{"id":18,"date":"2017-08-18T12:56:11","date_gmt":"2017-08-18T12:56:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.radrasolutions.com\/blog\/?p=18"},"modified":"2017-08-21T09:49:26","modified_gmt":"2017-08-21T09:49:26","slug":"8-local-seo-hacks-youll-actually-want-to-use","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.radrasolutions.com\/blog\/8-local-seo-hacks-youll-actually-want-to-use\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Local SEO Hacks You\u2019ll Actually Want to Use"},"content":{"rendered":"

Want to get your business listed in Google\u2019s local 3-pack?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Unfortunately, there\u2019s no hack for an instant 3-pack listing (wouldn\u2019t that be nice!). That means local businesses must rely on good local SEO for greater online visibility.<\/p>\n

Local SERPs are extremely competitive. In addition, Google has made some changes that make it harder than ever to stay visible (e.g., the mobile 3-packs now featuring paid ads that push down organic results).<\/p>\n

The good news?<\/p>\n

Making a few easy improvements to your local SEO will have a tangible impact on your organic search rankings.<\/p>\n

Here are eight easy hacks that you can start using today to boost your short- and long-term local SEO efforts.<\/p>\n

1. Simulate Local Search During Keyword Research<\/h2>\n

Every good SEO campaign starts with keyword research, which \u2013 for most people \u2013 means turning to Google\u2019s free tool, Keyword Planner. If you need generic keyword ideas, this tool is a gem.<\/p>\n

However, ever since Google killed its location search filter back in December 2015, simulating local search results from a different city has become a lot more complicated. You can\u2019t just add a location to your keyword because that creates an entirely different SERP (e.g. searching for \u201cpizza\u201d from NYC and \u201cpizza New York\u201d from San Diego will return radically different results).<\/p>\n

To compensate, most SEOs now do one of three things:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Add the \u201cnear\u201d parameter to their URL: After typing in a query they modify the URL by adding \u201c&near=cityname.\u201d This draws results as if you\u2019d searched from near that location.<\/li>\n
  2. Use the \u201cuule\u201d parameter: You can append each search with a base64 encoded form of the \u201cCanonical Name\u201d of a location called the \u201cuule\u201d parameter.<\/li>\n
  3. Use software to target specific GPS coordinates: Letting an algorithm geotarget your keywords via GPS coordinates is by far the easiest and most accurate solution. Check out this list of software solutions for local rank checking.
    \nOnce you\u2019ve landed on your keywords, it\u2019s time to put your research to work. Create content that targets keywords with low competition, and don\u2019t forget to add them to your anchor text and HTML tags.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    2. Capitalize on Easy Link Building Opportunities<\/h2>\n

    According to a recent survey, link signals (i.e., inbound anchor text, linking domain authority, number of links, etc.) account for 29 percent of ranking factors, making them the most important ranking factor to consider. That means link building should be one of your top local SEO priorities.<\/p>\n

    Unfortunately, building organic links takes time. You need a repertoire of valuable content that influencers want to click on before you can truly take advantage of link building opportunities. Look for opportunities to collaborate with influencers and find other ways to build your brand reputation online.<\/p>\n

    SEO experts recently shared their experience and local-focused tactics with my team\u2019s new link building survey. Here\u2019s where they successfully and efficiently built links within the past 12 months:<\/p>\n