sooner you start, the better. Here’s why:

1. Better Traffic Online

Optimising your website for Google visibility automatically engages the local audience. Local SEO essentially puts a “we’re open” sign on your business. Whenever someone searches for a product or service you already offer, your website pops up on the search results, prompting them to check it out. 

2. More In-Store Visits

Local SEO doesn’t just boost your online numbers. It also brings more people into your shop, especially when you do it right. This is the result of putting up a robust Google Business Profile (GBP), where you list things like your store name, contact number, address, and website. 

Google uses GBP data to answer user queries, so when someone searches for “vegan sandwich shops in Queensland”, your GBP tells them that you exist. So, they can either explore your website or just hop into your shop since it's nearby!

3. Targeting the Right Audience

Targeting potential customers nationwide or even overseas isn’t helpful when your business is just finding its footing or operates locally. Local SEO helps narrow down your target to the exact customers you want, customers who are more qualified to make a purchase. If your business caters to specific areas, the people there are your ideal customers, and local SEO helps you reach them.

How to Start with Local SEO Implementation

Here are some of the basics that can help you start implementing local SEO for your business.

Set Up Your Google Business Profile

Your GBP is how your website appears in relevant search results. One of the first things to do is set it up, providing as much information as possible. With an SEO firm, you can even manage and optimise your GBP listings to consistently achieve higher search rankings and maximise visibility.

Conduct Local Keyword Research

Local keywords should be your primary focus. When searching for specific services and products, users likely enter geo-specific keywords, such as “gardening services near me” or “best restaurants in Sydney”. Using these local phrases in your SEO helps you hone to your local audiences, which means including them throughout page titles, meta descriptions, and page content. 

Craft Localised Content

Creating content that speaks to your local audiences is key. It adds to your relevance and builds your credibility as a local business, and you can start by including things like:

• Blogs discussing local services, popular places, locally-relevant products, etc.

• Your store’s opening hours and how to get there

• Detailed services that customers can get at your store

• Information about your store’s history and how it ties into its location

Build Local Backlinks

Backlinks are a tried and trusted way for building credibility and relevance within local circles. Earning citations from reputable websites, business directories, and local media outlets places you as someone people can trust, which will further push them to explore your offerings. 

Wrapping Up

All in all, local SEO is your business’s best friend. It puts you on the map and tells nearby customers that you offer what they’re actively looking for. Moreover, an experienced SEO firm can help you implement it successfully, as they can handle everything from setting up your Google Business Profile to acquiring authoritative backlinks.