Local SEO Blog

The Importance of User Experience (UX) in Local SEO

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 20:31:45 GMT

If you’re running a local business, you already know how crowded things are out there. Whether you’re serving coffee in Portland, fixing leaks in Boise, or running a boutique in Seattle, there’s always someone else nearby offering something similar. And where do most people decide who to choose? Online.

That little Google search bar has become the modern version of word-of-mouth. Someone types “coffee shop near me” or “plumber Portland,” and suddenly a whole list of options pops up.

That’s why local SEO has become such a buzzword. People will tell you: claim your Google Business Profile, keep your hours up to date, add your address to directories, sprinkle in some keywords. And yes, those things matter.

But here’s the part a lot of folks miss: SEO is only half the battle. The other half? What people actually do once they click on your site .

This is where User Experience (UX) comes in—and honestly, it’s the secret weapon most businesses overlook.

At Breakthrough Local, we’ve seen it over and over again. Two businesses, both optimized for search. But one site feels fast, simple, and inviting, while the other feels clunky and frustrating. Guess which one people stay on—and guess which one Google rewards?

Search engines don’t just read your content anymore. They watch behavior . If people click, stick around, and engage, that’s like a big thumbs-up. If they bail after two seconds? Not a good look.

Let’s talk about the four big UX pillars that can make or break your local SEO.

1. Speed Matters: Nobody Likes Waiting in Line

None of us are patient online.

Picture this: you’re hungry and searching “best tacos near me.” You click the first result, and the page just… hangs. By the time the pictures of tacos finally load, you’re already back on Google clicking the next option.

We’ve all done it. And the same thing is happening when someone clicks on your site if it’s slow.

A fast site feels professional. It tells visitors, “we’ve got our act together.” A slow one feels like the digital version of walking into a restaurant and waiting ten minutes for someone to acknowledge you.

And it’s not just people noticing—Google notices too. Page speed is built into the ranking system. Especially on mobile, Google wants to point searchers to sites that deliver a smooth experience. If your competitor’s site loads in two seconds and yours drags for ten, they’re going to win that spot.

Some of the biggest speed-killers we see:

Oversized photos. Great pictures are nice, but uploading a 10MB photo is like putting a boulder in your backpack.
Too many plugins. Every plugin adds baggage. The more you pile on, the slower things get.
Cheap hosting. That $5-a-month hosting plan? It usually means your site is sharing space with hundreds of others, all fighting for scraps of server power.

Action Step: Run your site through Google PageSpeed Insights. It’s free, and it’ll show you exactly what’s slowing things down.

2. Mobile-First: Because Most People Are on Their Phones

How often do you pull out your laptop when you’re trying to find a restaurant, call a plumber, or check store hours? Almost never, right? You grab your phone.

That’s why more than half of all web traffic now comes from mobile devices. For local businesses, it’s often even higher.

Google knows this, which is why they’ve gone “mobile-first.” Translation: they care more about your mobile site than your desktop one when ranking results.

So if your mobile site is a pain to use—tiny text, buttons you can’t tap, a layout that looks squished—Google’s not going to reward you. And more importantly, customers won’t stick around.

Think about the mindset of someone on their phone. They’re usually in a hurry. They want to know your hours, your location, or they want to call you. If they have to pinch, zoom, or hunt around, they’ll give up.

A mobile-friendly site means:

It adapts automatically to different screen sizes.
Buttons are big enough for thumbs, not mouse clicks.
Text is easy to read without squinting.
Navigation is simple. Key info should be available in two taps or less.

Action Step: Hand your phone to a friend and ask them to find your hours or call your number. If it takes longer than 10 seconds, you’ve got a problem.

3. Intuitive Navigation: Don’t Make People Work for It

Ever walked into a store where nothing makes sense? The signs are missing, the aisles are random, and you can’t find what you came for? You probably didn’t stay long.

That’s exactly how visitors feel on a website with poor navigation.

Your site should guide people like a friendly salesperson, not leave them wandering. When people can’t find what they need, they don’t send you an email saying, “Hey, I couldn’t find your phone number.” They just leave.

For local businesses, here’s what must be easy to find:

Your services or products. People shouldn’t have to dig for what you do.
Contact info. Make your phone number clickable. Seriously—it’s a game-changer.
Location and hours. This is one of the top reasons people check local sites.
About you. People want to know who they’re supporting, especially in a local community.

From an SEO perspective, clear navigation also helps Google understand your site. It’s like giving them a clean map instead of a messy maze.

4. Content Readability: Keep It Simple, Keep It Clear

Even if your site is fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate, your words still matter. But here’s the catch: people don’t read websites the way they read books. They skim.

If your content looks like a giant wall of text, most visitors will bounce before they even give it a chance.

Making your content readable doesn’t mean “dumbing it down.” It just means presenting it in a way that respects how people actually browse online.

Here’s how:

Short paragraphs. No one wants to wade through a block of 15 sentences.
Headings and subheadings. These are like signposts for your readers (and for Google).
Bullets and bolding. Pull out the most important bits so they pop.
Legible fonts. If people have to squint, they won’t bother.

The benefit? When content is easy to digest, people stay longer, click around more, and are more likely to take the next step. That’s good for your business—and it’s exactly the kind of engagement Google looks for when ranking sites.

The Breakthrough Local Approach

Here’s the bottom line: SEO and UX are not two separate things anymore. They go hand-in-hand.

You can’t just toss some keywords on a page and expect to win. And you can’t have a gorgeous website that ignores how people actually search. You need both.

At Breakthrough Local, that’s how we approach every project. We help local businesses create websites that are not only optimized for search engines, but also a joy to use. Because when your site works for people, it works for Google too.

Think of your website as your digital storefront. If it’s slow, confusing, or cluttered, people won’t even step inside. But if it’s clean, welcoming, and easy to navigate? That’s when visitors turn into customers.

Don’t Let UX Be the Thing That Holds You Back

So ask yourself:

Is my site fast?
Does it look and work great on a phone?
Can people find what they need right away?
Is my content easy to skim and understand?

If you hesitated—or if the answer is “not really”—then you’ve got a huge opportunity. Fixing UX could be the difference between getting passed over and becoming the local go-to.

Ready to Turn Your Website Into a Conversion Machine?

This is what we do at Breakthrough Local. We help local businesses build websites that not only rank high but also feel amazing to use.

SEO might get people to your door, but UX is what convinces them to come inside.

Don’t wait for your competitors to pull ahead. Contact us today for a free website analysis, and let’s build a site that ranks, delights, and drives real growth for your business.

Improve your website's UX with our website optimization services.

