by catherinerussell
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20 Super Simple DIY Small Business Local SEO Steps

• Register Your Site with Search Engines

• Register with Google Search Console. https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/4559176?hl=en

• Register with Bing Webmaster Tools (Bing also powers Yahoo). https://www.bing.com/toolbox/webmaster

• Claim or Create a Google My Business Listing. http://www.simplybusiness.co.uk/microsites/google-my-business-guide/

• Verify or create your page.

• Use your correct name, address, phone number and web address.

• Choose the most relevant “primary category” that describes your business.

• Create a meaningful, relevant cover photo.

• Add relevant photos.

• Create a description of your business that covers the important points.

• Add your address and important information to your description.

• Add a special offer or call-to-action in your description if it makes sense to do so.

• Get at least 5 reviews on your Google My Business page.

• Reply to any and all reviews — even bad ones.

• Link from your business’ website to your Google My Business page.

• Submit the verification postcard Google will send to your business’ address.

• Implement a Local Keyword Strategy

• Conduct keyword research to determine which words your local audiences uses and which you are likely to rank on.

• Organize target keywords by website page.

• Target long-tail keywords that reflect terms your audience is likely to use in search.

• Test your keywords with PPC tools like

• Optimize your website page titles with easy, friendly .

• Optimize your meta descriptions using local keywords and useful information.

• Request links from key business partners.

• Social Media SEO

• Pick 1-3 social media sites used by your ideal clients.

• Create a bio using keywords that say who you are, what you do and what you\'re posting about.

• Add a profile photo and cover image that represents your brand and delivers your message

• Be consistent: post on social media regularly: don\'t let your site sit stagnant.

• Engage with your audience: don\'t just broadcast information, be relevant and helpful.

• Build Local Content

• Add local customer testimonials to your website

• Create branded hashtags and invite customer to use these hashtags on their social media posts.

• Use local keywords in ALT text on website pages and blog posts.

• Create a content strategy for blog posts and social media updates and be consistent.

• Design useful, informative and relevant content that your audience will want to know: blog posts, social media updates, videos, images, news letters and press releases.

• Earn Online Reviews

• Invite your customers to provide feedback about your business to your top local online review sites.

• Reply to all reviews: good and bad.

• Use local keywords in ALT tags on website and blog posts images.

• Set up tools to monitor your online reputation. http://checkli.com/s/5950f93c38e73

• Technical aspects of SEO often require the assistance of an expert. But there are many steps a small business owner can do to optimize their website for local search and help customers find them.

This checklist was created by catherinerussell

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