Link building is a vital part of SEO because it helps search engines discover new pages. Google’s algorithms are always changing, and links remain a decisive factor in determining what websites rank for what keywords. Your website can accrue authority on account of its age. However, you should actively pursue earning links and mentions from quality, relevant sources. Include geolocation terms so that customers can find you more easily. This brings you closer to what matters. Mastering local SEO translates into building a foundation for a competitive advantage.
Backlinks built within a specific geographic location drastically increase your odds of improving keyword rankings for that area. If your target audience is in the United Kingdom, try to get more backlinks from UK-based websites. This helps rank better for localised searches. Use geo-targeting to deliver the right message at the right time. Country-specific links are important to make sure that Google understands your geographic targeting efforts. You can strengthen your branding. This strategy will turn out useful whether you’re a brick-and-mortar store or an e-commerce website.
Google’s Search Results Are Highly Personalised and Based on Users’ Geographical Location
In case you haven’t noticed, Google personalised search results based on your location, search settings, the passage of time, and previous searches. If you’re in London and searching for “takeaway near me”, you’ll get different results than if you were in Manchester and typed the same query. Even if you’re not logged into your Google account, you’ll get different results based on where you are in the world. The search engine aims to deliver the most accurate and relevant results for each user, meaning that variations are intentional.
If you want to rank for geographically-specific keywords, you must create well-written, high-quality, useful, authoritative, actionable, unique, and engaging content. The kind of content and language you use in your articles will have an impact on your website’s search visibility. If your language follows American English standards, targeting UK traffic will be difficult. Consequently, you must improve your language for your link building United Kingdom strategy. Search engine technology isn’t dependent on language, but you should use the same language as your audience for improved messaging, experiences, and results.
A Couple of Things You Can Do to Boost Geo-Targeting as You Build Links
Make Sure Anchor Texts Use Geo-Specific Keywords
The anchor takes readers where they need to be. They know beforehand what to expect if they click on the link. For this reason, context matters. Include the business or service location in the anchor text or nearby. Having a geographic title isn’t enough to rank near the top. Strive to create content that focuses on a specific area to appeal to the target audience. Keep a hierarchy of information using H tags. It’s best to use geographical terms only once and resist the temptation of repeating them several times across the article.
Geo-targeting keywords lead people to a local set of results so that you’re given priority in this ever-growing market. Use specific regional terms and local identifiers. Google’s Keyword Planner can give you some ideas for local keywords. You’ll want to stick to phrases like [business type/product/service] in the UK. Also, you can take advantage of the long-tail search queries you discovered with Google Analytics. Even if you’re competing for better search engine visibility, it’s not a good idea to spam keyword-rich anchor texts. Having over-optimised anchor texts can be devastating for your search engine rankings.
Build Citations on Local Listings or Business Directories
Local citations help your business increase its online presence, improve SEO rankings, and boost the consumer discovery process. Citations can occur on local listings, business directories, and on social platforms, to name a few. Make sure to include proper information, that is name, address, and phone number. Local citations aren’t direct backlinks. However, search engines consider them a relevant factor in terms of reputation assessment. If the same information for your brand is easily accessible on the Internet, Google can trust your business exists and that you’re frank about the service you provide. Using link building services is recommended since getting relevant local citations is a real pain.
Network And Connect with Local Bloggers, And Other Small Businesses in Your Area
The power of influencers like bloggers continues to impact buying decisions. Even older consumers value blogs when it comes to making purchasing decisions. They don’t rely on family, friends, or colleagues anymore. This is why you should do your best to break into this world of word-of-mouth conversations by partnering with local influencers. They’ll bring conversions to your website. Find someone who has a blog with quality content, experience in the industry, a large number of followers on social media, and, last but not least, connections with the press. Use Facebook and work your way up to LinkedIn and Twitter.
As far as local businesses are concerned, decide what the most relevant connections are and open up a promotion exchange. You’re not the only one looking for a chance to network, so don’t stress about it too much. Go to local events and conferences and build relationships right away. Cross-promotion will get your brand in front of the audience. It can be as simple as co-hosting a webinar. If you want to take things one step further, why don’t you write an eBook together? You can attract targeted leads that will eventually become paying customers.
To get the most out of your geo-targeting campaign, double-check your locations. Ensure that everything you produce stands up to company expectations (and its core values). Check all the links one last time. This way, you can catch mistakes in the nick of time. Think about creating two different campaigns and bidding on high-value locations. You can stay within your budget, but be selective with where your money is going. If you know where you’re more or less likely to get a high return from consumers, clicks coming from those places can be of excellent value. Avoid pricier clicks from less popular areas.