Maximizing Engagement with Google Business Profile Posts & Photos

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 22:37:25 GMT

Portland is full of amazing local businesses—quirky cafés, vintage shops, cozy bookstores, craft breweries—and each one has its own personality. But in today’s world, that personality has to shine online as well as in person. Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is usually the first thing someone sees when they look you up, whether they’re a neighbor searching on Google Maps or a visitor in town for the weekend. That little box with your name, hours, photos, and updates is often your very first impression.

And just like a great window display can make someone stop and peek inside your shop, a well-kept GBP can make someone click, call, or visit. At Breakthrough Local, as a trusted local SEO company in Portland , we’ve seen that when a profile is full of fresh posts, great photos, and even a virtual tour, customers feel like they already know the business before they walk in.

Why Your Google Business Profile Matters

Think of your profile like the front porch of your business. Would you want it to look empty and neglected, or inviting and lively? A profile that’s regularly updated feels welcoming and trustworthy. It tells people, “Yes, we’re open, we’re active, and we’d love to see you.”

Google notices, too. Businesses that post updates and add photos regularly tend to show up more in search results. That means your effort not only makes you look good but can actually help you get found more often.

Creating Posts People Actually Care About

GBP posts are like little conversations you get to have with potential customers. They can answer questions, share news, and even inspire someone to stop by.

1. Talk to Your People

Picture the person you want to reach. Are they a Portland foodie looking for a weekend brunch spot? A parent searching for after-school programs? A dog owner who wants the best groomer for their pup?

Write like you’re talking directly to them. Keep it friendly, keep it helpful. A café might post, “We just baked fresh marionberry scones, stop by before they’re gone!” A yoga studio might share, “Join our sunset class tonight on the patio.” These posts feel personal and real.

2. Choose the Right Kind of Post

Each post type has a job to do:

What’s New – Use this for quick updates, like new services or staff introductions.
Events – Promote your trivia night, live music, or community workshop with dates and times.
Offers – Perfect for discounts or specials. “Show this post for 10% off!”
Products – Show off your best-sellers with a beautiful photo and description.

Choosing the right type helps customers find what they’re looking for faster.

3. Make the Next Step Easy

Don’t leave people guessing what to do. Google’s buttons— Call Now , Learn More , Book —are there to guide them. If you want them to visit, say so. If you want them to order online, make the link clear.

4. Keep It Fresh

An old, outdated post can make it look like nothing’s happening at your business. Aim for weekly updates, even if they’re simple. A single photo and a few friendly words can keep your profile lively.

5. Use Images Whenever You Can

Words are good, but pictures stop the scroll. Snap a quick photo of a new product, a happy customer (with permission), or the view from your shop window on a sunny day. These little glimpses bring your business to life.

Telling Your Story with Photos and Videos

When someone scrolls through your photos, they should get a feel for what it’s like to actually be there. Your visuals should feel warm, real, and inviting.

1. Show Your Best Side

Good lighting and clear images make a world of difference. Take the time to straighten things up before snapping a picture, or use natural light near a window. Professional photos are great, but even a phone can capture beautiful images if you take care.

2. Put Faces Front and Center

People connect with people. Show your team smiling, helping customers, or doing what they love. It makes your business feel friendly and approachable.

3. Let People Peek Inside

Help them imagine what it’s like to walk in. Show your storefront, your cozy seating, your shelves stocked with goods, or your bright studio space. This is especially helpful for people who might feel nervous visiting somewhere new.

4. Add Short, Fun Videos

Video is a great way to tell your story quickly. Do a 30-second walk-through of your shop, a quick demo, or a behind-the-scenes look at how something is made. Keep it casual and authentic, people love seeing the real you.

5. Take It Up a Notch with Virtual Tours

3. Let People Peek Inside

4. Add Short, Fun Videos

A virtual tour lets people explore your space from their couch. It’s perfect for businesses where atmosphere matters—restaurants, salons, event venues, gyms.

5. Take It Up a Notch with Virtual Tours

A virtual tour lets people explore your space from their couch. It’s perfect for businesses where atmosphere matters—restaurants, salons, event venues, gyms.

Consistency Is Key

A profile full of fresh posts and updated photos shows customers that you care. It also shows Google that your business is active, which can help your visibility. The challenge is keeping it up while you’re busy running your business.

That’s where we come in. At Breakthrough Local, we take care of the posts, the photos, the strategy, and the updates so you can focus on doing what you do best. We make sure your profile keeps working for you every single day.

Let’s Make Your Profile Work Harder

If your Google Business Profile has been sitting untouched, or if it just doesn’t reflect how great your business really is—you’re missing out on opportunities. Every search could be a new customer.

Learn more about our Google Business Profile management services.

Let’s turn your profile into one of the most powerful tools for growing your business.

Optimizing Your Content for AI Overviews: Tips and Strategies

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 23:53:48 GMT

The world of digital marketing is always shifting, and if you’re running a business—whether it’s here in Portland, Oregon, or anywhere else—you already know how quickly those changes can impact your visibility online. Not too long ago, the main goal was ranking on the first page of Google. Then, featured snippets and “People Also Ask” boxes came along. Now, we’ve entered a new phase: AI Overviews.

AI Overviews are Google’s way of using artificial intelligence to give searchers quick, digestible answers right at the top of the results page. Instead of clicking through to multiple websites, users often get what they need in just a few lines of AI-generated text. For business owners and content creators, this shift is both exciting and a little intimidating. On one hand, you have the chance to get your content cited by AI and seen by more people than ever. On the other, if you’re not preparing your content the right way, you could miss out entirely.

At Breakthrough Local, we spend every day helping small and mid-sized businesses navigate the changes in local SEO . We’ve seen firsthand how AI Overviews are already changing the way people search for everything from “best Portland coffee shops” to “how to fix a leaky faucet in Beaverton.” That’s why we’ve put together this in-depth guide to help you not only understand AI Overviews, but also optimize your content so you’re ready for the future of search.

Let’s dive in.

Why AI Overviews Matter for Your Business

Before we get tactical, let’s talk about why this matters in the first place.

Think about how people search today. Someone might type—or ask their phone—“What’s the best lawn care company in Portland that installs automowers?” In the past, that would bring up a list of websites, ads, and maybe a featured snippet. Now, Google’s AI can scan multiple sources, combine the information, and present a polished answer right there on the search page.

Here’s what that means for you:

Direct Answers to Local Queries

AI Overviews thrive on answering conversational questions. If your content provides those answers in a clear, accessible way, you stand a better chance of being included in those summaries.

Quick Summaries Instead of Clicks

Instead of reading three or four sites, users may only read the AI Overview. That makes your job not just about getting clicks, but about being cited as a trusted source in that overview.

Local Authority Matters

Google wants to surface reliable, trustworthy information. If your website, Google Business Profile, and online reviews tell a consistent, professional story, AI will be far more likely to pull your content.

New Visibility Opportunities

Getting featured in an AI Overview can put your business name directly in front of potential customers, even if they don’t click through right away. It’s a powerful way to build credibility.

