No matter if your business has one location or many, having good location pages is very important. This helps your business appear in the top “map pack” listings on Google.
This detailed blueprint will walk you through creating the perfect location page for your business, step by step. By following this format, you can ensure that each page not only ranks high in local search results but also effectively converts visitors into customers. Let’s dive into the process.
Step 1: Fully Optimize Your Google My Business Profile
Before creating your location pages, start by ensuring your Google My Business (GMB) profile is complete and up to date. This includes:
- Adding All Locations: If you have multiple locations, list them all under the same account. This will help Google associate your business with its various branches.
- Choosing a Primary Category: Select the most relevant category for your business. For instance, if you’re an accounting firm, “Accounting Firm” should be your primary category.
- Including Additional Categories: Think about other terms your customers might search for. For example, an accounting firm might also list “Certified Public Accountant,” “Tax Preparation,” and “Tax Consultant” as additional categories. Be precise and use exact wording, e.g., “Accountant” rather than “Accounting.”
By completing these steps, you lay a strong foundation for your location pages to rank effectively.
Step 2: Treat Each Location Page Like a Homepage
Many businesses make the mistake of treating location pages as an afterthought, focusing solely on SEO rather than user experience. Instead, design these pages with the same care and attention you would give to your homepage. They will often serve as the entry point for potential customers searching for your services in their area.
If you have a single location, it’s fine to use your homepage as your location page. For businesses with multiple locations, consider designing a variation of your primary page for less prominent locations. This ensures consistency while tailoring content to specific areas.
Step 3: Create a Compelling Hero Section
The hero section is the first thing visitors see when they land on your location page. It should immediately convey who you are, what you do, and where you’re located. Here’s how to optimize it:
- Headline: Include your primary category and city name. For example, “Denver Accounting Firm Specializing in Small Businesses Like Yours.”
- Design for SEO and Engagement: Use the primary category and city name in the H1 tag. For instance, even if the visible headline is more engaging (“Helping Denver’s Small Businesses Thrive”), the underlying H1 tag can still read “Denver Accounting Firm.”
- Optimize Your Background Image: Name the image file using your keyword phrase and city name, such as “denver-accounting-firm.jpg.” Add descriptive alt text like “Denver accounting firm” for accessibility and SEO.
Step 4: Craft an Engaging Introductory Section
The second section of your location page should provide a brief introduction to your services, reinforced with keywords. Follow these tips:
- Use an H2 Tag: Include your primary category and city name in a natural way. For example, “The Accounting Firm Denver Businesses Trust.”
- Incorporate Keywords Naturally: Throughout the text, sprinkle keywords like “accounting,” “firm,” and “Denver” without making the content feel spammy.
- Focus on the First 150 Words: Google prioritizes content that appears higher up on the page. Make sure your keywords are strategically placed within this section.
Step 5: Add a Services Section
Include a detailed section outlining the services you offer. For example:
- Tax Preparation
- Payroll Services
- Small Business Consulting
Use bullet points or short paragraphs to make this section easy to skim. Incorporate your primary category and city name where relevant, such as “Comprehensive Tax Preparation Services for Denver Businesses.”
Step 6: Highlight Customer Testimonials
Social proof is essential for building trust. Dedicate a section to showcasing positive customer reviews. Use the customer’s name and location, when possible, e.g., “John D., Denver.” If you have video testimonials, embed them directly on the page.
Step 7: Provide a Location Map and Contact Information
Google values accurate location information. Include:
- A Map Embed: Use Google Maps to embed a map of your location.
- NAP Information: Clearly display your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP). Ensure this matches what’s listed on your GMB profile.
- Driving Directions: Include written directions from major landmarks or highways.
Step 8: Add a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Anticipate common questions potential customers might have and answer them in an FAQ section. For example:
- What services does your accounting firm offer?
- How do I schedule a consultation?
- What are your office hours?
Use keywords naturally within your answers to boost SEO.
Step 9: Include a Call-to-Action (CTA)
End your location page with a strong CTA that encourages visitors to take the next step. Examples include:
- “Schedule a Free Consultation Today.”
- “Call Our Denver Office at (555) 123-4567.”
- “Get Your Taxes Done Right – Contact Us Now.”
Make the CTA button prominent and easy to find.
Step 10: Optimize for Mobile
Many local searches happen on mobile devices. Ensure your location pages are mobile-friendly by:
- Using a responsive design.
- Keeping text easy to read.
- Ensuring buttons and links are easy to click.
Step 11: Monitor and Adjust
Finally, track the performance of your location pages using tools like Google Analytics. Monitor metrics such as:
- Pageviews
- Average session duration
- Bounce rate
- Conversions
Use this data to refine your content and improve your rankings over time.
Final Thoughts
Businesses must adapt to the ever-evolving needs of their customers. This requires not only a keen understanding of market trends but also the ability to leverage technology effectively. By embracing innovative tools and strategies, companies can enhance their customer engagement, streamline operations, and ultimately drive growth. Furthermore, investing in employee training and development ensures that teams are equipped with the skills necessary to navigate these changes, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and resilience.
By following this detailed blueprint, you can create location pages that not only rank high in search results but also drive meaningful business results. Treat each page as a crucial part of your digital presence, and you’ll be well on your way to dominating local search. Get started today and watch your visibility soar!