Google is shifting to a more semantic-heavy strategy in 2016, thus small businesses in Toronto need to focus on local SEO in order to drive both targeted web traffic and foot traffic. Here are a few tips and tricks small business owners in Toronto should spend time perfecting in order to drive targeted quality visitors to their websites.
1. Pay Attention to Google’s Newest Algorithm, “Pigeon”.
Google’s newest algorithm “Pigeon” drastically changed the way some local results are displayed by modifying how they handle and interpret location cues. The “Pigeon” update creates closer ties between core and local algorithms for increased efficiency and consistency.
2. Do an SEO Audit
Implementing everything you read is like taking a very basic approach to an extremely specific and individualized issue. No two businesses are the same, so you have to take an individualized approach on the SEO tips, tricks, and strategies by performing a thorough SEO audit. You can either do self-audit using helpful internet resources and guides or you can seek help from an independent agency. If you opt for a self-audit, you will save money and learn some new things about your website and SEO in general, which would enable you to face issues head-on. But with an independent audit, you gain access to fresh new ideas of experienced experts who can spot the issues quickly and work with you to fix them. The following 2015 local SEO tips will help your small business drive more traffic and sales.
SEO Toronto Tips for 2015
Mobile-friendly
Back in April of 2015 Google implemented the mobile-friendliness ranking signal for mobile search results worldwide. Toppled with the fact that smartphones and tablets make up 35 percent of organic search traffic, it means optimizing your website to be mobile friendly should be a top priority for your website and pages. Investing in a responsive design is the best long term solution to make your website mobile friendly.
Create Detailed And Strategic Location Web Pages
Create very detailed and strategic location pages with relevant content and descriptive keywords. Include both your target city and state in the title tags, H1 headings, and URLs for optimal results.
Fix Google My Business Issues
Google My Business is finally taking off, so you’ll want to ensure your page is optimized and accurate for it. Key things to consider include ensuring your location is correctly placed on the map and check plagiarism and the accuracy of your contact information, payment types, hours of operation etc. And ensure your official business website is on your local Google+ page. By encouraging reviews from clients and customers, you will give your website a social media boost it really needs.
Get Listed On Business Directories
Verifying the authenticity of your Google My Business page is not enough; include your business information on other reputable online directories as well. There are hundreds available of different types, including industry specific ones applicable to your business. Some top listing directories include White Pages, Foursquare, CitySearch and Yelp…
Don’t Forget Meta Descriptions
Some people may question the relevancy of Meta descriptions in search ranking results, but Meta descriptions are very important as there’s an obvious relationship between the quality of Meta descriptions and click through rates (CTR).
Target Local Blogs and Websites
Targeting local blogs and websites is one of the best ways to increase organic relevancy. Search for such blogs using terms like “[target city] blogs” or “[target industry] blogs”. By building relationships with these site owners or bloggers, you increase your chances of getting mentioned or gaining access to guest blogging opportunities.
Making Use of Social Media
You can’t ignore the social media in 2016 if you want to optimize your website for local results. Use some geo-location tools to help you track, capitalize, and listen to local traffic and conversations.
Target Geo-specific Long Tail Keywords
Creating strategic location pages is not enough; you need to also target geo-specific long tail keywords through content optimization and blogging. In most cases the intent behind long tail traffic is to buy or enquire about a service.
Google has brought in new changes which you must comply to if you want to have SEO success in 2016, and beyond. For some businesses, the changes may seem big but in fact all a business will need to do is to slightly change their focus and realign their goals. The bottom line is, it is all about a better user experience for searchers and more precise and reliable results.
Source: SEO Royals