Bottom line? The rise of AI Overviews is not the end of SEO —it’s the evolution of it.

6 Strategies to Optimize Your Content for AI Overviews

So how do you make sure your content is “AI-friendly”? Here are the strategies we recommend (and actively use with our own clients at Breakthrough Local).

1. Use Structured Data Markup (Schema)

Think of structured data markup as a way of giving Google “cliff notes” about your website. It’s code you add behind the scenes that tells search engines exactly what your content means, not just what it says.

For local businesses, a few schema types matter most:

LocalBusiness Schema – Defines your business name, address, phone number, hours, and services. This ensures AI understands your key details without guessing.
FAQPage Schema – If you have an FAQ section, marking it up helps Google recognize your questions and answers directly.

Tip: Always test your schema with Google’s Rich Results Test to make sure everything’s set up correctly.

By using structured data, you’re basically making your content easier for AI to digest and reuse in its summaries.

2. Provide Clear and Concise Answers

AI is trained to look for direct, scannable information. That means your content should give answers quickly and in plain English.

Here’s how to do it:

Answer upfront. Don’t bury the main point halfway down the page. If someone searches “How much does gutter cleaning cost in Portland?”—give the number or range in the first sentence.
Use headings and subheadings. Break up your content with clear H2s and H3s so both readers and AI can scan easily.
Format with lists. Bullet points and numbered steps are AI’s best friend. They’re also much easier for human readers.
Avoid jargon. Keep the language accessible. A tenth grader should be able to read and understand it.

Example:

Instead of writing, “We specialize in the mitigation of irrigation system inefficiencies via diagnostic methodologies,” say:

“We can inspect your sprinkler system and fix problems like leaks, broken heads, or uneven water coverage.”

The second one is not only clearer for your audience—it’s also much more likely to be picked up by AI.

3. Establish Yourself as an Authoritative Local Source

AI wants to showcase trustworthy experts. The more authority you build in your niche, the higher your chances of being featured.

Ways to do that:

Create in-depth, useful content. Instead of a sh ort 300-word service page, publish guides like “How to Winterize Your Home in Portland” or “Top 5 Hiking Trails Ne ar Tigard for Families.”
Show your credentials. Add author bios, certifications, and years of experience. Let readers know why they should trust you.
Cite your sources. If you reference data, studies, or government resources, link to them. AI recognizes when you back up your claims.
Earn backlinks. Partner with local media, guest post, or collaborate with other Portland businesses to get your content linked.

Authority doesn’t happen overnight, but every piece of content you publish can move the needle.

4. Incorporate Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If AI Overviews love one thing, it’s questions and answers.

Start by doing some research:

Use Google’s “People Also Ask” box to see what common questions pop up.
Think about what your customers ask on phone calls or emails.
Use tools to see trending queries.

Then:

Create a dedicated FAQ page on your site.
Sprinkle Q&As into service pages or blogs. Example: A lawn care page could include: “Do automowers work on hills?” followed by a short, clear answer.
Use FAQ schema so Google knows exactly where your answers live.

This not only helps with AI Overviews but also improves your site’s user experience.

5. Optimize the Content You Already Have

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Many businesses already have blogs, service pages, or resource hubs. With a little tweaking, that existing content can become AI-ready.

Steps to take:

Review your best-performing pages. Which ones are already getting traffic?
Check if they answer questions directly. If not, add a short summary answer near the top.
Add structured data. Update the schema to make context clearer.
Insert FAQ sections. A few well-placed Q&As can transform the usefulness of a page.

Sometimes it’s not about creating more content but about making what you already have more accessible.

6. Monitor Your Performance

Finally, optimization is not a one-and-done job. AI Overviews are still new, and the way they pull data is evolving. That means you’ll want to track your visibility over time.

Keep your Google Business Profile updated. Add photos, posts, and accurate business info.
Track your keyword rankings. Even if clicks drop, visibility in AI Overviews can still drive brand recognition.
Monitor and encourage reviews . Positive sentiment often gets reflected in AI summaries.

The businesses that adapt quickly will be the ones that thrive.

The Future of AI and Content

It’s natural to feel a little nervous about how AI might change search. But here’s the encouraging part: at its core, AI is looking for the same things people are—clear, trustworthy, and helpful content.

The businesses that focus on quality, clarity, and authority will continue to stand out. Whether AI presents your answer in a summary or a customer clicks directly to your site, your expertise and professionalism will shine through.

At Breakthrough Local, we believe this shift is an opportunity. It’s a chance to reach customers faster, build trust sooner, and establish yourself as the go-to source in Portland and beyond.

The Future of AI and Content

At Breakthrough Local, we believe this shift is an opportunity. It’s a chance to reach customers faster, build trust sooner, and establish yourself as the go-to source in Portland and beyond.

Ready to Optimize Your Content for AI Overviews?

Adapting your content strategy for AI Overviews might feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. At Breakthrough Local, we specialize in helping businesses like yours stay ahead of the curve.

Request a content strategy review for AI Overviews today . Our team will analyze your current content, identify gaps, and create a tailored plan to maximize your visibility in this new era of search.

Your customers are searching—and AI is answering. Let’s make sure it’s your business they see in the results.

The Rise of Voice Search: Optimizing for Conversational Queries

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 17:49:13 GMT

Here at Breakthrough Local in Portland, OR, helping local businesses get noticed has always been at the heart of what we do. For years, search engine optimization (SEO) has been the tool that connects our clients with the people looking for them. But lately, we’ve been watching something big take shape — a shift in the way people search. And it’s happening fast.

It’s called voice search , and it’s no longer a “someday” technology. It’s already woven into daily life. People ask Siri for directions on their morning commute. They tell Alexa to reorder paper towels. They ask Google where to find the best tacos in town. These aren’t just tech-savvy early adopters — it’s everyone, from busy parents to retirees, using their voices to get instant answers.

For local businesses, this is a big deal. Voice search changes how people find you, how they choose you, and how often you show up in search results. If you’re not ready for it, you could be missing out on customers who are literally asking for what you offer.

In this guide, we’ll break down why voice search matters, how it’s changing local SEO, and the steps you can take to make sure your business is the one people hear about when they ask their devices for help.

The Growing Dominance of Voice Search: What the Numbers Say

Voice search isn’t just picking up steam — it’s becoming part of everyday life. Here’s why it matters:

Voice assistants are part of the household now. Millions of people use Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Cortana every day. It’s as natural as opening a browser used to be.

Mobile makes it easy. Most voice searches happen on smartphones, which means people are using them while they’re out and about — in the car, walking down the street, or juggling groceries in one hand.

It’s incredibly local. A large chunk of voice searches are location-based:

“Where’s the nearest hardware store?”

“What’s the best pizza place near me that’s open right now?”

