When it comes to SEO, you want to rank for highly relevant keywords in your niche. However, competing with major brands that have huge SEO budgets can be challenging. Fortunately, you can leverage the power of Local SEO to your advantage, and this is where geo targeting becomes invaluable.
Targeting Location-Specific Keywords
To bypass the tough competition for broad keywords, focus on location-specific keywords.
What does this mean?
Instead of targeting a broad keyword like “buy shoes,” aim for a more specific, location-based keyword like “buy shoes in New York City.” Rather than “car repairs New York,” narrow it down to “car repairs Brooklyn.”
The main idea is to be as specific as possible. You can even narrow down your keywords to street-level locations while covering your entire service area.
Why Target Such Specific Keywords?
Using geo-targeting SEO offers several benefits that SEO specialists and business owners cannot ignore:
- Lower Competition: Smaller businesses may find it nearly impossible to rank for highly competitive terms like “protein supplements” or “bakery.” However, ranking for location-specific keywords is much easier due to the naturally smaller competition.
- Lower Cost: SEO campaigns for very competitive terms can become expensive quickly. Geo targeting allows you to run effective campaigns at a much lower cost.
- Faster Results: Ranking on the first page of Google for competitive keywords can take a year or more. Geo-targeting campaigns typically yield results much faster.
How To Use Geo Targeting In SEO
Geo targeting in SEO can be both simple and complex. Here are some strategies to help you get started:
Creating Suitable Landing Pages
Create location-specific landing pages for each area where you offer services. These pages are essential for both paid advertisements and organic searches. Point your local SEO links towards these targeted resources to maximize their effectiveness.
Using Targeted Top Level Domains (TLDs)
Consider using TLDs that are location-specific, such as .co.UK or .com.au. These domains carry more weight in country-specific Google search engines and can significantly improve your local SEO efforts.
Less Obvious SEO Strategies for Geo Targeting
Registering In Local-Based Business Directories: Business directories that focus on specific regions are more valuable for local SEO than global directories. Registering in these local directories can enhance your location-specific landing pages.
Bartering With Local Businesses: Links from businesses that serve the same area as yours are valuable in location-specific campaigns, especially if they already have good local search engine coverage. Set up mutually beneficial bartering arrangements to gain high-quality local backlinks.
Conclusion
In today’s digital landscape, geo targeting SEO is essential. When hiring an SEO agency, ensure they emphasize the importance of local SEO and geo targeting to help you rank effectively in your service areas. This approach can provide the competitive edge needed to thrive in a crowded market.
