Local SEO in a COVID-19 World: How to utilise your local SEO presence throughout the pandemic
A lot of local businesses have had to change tactics since the pandemic began last year that have made shops and services more agile and focused on specific goals. It has caused a lot of discomfort with businesses, but there are ways you can turn your focus to digital.
Google My Business
For local businesses, their listings in the google search will be crucial for users to find out when their opening hours are, their website and which regulations their services adhere to. For example, if you’re a cake shop, you might want to indicate if you’re available for takeaway orders, pick ups and bespoke orders, or if people can visit your store.
The most common way to do this is by setting up a Google My Business page. This can be connected to your Google account and customised as you please. Include images, an accurate location on the map, a link to your website and ask your customers for plenty of reviews.
Boosting your reputation
A trend has followed where a lot of people are willing to support local businesses more often now that the pandemic has caused a huge loss for aspiring business owners. It’s the perfect time for you to boost your brand’s awareness and its goals.
Reviews are paramount for reputation management. A lot of customers determine if they’ll use your services by the amount of good reviews you receive. Testimonials are another way of giving customers a view of how you handle customers, products and the services. Better reviews and more credibility gives people the trust and faith in your business.
Use social media
Shout about what your services are and post regularly. If you’re a bar or delivery service for instance then giving updates to your services will give customers something to be excited about once regulations begin to ease.
Linking to your local business pages, you can use your social media to speak with potential customers, ask for more reviews to improve your reputation and tell your customers when you’ll be open. They’ll be keen to welcome you with open arms once restrictions are eased, as plenty of people are excited to support their local businesses once again.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a struggle for a lot of businesses, but with these quick wins and methods to retain your audience as we navigate these restrictions, things will soon be business as usual.