These are real buying moments, and the businesses that show up win them.

It sounds more human. People type differently than they speak. A typed search might be “pizza Portland.” A spoken one might be “Hey Google, where’s the best pizza in Portland that delivers?” This changes the way you need to think about keywords.

It’s only going to grow. Experts expect voice-powered shopping to skyrocket, which means if you position yourself now, you’ll be ready for the customers who are about to adopt it next.

Bottom line? Voice search is no longer optional for local businesses. It’s here, it’s mainstream, and it’s creating new opportunities every day.

How Voice Search Is Shaping Local SEO

The way people talk to their devices means your local SEO approach has to shift. Here’s how:

1. People are using longer, more specific searches. You’ll want to focus on long-tail keywords — the natural, detailed phrases people say out loud. These tend to be less competitive but much higher intent.

2. Search engines now understand full questions. Google’s getting better at interpreting natural speech. Your content should read like you’re answering a customer in person, not just ticking off keywords.

3. Featured snippets matter more than ever. When someone asks their device a question, the answer often comes from a featured snippet. If you can win that spot, you become the voice assistant’s “go-to” answer.

4. Local details are crucial. People’s voice searches are often hyper-local — and your Google Business Profile is the first place search engines look to confirm you’re a match.

5. Mobile-friendly sites are non-negotiable. If your site is slow, clunky, or hard to navigate on a phone, you’re going to lose voice search opportunities.

6. You need to understand intent, not just keywords. Are they looking for directions, store hours, or to make a purchase right away? Your content should address that intent directly.

4. Local details are crucial. People’s voice searches are often hyper-local — and your Google Business Profile is the first place search engines look to confirm you’re a match.

5. Mobile-friendly sites are non-negotiable. If your website is slow, clunky, or hard to navigate on a phone, you’re going to lose voice search opportunities.

6. You need to understand intent, not just keywords. Are they looking for directions, store hours, or to make a purchase right away? Your content should address that intent directly.

Steps to Optimize Your Business for Voice Search

If you want to be the answer customers hear, here’s how to start.

1. Use Natural, Conversational Keywords

Think about how your customers actually talk. Imagine you’re standing in your store and someone asks you a question — what words would they use?

Look for question-based keywords. Keyword tools can help, but real-life customer questions are often more valuable.

Write down phrases you hear often. Whether they come from emails, calls, or in-person conversations, they’re perfect for voice optimization

2. Answer Questions Clearly and Directly

Build a strong FAQ page. Phrase questions the way people actually ask them, and give straightforward answers.

Write posts that focus on one question at a time. For example: “How long does it take to install hardwood floors?” instead of “The Complete Flooring Guide.”

Keep your language simple. Avoid industry jargon unless your audience uses it regularly.

3. Aim for Featured Snippets

Spot the questions you’re already answering. Then reformat them so they’re easy for search engines to pull into snippets.

Use bullet points, lists, and short paragraphs. They make it easier for search engines (and people) to find the main point.

Get to the answer fast. Lead with the solution, then expand on it.

4. Make Local SEO a Priority

Keep your Google Business Profile current. Include accurate hours, services, and contact info. Update it regularly.

Get reviews — and respond to them. Reviews boost trust and visibility in voice results.

Be consistent everywhere your business is listed. Your name, address, and phone number should match exactly.

Add local schema markup. It gives search engines clear details about your business.

5. Make Your Website Mobile-Friendly

Use responsive design . Your site should look and work great on any screen size.

Boost your site speed. Optimize images, clean up code, and consider a CDN.

Make navigation simple. People using voice search want quick answers without digging.

6. Explore Voice-Friendly Formats

Start a podcast. Answer common customer questions or share expert tips in audio form.

Create videos with transcripts. Not only do they help with accessibility, but the transcripts can also be optimized for voice search.

Look into Alexa Skills or Google Actions. If voice search is a big part of your strategy, these tools can help you connect directly with users.

The Future of Search Feels a Lot Like a Conversation

Voice search is changing how people find information — and they’re finding it in a way that feels natural and immediate. For local businesses in Portland, this is more than just a technology update. It’s an opportunity to meet customers right at the moment they’re looking for you.

If your content sounds like how people speak, if your website is mobile-ready, and if your local details are accurate everywhere online, you’re setting yourself up to be the answer their device gives.

Discover how voice search optimization can benefit your business.

At Breakthrough Local , we help Portland businesses adapt to shifts in how people search — and voice search is one of the biggest shifts we’ve seen in years. If you want to make sure your business isn’t just showing up, but standing out when people ask their devices for help, now’s the time to act.

We can help you build a voice search strategy that works , so your customers hear about you first.

Navigating the New SEO Landscape: 2025 Best Practices

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 22:51:51 GMT

Keeping up with SEO isn’t easy.

It changes constantly. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, Google rolls out a new update, search habits shift, and suddenly, your rankings start sliding. That’s frustrating—especially when you're just trying to get your business in front of local customers.

So what does SEO actually look like heading into 2025? At Breakthrough Local, we work with Portland-area businesses every day, and we’re seeing some clear patterns. If you want your website to show up where it counts, you’ll need to focus on three key things:

Understanding how search engine algorithms are evolving
Making sure your site works great on mobile
Creating an experience that keeps people on your page

This post breaks it all down with clear, practical advice to help your business stay visible in search results this year and beyond.

Search Engines Are Changing—But the Goal Is Still the Same

Google and other search engines are always tweaking their algorithms. You won’t always know the exact details of what’s changed, but one thing’s clear: they’re getting better at figuring out what people are actually looking for.

And that means your job is to help them connect the dots between your website and what your customers need.

What’s New with Search Engines?

They’re reading content more like humans do. Instead of focusing on individual keywords , search engines now try to understand the full meaning behind a question. So forget stuffing “best HVAC Portland” into every other sentence. Think more about how someone might ask a question—and then answer it clearly and naturally.
They care more about credibility. Google wants to show people content they can trust. That means Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T) still matter—probably more than ever. If you run a local business, that could mean posting helpful guides, sharing your experience, showing customer reviews, or getting featured by local news or blogs.

They’re cracking down on shortcuts. Tactics like keyword stuffing, shady backlinks, and other “tricks” won’t work in 2025. In fact, they’ll probably hurt you. Focus on building a solid foundation instead.
They personalize more now. Search results are getting more tailored. If someone in Portland searches for “roof repair,” Google will prioritize nearby businesses—even if the searcher doesn’t type “Portland.” That ma kes local SEO even more important.

