SEO Is Still a Thing: How Local Service Providers Can Benefit

I've had a few conversations over the past two months with people who believe that SEO is no longer relevant, and that Google's updates have rendered SEO tactics useless.

This was shocking to me, so I looked into it. And I want to make the case here that this is simply not true. People still use search engines to research and find local services, and there are still fully workable strategies that will help you move up the ranks and bring more organic leads to your website and business...

Are you wondering if SEO still matters in 2024?

SEO is still crucial for any marketing strategy, even with Google's constant updates. For local service providers, using SEO effectively can generate leads and grow your business. 

Before we jump in, I want to make an important point that I personally feel very passionate about. At Digital Aspect, we prioritize designing websites that put people first. While SEO is crucial for getting found, the ultimate goal is to deliver meaningful and valuable content to those who discover you. We wholeheartedly embrace Google’s algorithm updates because they aim for the same thing: genuine, relevant, and valuable content that truly serves the needs of real people. We steer clear of keyword stuffing, salesy copy and cheap backlinking tactics, focusing instead on creating authentic experiences that resonate with and engage our audience. Your website should be a place where visitors find exactly what they are looking for, and leave with a sense of satisfaction and trust in your brand.

With that said, here’s how you can make the most of SEO in 2024:

Local Search Optimization

Local SEO helps you show up in local search results, which is vital for reaching customers in your area. Here’s how you can optimize for local search:

• Google My Business: Make sure your Google My Business listing is complete and accurate. Include your business name, address, phone number, and website. Keep your business hours updated and add quality photos.
• Local Keywords: Use local keywords in your website content. Think about what your potential customers might search for, like “plumber in [Your City]” or “best coffee shop in [Your Town].”
• Customer Reviews: Ask satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on your Google My Business page and other review platforms. Positive reviews boost your visibility and credibility.

Content Quality and Relevance

Google favors high-quality, relevant content. Creating valuable content that meets the needs and questions of your target audience can improve your search rankings. Here’s how:

• Informative Blog Posts: Write blog posts that answer common questions or solve problems your customers face. For example, a roofing company might write about “How to Prepare Your Roof for Winter.”
• Engaging Media: Use engaging media like videos, infographics, and high-quality images to make your content more appealing and shareable.
• Regular Updates: Keep your content fresh by regularly updating existing posts with new information and insights.

Mobile Optimization

With more people using mobile devices, it’s essential that your website is mobile-friendly. Google’s mobile-first indexing means that mobile-optimized sites perform better in search results. Focus on:

• Responsive Design: Use a responsive website design that adapts to different screen sizes for a seamless user experience.
• Fast Load Times: Optimize your website’s load times by compressing images, leveraging browser caching, and minimizing unnecessary code.
• Easy Navigation: Make sure your website is easy to navigate on a mobile device with clear menus and buttons.

Technical SEO

Technical SEO involves optimizing the backend of your website to improve its performance and visibility. Key areas to focus on:

• Site Speed: A fast-loading website is crucial for both user experience and SEO. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to identify and fix speed issues.
• Secure Connections (HTTPS): Ensure your website uses HTTPS to provide a secure connection for your visitors. Google favors secure sites in search rankings.
• Proper Indexing: Make sure your website is properly indexed by search engines. Use tools like Google Search Console to monitor and fix any indexing issues.

Backlinking

Backlinking is still an important part of an effective SEO strategy. Quality backlinks from reputable and relevant websites can significantly improve your site's authority and search rankings. Here’s how to approach backlinking:

• Quality Over Quantity: Focus on earning high-quality backlinks rather than acquiring a large quantity. Google values natural and relevant backlinks.
• Create Valuable Content: Produce content that others find valuable and worth linking to. This includes comprehensive guides, insightful articles, and engaging media.
• Build Relationships: Develop relationships with industry influencers and other websites in your niche. Guest blogging, collaborations, and networking can help you earn valuable backlinks.

User Experience

Google emphasizes user experience (hallelujah!) A website that is easy to use and provides valuable information can enhance your SEO efforts. Here’s how to improve user experience:

• Clear Layout: Use a clean, intuitive layout that makes it easy for visitors to find what they’re looking for.
• Valuable Content: Provide content that is useful and relevant to your audience to keep visitors on your site longer and reduce bounce rates.
• Interactive Elements: Incorporate interactive elements like contact forms, live chat, and social media integration to engage visitors.

Today's SEO, in Conclusion

SEO is definitely still a thing, and it’s important for local service providers. By focusing on local search optimization, creating high-quality content, optimizing for mobile, addressing technical SEO, earning quality backlinks, and enhancing user experience, you can attract more leads and grow your business. Keep your strategies up to date and stay informed on the latest SEO trends.

At Digital Aspect, we specialize in creating people-first websites that resonate with your audience and improve your search rankings. Get in touch with us to learn how we can help your business grow.

Contact Us Today!