The Ultimate Guide to Local SEO for Squarespace
As a Squarespace SEO expert based in the UK, I appreciate how investing your time and energy into optimising your website to appear on the first page of Google's search results for keywords your target audience is typing into their search bar is a daunting prospect for any small business when facing formidable competition from larger corporations.
Luckily, Squarespace local SEO is the perfect opportunity to even the odds. Below, I've shared my top tips for Local SEO for Squarespace, where I'll explore a range of techniques I've recommended and implemented for my clients over the years.
What is Local SEO for Squarespace?
Have you ever wondered how the best local restaurants in your area popped up on your smartphone while deciding where to meet your date that evening? Or how the nearest coffee shop appeared when you desperately needed a caffeine fix? Well, that's local SEO at play!
In short, it's a way to optimise your website to appear more prominently in local search engine results like Google Maps, Google Local Finder, Bing Local, Apple Maps, and business review platforms related to your geographical location.
Local SEO for Squarespace is essential for small businesses because it allows you to compete against larger companies in your area for valuable keywords. It levels the playing field, so to speak.
What Are the Benefits of Local SEO for a Business?
Any business that has a physical location or serves a geographical area can benefit from optimising its website for local SEO. Here are some of the top benefits:
Increased Traffic
One of the most apparent benefits is increased visibility in local search results.
Think about how often you use Google Maps? With 46% of Google searches performed by people looking for products, services and information in their local area, making sure your business is visible in local search results is paramount.
Better Conversion Rates
Local SEO is one of the most effective tactics to increase your site's conversion rates. Why? Because users conducting local searches have high purchase intent, almost a third of all searches with local intent result in a purchase.
Improved Click-Through Rates
Another benefit of Local SEO is improved click-through rates. When your listing appears in the local search results, it includes your business name, address, and phone number; you allow potential customers to quickly and efficiently find your business information, resulting in a direct call to action.
Increased Revenue
Ultimately, any SEO campaign aims to increase a business's revenue. Acquiring prominent visibility on local search results and the Google My Business Local Pack can lead to more website visitors, enquiries, phone calls, and sales.
Local SEO Tips for Squarespace
Local SEO for Squarespace can be more complex and ongoing in some competitive sectors. For many small businesses, though, there are straightforward steps you can implement to drive your site up local search engine results. Below, I've shared my top tips on optimising your Squarespace website for local SEO.
Brainstorming Local Keywords.
So you're trying to attract customers locally? It makes sense for your website to rank for local keywords.
"Relevant local keywords" can be defined as those that a) relate to your business and b) are commonly used by people who live in your service area.
An easy way to brainstorm relevant local keywords to incorporate into your site is to think about the services you offer and the areas you serve and then put them together.
For example, if you're a jewellery shop in London, here are some relevant local keywords you might choose:
"Engagement rings London"
"Eternity rings Hatton Garden"
"Jewellery repair London"
"London Jewellers"
You can also use a free feature within Google Ads - Google Keyword Planner to help you. Along with tools like the Semrush keyword magic tool that provide further insight into those local keywords. Such as search volume, difficulty, and traffic opportunity. The higher the keyword difficulty, the harder it will be for you to rank above your competitors. The trick is to aim for keywords with high traffic potential and low competition.
Where to Add Local Keywords to Your Squarespace Website?
There are several places on your Squarespace website where you can incorporate local keywords to enhance your SEO efforts.
Page Titles and Descriptions: These are vital places to add your keywords as search engines scan this information to understand your site's content.
Headers: Embedding keywords in your H2 and H3 headers can boost your local SEO efforts.
Content: Naturally incorporate your keywords into the content of your website, ensuring that the text flows organically and doesn't seem forced or stuffed.
Image Alt Text: Incorporating keywords into the alt text of your images can also be beneficial, as search engines scan this information.
Remember, the key to effective local SEO is to use keywords judiciously and naturally to avoid being penalised by search engines for overuse.
Focus On Local Link Building
Links from other credible sites to yours confirm your domain's strength and authority. Google strives to give the most relevant results possible. To do this, it factors in 'authority'. The greater the number of high-quality links pointing to your website, the greater your credibility factor.
Like regular Squarespace SEO, local SEO requires link building to boost your link profile. However, it would help if you aimed to acquire links from domains relevant to your target locations.
For example, you're a jewellery shop in London looking to increase your local SEO. Your content strategy could be creating a series of blog posts on "brands we admire" by interviewing and highlighting the services of your favourite local wedding dressmakers, florists and cake designers.
You are creating relevant content for your users and a nifty way to increase your local backlinks by asking the brands you admire to share your blog through their social media platforms. It's also great for brand associations.
Optimise your Google Business Profile
If you want to rank higher on Google Maps and boost your visibility in local search results, optimising your Google Business Profile (GBP) is the way to go. It's like the VIP of local search and a key factor that Google considers when ranking businesses. So, take advantage of this powerful opportunity!
To ensure your GBP is optimised, you'll want to:
Claim your free Google Business Profile.
Add your business's contact details, website URL and operating hours.
Include a compelling business description and avoid keyword stuffing.
Choose your primary business categories.
Regularly create engaging and relevant Google Posts within your account, linking to the specific areas of your site.
Upload eye-catching products, video and image content.
Encourage your customers to share reviews online.
Show your appreciation by responding authentically to reviews.
Don't just do this for local SEO. By keeping your business listing up-to-date, you're also improving your customer's experience. Genuine reviews, updated contact information and operating hours can make a real difference!
Encourage Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are super important for local SEO for Squarespace. Because let's face it, who books a table at a restaurant without checking out the reviews?
Reviews on business directories like Google Business Profile are equivalent to the local thumbs-up approval that builds trust and credibility with your potential customers. Plus, search engines like Google love fresh user-generated content! Reviews often contain keywords related to your location, services and products, which helps you appear in local search results. For example, search for "the best restaurant" on Google Maps. Then, check out the search results with starred reviews. These snippets are being pulled from Google reviews.
Responding to reviews is an excellent opportunity to engage and interact with your customers, showing search engines that your website is alive and valuable to users. Additionally, it's another opportunity to casually slip in a few extra keywords and phrases related to your product or services.
How Do You Get Customers to Write Reviews?
If you're struggling to figure out how to encourage customers to write reviews, consider these proven tips:
Start by just asking
Target satisfied customers
Be personable
Explain why reviews are important
Offer an incentive
Make writing a review as simple as possible
Send review request emails
Follow up on your requests
Alternative Business Directories
Don't just limit yourself to having a Google Business Profile. Take advantage of other online directories to increase your website's backlink profile, which is the digital equivalent of the high school popularity vote - the more you have, the cooler you are in Google's eyes.
Remember to make the most of these listings by filling them out and linking them to your website. Here are a few well-known business directories in the United Kingdom to get you going:
Although setting up directories online is time-consuming, it's 100% worthwhile, as adding your business information to these listings will increase your local SEO signals to Google.
Need a Local SEO Squarespace Expert?
In conclusion, having a robust local SEO strategy is crucial for businesses that rely heavily on local customers. Remember, persistence and consistency are key!
As a Squarespace SEO expert, I have driven my client's websites up the local search engine rankings within various highly competitive sectors.
Although it may take some time, by sticking to the tasks above and optimising your website's content with local keywords, leveraging online reviews, and utilising business directories, I'm in no doubt you'll start to drive your website up the local search engine rankings.
Are you tired of being the internet's best-kept secret? Book a complimentary 20-minute SEO consultation, and let's discover the obstacles holding you back, eavesdrop on the competition, and map out your desired destination.
Alternatively, you can find out more Squarespace SEO tips here.