How to Stay Ahead of Algorithm Updates

Write like a human. If your content feels like something you’d actually say to a customer in person, you’re on the right track. Answer common questions. Offer insights. Be helpful.
Get quality backlinks (the right way). You don’t need thousands of links—just a few good ones. Think local: partner with other Portland businesses, get listed in directories, or ask to be included in community roundups.
Build topic authority, not just keyword lists. Instead of writing one blog post on “home insulation,” try writing multiple posts that explore different aspects—types of insulation, costs, benefits, how to choose a contractor. That tells search engines, “This site really knows its stuff.”
Keep your site healthy. Broken links, slow load times, or messy site structures can hurt your visibility. Run regular checkups and fix problems before they impact your rankings.

Your Website Has to Work on Phones—No Exceptions

You’ve heard this before, but let’s say it again: if your website doesn’t work well on mobile, you’re losing traffic. And in 2025, that loss could be even bigger.

More than half of local searches happen on phones. That means when someone’s out and about, looking for a nearby service, you want your business to pop up—and for your site to load quickly, look clean, and work smoothly on a small screen.

Here’s What Matters Most

Mobile is now the default. Google doesn’t look at your desktop site first—it checks your mobile version. If something’s missing on mobile (text, images, links), that could hurt your rankings.
People won’t wait. If your site takes too long to load, they’ll bounce. Fast-loading pages are non-negotiable now.
Mobile design affects trust. Big buttons, easy-to-read text, no annoying popups—these little things make a big difference in how users feel about your site (and your business).

Quick Wins for Mobile SEO

Use responsive design. Your site should adjust automatically to any screen size. If it doesn’t, it’s time for a redesign.
Test your site on different phones. Don’t just assume it looks good. Try it on an iPhone, Android, small screen, big screen. Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test too.
Shrink image and video file sizes. High-res images are great—until they slow your page down. Compress them to keep things quick without sacrificing quality.

Design for thumbs. Make sure buttons and menus are easy to tap. No one wants to pinch and zoom just to fill out a contact form.

Google Is Watching How People Use Your Site

It’s not just about having great content anymore. It’s about how people interact with your site. Search engines are looking at real user behavior to decide which pages deserve top spots.

If someone clicks your site in the results but immediately backs out, that tells Google something’s off. But if they stay, scroll, click around—that’s a good sign you’re delivering value.

User Experience Signals to Focus On

Click-Through Rate (CTR): CTR is the percentage of people who click on your listing in the search results. If your titles and meta descriptions aren’t compelling, you’ll miss out—even if you rank well.
Bounce Rate: If people leave your site after one page, you need to figure out why. Is the content misleading? Is the page slow to load? Is it hard to read?
Dwell Time: This is how long someone sticks around. Longer dwell time = better engagement = better rankings.
Navigation: Can visitors easily find what they need? Confusing menus or too many clicks to get to key info can drive people away.
Readability: Nobody likes walls of text. Use short paragraphs, headers, bullet points, and images to keep things easy on the eyes.

How to Improve the Experience

Get inside your customers’ heads. What are they hoping to find when they land on your page? Give them that—right away.
Use analytics tools. Google Analytics can tell you what’s working and what’s not. See where people drop off and adjust accordingly.
Make your site easy to explore. Organize pages logically. Link related pages together. Make calls-to-action clear and inviting.

Use visuals to break things up. Photos, charts, videos—all of these make your content more digestible.

Local SEO: Still Your Best Bet for Getting Found

If you’re running a business, local SEO should be a top priority. People don’t just search for “plumber”—they search for “plumber near me” or “plumber in NE Portland.” And if your site isn’t set up to answer those searches, you’re invisible.

What Local SEO Looks Like in 2025

Google Business Profile is still your MVP. Fill it out completely. Keep it updated. Add photos. Respond to reviews . This is often the first thing people see—don’t treat it as an afterthought.
Use location-based keywords naturally. Don’t overdo it. Just work “Portland” into your headings, service descriptions, blog posts, and image tags where it makes sense.
Get links from local sources. A mention from a Portland business blog or community organization goes a long way. These links tell Google you’re legit in the area.
Create content for your neighborhood. Try a “best places to visit in [your part of Portland]” blog post. Feature happy customers from your area. Show that you’re truly part of the local community.

What Local SEO Looks Like in 2025

Google Business Profile is still your MVP. Fill it out completely. Keep it updated. Add photos. Respond to reviews . This is often the first thing people see—don’t treat it as an afterthought.
Use location-based keywords naturally. Don’t overdo it. Just work “Portland” into your headings, service descriptions, blog posts, and image tags where it makes sense.
Get links from local sources. A mention from a Portland business blog or community organization goes a long way. These links tell Google you’re legit in the area.

Keep your NAP consistent. Name, Address, Phone—make sure they match everywhere you’re listed: your site, Google, Yelp, Facebook, etc.
Make sure your mobile site is ready for local searches. If someone finds your business on their phone while walking around Portland, they should be able to call or get directions with one tap.

Create content for your neighborhood. Try a “best places to visit in [your part of Portland]” blog post. Feature happy customers from your area. Show that you’re truly part of the local community.

Keep your NAP consistent. Name, Address, Phone—make sure they match everywhere you’re listed: your site, Google, Yelp, Facebook, etc.
Make sure your mobile site is ready for local searches. If someone finds your business on their phone while walking around Portland, they should be able to call or get directions with one tap.

So… What Should You Be Doing Right Now?

SEO in 2025 isn’t about gaming the system. It’s about being genuinely helpful, easy to find, and trustworthy online. If your website does those things, you’re already ahead of the curve.

Here’s your short list:

Create content that actually helps people
Make sure your website works perfectly on mobile
Watch how visitors interact with your site and improve based on what you see
Keep your Google Business Profile polished
Think like a local—because Google does

Want Help Putting It All Together?

At Breakthrough Local, we know SEO can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re also trying to run a business. We help businesses build clear, effective SEO strategies that actually move the needle.

So if you're ready to stop guessing and start ranking, let’s talk .

Get a personalized 2025 SEO strategy from our experts.

Master Your Google Business Profile: A Step-by-Step Guide

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 22:27:06 GMT

If you own or run a local business, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Google Business Profile (GBP)—maybe even claimed yours. But if you’re like many business owners, you haven’t had the time (or let’s be honest, the patience) to really dig into it. And hey, no judgment—there’s always a lot on your plate.

You’re not alone. Most local business owners are up to their ears in customers, invoices, deliveries, staffing, and everything else. The last thing you want to start working on is something that feels like a tech project.

A well-done Google Business Profile (or GBP) is one of the easiest and most effective marketing tools available—because people are already searching for what you do. When your profile looks good and tells your full story, potential customers feel comfortable taking the next step: calling you, visiting you, or sending you a message. Plus, it’s absolutely free.

Why Your GBP Matters—And Why It’s Worth Your Time

If someone searches “best coffee shop near me,” Google will show them a map with three businesses up top. That’s the Local Pack. If your GBP is fully filled out and optimized, you might be one of those top results. If not, your potential customers find someone else.

Even if someone searches your business by name, their first look is usually your GBP. If it’s missing hours, has no photos, or looks abandoned, that’s probably the last time you see that lead.

The Power of GBP:

Trust: Shoppers trust businesses with accurate info and photos.
Visibility: A complete profile increases your chance of showing up on search results and Google Maps .
Engagement: People can call you, ask questions, and get directions right from your listing.

And the best part? Once you’ve built it, it keeps working—if you keep it fresh.

Step 1: Claim and Verify Your Profile

Let’s start simple: telling Google “Yep, this business is mine.”

Go to google.com/business and sign in with your business Google account.
Click Manage Now, and search your business name.
If your business appears, click Claim this business.
If it doesn’t, choose Add your business to Google.
Enter your business details (name, category, location, phone, website ).
Verify your business. Google usually sends a postcard with a code. Sometimes phone or email verification is available.

Once verified, you control your profile—no one else can hijack or change it.

Heads up: Ensure your business name, address, and phone (commonly called NAP) match exactly what’s on your website or other listings. Even small changes (“St.” vs. “Street”) can confuse search engines and customers.

Step 2: Choose the Right Category (Yes, It Really Matters)

Google’s categories are like labels—they determine which search results your business shows up in.

Make your primary category the service you do best. If you’re a florist, don’t pick "Gift Shop" just because you sell cards too.
Add a few secondary categories only if they’re relevant.

Example: A café that rents space for small events should have “Café” as the primary category and perhaps “Event Venue” as secondary—if customers book events often.

Keep it focused. This isn’t about stuffing keywords—it’s about clarity.

Step 3: Fill Out Your Info Thoughtfully

Think of your profile as a friendly guide for someone who’s never heard of you.

Business Description

You have up to 750 characters—use them! Write it like a quick intro you’d give someone at an event.

Example: “Hi! We’re [Your Business Name], a family-owned café in Maplewood. We serve cozy breakfast, locally roasted espresso, and scratch-made pastries. Bring your laptop or your library book and stay as long as you like.”

No need to sound slick—just honest, helpful, and warm.

Hours of Operation

Always list accurate hours—and keep them up-to-date. If you close early for an event or holiday, update your profile. Google will even suggest “special hours” you confirm ahead of time.

Contact Info

Use a real local phone number. Link your website or—even if you don’t have one—use Google’s free site builder. Better a simple page than nothing at all.

Appointment Link (if applicable)

If clients book online (haircut, repair service, consultations), include your scheduling link.

Step 4: Add Photos That Feel Real

Here’s where your camera phone is your friend. People want authenticity, not stock images.

Exterior shot: So someone knows what your building looks like.
Interior shot: Let them understand your vibe.
Team in action: Work in progress or behind-the-scenes.
Products or your service at work: Before & after, plated dishes, creative installations.

Photos get 42% more requests for directions and 35% more clicks to your website—according to Google. But more importantly, they show potential customers what you actually look like.

Step 5: Post Updates Regularly (It’s Easier Than You Think)

Your profile has a “Posts” section—think of it as your mini social feed:

A new seasonal latte flavor?
A weekend workshop?
A special deal?
A customer spotlight or thank-you note?

Just a quick line and a photo or link. These posts stay live for about a week (except events, which stay until they close). Posting weekly shows Google and visitors that you’re active and engaged.

Step 6: Reviews: Ask, Respond, Repeat

Think of your profile as a friendly guide for someone who’s never heard of you.

Getting Reviews

Most happy customers just need a little nudge. Ask politely when the job’s done. Send them a direct link. Toss a card or sign at checkout.

Responding to Reviews

Positive: A simple “Thank you so much, we really appreciate it!” works wonders.

Negative: Stay calm. Acknowledge the issue. Offer to make it right and move the conversation offline. People are watching—and how you respond matters.

A well-handled negative review builds more trust than ignoring it or deleting it.

Step 7: Services and Products Listings

If you offer specific services or sell products—use these. They help you show up for very specific searches and give people clarity.

Services

List each service with a clear title and description.

Example: House Painting – Interior and exterior painting services for single-family homes. Color consulting included.

Products

For retail or DIY businesses, list items.

Example: Maple Syrup Glass Jar (250ml) – Locally harvested wildflower syrup, perfect for breakfast or gifting.

Add photos and prices if available. People love browsing—even in profiles.

Step 8: Monitor Your Progress with Insights

Inside your GBP dashboard is an Insights tab. It shows you:

Searches that led people to your listing
Where they found you (Search vs. Maps)
Actions taken (visits, calls, direction requests, website clicks)
Photo views compared to competitors

Use this once a week—not to micromanage, but to notice trends. If your photos get more views than last month, add more. If calls dropped, check your contact info or hours.

Common Mistakes (So You Don’t Make Them)

You’re busy—meaning mistakes happen. These are the most common ones:

Inconsistent business name, address, or phone number across platforms
Keyword-stuffed business name like: “Best Plumbing–Joe’s Rooter”
Ignoring reviews or replying defensively
Leaving holiday hours out—or not updating temporary closures
Failing to add new photos or posts regularly

Staying consistent and authentic builds trust with both Google and humans.

Bonus: How to Keep This Up Month After Month

Don’t just optimize once and forget it. Your profile needs a little care, like a plant. Here’s an easy routine:

Weekly: Add a Post update (news, deal, behind-the-scenes).
Monthly: Upload 3–5 new photos—show something fresh.
Ongoing: Respond to all reviews (thank you notes, follow-up).
Quarterly: Check hours, descriptions, services for accuracy.
Every 1–2 months: Check Insights for trends and shifts.

This doesn’t take long—and it keeps your profile looking alive and trustworthy.

Why Doing This Yourself Pays Off

You know your business better than anyone. You understand every service you offer, every product you sell, and every part of your space. That authenticity shows in your language, your photos, and your responses.

Yes, you can hire help—but even better? Get familiar with your GBP because no one knows your business like you do. And once you’ve optimized it, it can become one of your most consistent sources of leads and local visibility.

Let Breakthrough Local Help You Shine

Look, optimizing your GBP is powerful—but that doesn’t mean it has to feel overwhelming. If this guide still makes your to-do list feel bigger, it’s okay. Many local business owners feel the same way.

At Breakthrough Local , we help local businesses—contractors, cafés, boutiques, salons, home services—get their GBP polished, optimized, and working behind the scenes while they focus on what they do best.

We’ve built a free Google Business Profile Optimization Guide packed with easy checklists, real-world examples, and helpful prompts to make this faster, clearer, and more helpful.

Claim Your Free Google Business Profile Optimization Guide!

Grab your free guide now at Breakthrough Local and take the next step—where more folks are already looking.

Because your business deserves to stand out, be found, and be trusted —and it starts with a Google Business Profile that actually works for you.

What Are AI Overviews and How Do They Impact Local Search?

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:23:08 GMT

AI Overviews are those quick, no-fluff summaries that now pop up at the top of some Google search results. Instead of scrolling through page after page of websites, users get a fast, straight-to-the-point answer — pulled together by Google’s AI based on what it thinks is most helpful.

Let’s say someone searches “best tacos near me.” Instead of clicking through a bunch of links, they might instantly see a short summary naming a few popular taco spots, what people like about them, and maybe even their hours or menu — all in one quick glance.

It’s kind of like having a digital assistant that skims the internet for you and hands over the best info in seconds. Super convenient for the person searching… but for local businesses, it changes how you get discovered.

How Do They Work?

Behind the scenes, Google’s AI is doing a ton of heavy lifting. It’s scanning thousands of pages — websites, reviews, business listings, directories — and piecing together a summary that feels helpful and trustworthy.

The interesting part? It’s not just pulling from whoever ranks #1. It grabs bits from all over: your website, your Google Business Profile, customer reviews, and anywhere else your business shows up online.

And these summaries aren’t set in stone. They evolve as Google gets new info and feedback. So for local businesses, staying visible and up-to-date online is more important than ever.

How AI Overviews Are Changing Search Results

AI Overviews aren’t just a minor update — they’re a major shift in how search works. Here’s what’s different:

1. They Grab the Spotlight

These summaries appear right at the top of the page — above everything else. If your business isn’t included, you may not get seen at all.

2. They Reduce the Need to Click

If someone finds their answer right there in the AI box, they might never click through to your site — even if you’re ranked high.

3. They Pull from Your Whole Online Presence

Google’s AI doesn’t just look at your website. It checks reviews, local listings, maps , and more. If your info is missing or outdated somewhere, it could cost you visibility.

4. They’re Deeply Tied to Local Info

For local searches, AI Overviews often show things like hours, pricing, services, and reviews — pulled from your listings. If your business details aren’t accurate across platforms, you might not show up.

5. They Encourage Follow-Up Questions

AI Overviews are becoming more interactive, with clickable follow-up prompts like “Do they offer delivery?” or “Are they kid-friendly?” Your online presence should be ready to answer those questions, too.

Real-Life Examples: How AI Overviews Show Up in Local Search

Let’s bring this to life with a few examples of how your business (or a competitor) might appear in an AI Overview:

Search: “Best vegan bakeries near me”

AI Overview Might Say: “Top-rated vegan bakeries nearby include [Bakery A], known for dairy-free cupcakes; [Bakery B], offering nut-free pastries; and [Bakery C], which provides weekend delivery. Customers love the fresh ingredients and variety. Most are open 9 AM to 5 PM.”

What to Take Away:

Google’s pulling this from reviews, photos, and your business profiles. If your info is outdated or your reviews are thin, even a great bakery might get left out.

Search: “Where to get same-day windshield repair in Portland”

AI Overview Might Say: “Several Portland auto shops offer same-day windshield repair. [Shop A] allows online booking near SE Division. [Shop B] takes walk-ins and stays open until 7 PM. Customers praise fast service and fair pricing.”

What to Take Away:

If your shop has great hours and solid reviews but you’re not highlighting it clearly online, you’re likely being missed in AI Overviews.

Search: “Best yoga studios with evening classes”

AI Overview Might Say: “[Studio A] and [Studio B] are popular for evening yoga, welcoming instructors, and calming spaces. Both offer classes through 9 PM. Online reservations are recommended.”

What to Take Away:

Studios that clearly communicate their class times, vibe, and booking options are more likely to show up — even if others offer the same.

Why This Matters for Local Business Owners

This isn’t just a new search feature — it’s reshaping how people choose businesses. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

1. Fewer Clicks, Even If You Rank Well

People may get the info they need straight from the overview. That means fewer visits to your site — unless you’re included up top.

2. Your Google Business Profile is Crucial

It’s not a “set it and forget it” tool anymore. Update your hours, photos, services, and posts regularly. Respond to reviews. This profile is now often your first impression.

3. Your Reputation Counts — Big Time

Google’s AI looks at reviews , tone, and consistency. Outdated or negative reviews? They can knock you out of the running.

4. Your Website Needs to Be Actually Helpful

Ranking is no longer enough. Your website 's content should clearly answer questions like: What do you charge? Do you take walk-ins? What’s included?

5. Brand Visibility Still Matters, Even Without Clicks

Even if someone doesn’t click, just showing up in the AI Overview builds familiarity. Over time, that recognition can turn into trust — and customers.

What You Can Do Right Now to Prepare

You don’t have to overhaul everything today. But here are a few smart moves to help your business show up better:

1. Update Your Google Business Profile

Make sure your details are spot-on. Add current photos, respond to reviews, and post updates. That activity matters.

2. Create Content That’s Actually Useful

Write blog posts or FAQs that answer real questions your customers are asking. Keep it clear, local, and helpful.

3. Ask for Reviews (and Respond With Care)

Encourage happy customers to leave a review. Then thank them. This builds credibility — not just for people, but for the AI, too.

4. Stay Consistent Across All Platforms

Your hours, services, and contact info should match everywhere — Yelp, Google, your website, industry

directories. Don’t let conflicting info cost you visibility.

5. Talk to Your Web Developer About Schema

Schema markup helps search engines better understand your content. It’s a behind-the-scenes move, but it can help your info get surfaced in AI results.

6. Search Yourself — and Your Competitors

Try searching your business name and common service terms. Who’s showing up in AI Overviews? What are they doing right? Use it to shape your strategy.

The Future of Local Search

AI Overviews aren’t just coming — they’re already here. They’re changing how people find businesses, compare their options, and make decisions.

But this isn’t a threat. It’s an opportunity.

If your business is online, up-to-date, and well-reviewed, AI Overviews can actually help you shine — as long as you’re proactive.

Let Breakthrough Local Be Your Guide

At Breakthrough Local , we work with small businesses across Portland and beyond to help them stay competitive — no matter how search evolves.

From optimizing your Google Business Profile to helping your content get discovered by AI, we’re here to make sure you’re not just keeping up — but standing out.

Understand the future of search with our AI Overview consultation!

Curious how AI Overviews are impacting your visibility? Want a game plan to stay ahead? Let’s future-proof your local presence , together.

The 5 Pillars of Successful Local SEO

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 18:17:45 GMT

Let’s cut to the chase. You run a business, and your time is stretched thin. You’re juggling schedules, fixing last-minute issues, answering customer questions, and doing your best to keep everything moving. So when someone says, “You should really work on your local SEO ,” you probably want to roll your eyes and say, “Yeah, I’ll get right on that… right after I find time to eat lunch.”

Local SEO doesn’t have to be confusing or time-consuming. It’s not about tricking Google or being glued to analytics dashboards. It’s about one simple goal: Helping the people in your community find you when they need you.

That’s it. No gimmicks. Just showing up when it matters.

So if you’ve ever Googled your own business and thought, “Why aren’t we showing up?”—this is for you.

Here are five key pillars that can help your business stand out in local search results, even if you’re not a tech expert (and especially if you’re short on time).

1. Google Business Profile Optimization: More Than Just a Listing

You know that box that pops up on the side when you Google a local business—showing their hours, photos, phone number, and reviews?

That’s your Google Business Profile, and it’s a big deal . It’s often the first thing people see when they search for you—or even for something you offer.

If yours is outdated, incomplete, or nonexistent, you’re probably missing out on a ton of local traffic without even realizing it.

Here's what to focus on:

Claim and verify your profile. If you haven’t done this, it’s step one. Google needs to know you’re legit.
Fill out every detail. Hours, phone, services, address, website, service area, and more. Don’t leave blanks—Google notices.
Add real photos. People want to see your space, your work, your team. Skip the stock images. Real = trustworthy.
Choose the right category. Don’t be vague. If you’re a barber, say so. If you run a vegan bakery, pick that exact category.
Write a clear, honest description. Something like: “Locally owned coffee shop in downtown Boise serving organic brews and fresh pastries daily.”
Post regularly. Treat it like a mini social feed. New service? Special hours? Holiday sale? Post it.
Turn on messaging if you can handle it. It makes it easy for people to reach out with quick questions.
Answer FAQs. Customers can ask public questions—don’t let those sit unanswered. You can also ask and answer your own.

One quick reminder: Your GBP isn’t a “set it and forget it” kind of thing. Keep it fresh and current—especially your hours and photos.

2. Local Citations: Be Consistent Everywhere Your Business Shows Up

Imagine meeting someone at a networking event and giving them two different names within five minutes. Confusing, right?

That’s what happens when your business name, address, or phone number (called your NAP ) isn’t consistent across the internet. Google compares your listings on other websites to make sure your business is real and trustworthy.

If there are inconsistencies—like different spellings, addresses, or numbers—it can lower your credibility in Google’s eyes.

What to do:

Check major directories. Google , Yelp, Facebook, Apple Maps, Bing, Yellow Pages—start with these.
Keep your format consistent. Decide: Are you “123 Main Street” or “123 Main St.”? “&” or “and”? Pick one version and stick to it everywhere.
Find and fix outdated listings. Use tools like BrightLocal or Moz Local to see where your info might be off.
Claim your listings. Don’t leave them floating around unmanaged.
List on industry-specific directories. A plumber might show up on HomeAdvisor. A photographer? WeddingWire. You get the idea.
Look for local directories. Your Chamber of Commerce, local neighborhood groups, or city business listings are solid places to be seen.

Simple hack: Keep a master doc with your correct business name, address, phone number, and website URL. Copy/paste it anytime you need to fill out a profile.

3. On-Page SEO: Your Website Should Feel Like a Friendly Handshake

Think of your website as a digital version of someone walking through your front door. First impressions matter.

If someone lands on your homepage and isn’t sure what you do or where you’re located, they’re probably going to hit the back button. Fast.

Let’s make your site local-friendly:

Use local keywords—naturally. Instead of “best bakery,” say “best bakery in Beaverton” where it fits. Don’t stuff it, just be specific.
Put your NAP in the footer. Every page, every time. Google loves the consistency.
Make your homepage clear. In 5–10 seconds, a visitor should know what you offer and who you serve.
Create location pages. If you serve multiple neighborhoods or cities, give each one a dedicated page with useful info—not just a copy-paste job.
Write good meta titles and descriptions. These are what show up in search results. Make them local and helpful.
Make it fast and mobile-friendly. If your site takes too long to load or looks weird on a phone, people will bounce.
Talk like a person. Write like you’d explain your services to a friend—not a robot.
Use structured data if possible. It helps Google understand your business better. If your platform allows it (like WordPress or Wix), look for local SEO plugins.

Quick test: Ask a friend to visit your website and describe what your business does and where you’re located. If they hesitate, something needs tweaking.

4. Reviews & Ratings: Your Customers’ Words Matter More Than Any Ad

Think about the last time you tried a new restaurant or hired a contractor. Chances are, you checked the reviews first. We all do it.

Your reviews aren’t just for show—they affect your visibility on Google and your ability to earn trust with new customers .

Here’s how to make reviews work for you:

Ask right after the service. That’s when customers are most likely to leave a review—when their experience is still fresh.
Send a direct link. Don’t make them search. A quick text or email with the link to your review page makes a big difference.
Use signage. A little “Leave us a review!” sign with a QR code at checkout is simple but effective.
Respond to all reviews. A quick thank-you shows appreciation. For the occasional negative one—stay calm, own your part if needed, and be polite.
Show off great reviews. Feature a few of your best ones on your website or in marketing materials. Let your happy customers speak for you.
Avoid review rewards. Don’t offer discounts in exchange for reviews—it’s against the rules on most platforms and can get you flagged.

Make it part of your process. Include it in your post-service emails, conversations, or follow-ups. Don’t leave it to chance.

5. Link Building: Community Connections Matter Online, Too

One of the strongest signals to Google that your business is real and trustworthy is backlinks—other websites linking to yours.

But in local SEO, the best backlinks come from other local websites: a nearby nonprofit, a school fundraiser, a local news article.

Ways to earn those local links:

Sponsor a local event or team. Often, your logo and link get featured on their website.
Partner with local businesses. Collaborate on blog posts, giveaways, or community events.
Get your story out. Launching a new service? Hitting your 10-year anniversary? Local media loves small business stories—reach out.
Write blog content people want to share. Think, “Top 10 picnic spots in Portland” or “How to prep your home for winter in Bend.”
Support a good cause. Donate a product or service to a charity event—many will list you as a sponsor online.
Fix broken links. If you find a local site linking to an outdated page, reach out and offer a working one from your site.

Think local, always. Google pays attention when your business gets mentioned in the same spaces where your customers spend time—both online and off.

Just Keep Showing Up

Local SEO isn’t some magic wand that gives instant results. But it is one of the most reliable ways to build a stronger presence in your community and attract people who are already looking for what you offer.

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be present. Show up where it counts. Stay consistent. Keep it real.

Start small:

Get your Google Business Profile up to date.
Tidy up your listings.
Refresh your website.
Ask for that next review.
Say yes to the next local opportunity that puts your name out there.

It all builds over time.

5 Things You Can Start Today

Google Business Profile: Claim it, fill it out, and update it often.
Consistent Listings (NAP): Use the same info across every directory.
Your Website: Clear, local, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate.
Customer Reviews: Ask for them, respond to them, and celebrate them.
Local Links: Build relationships in your community and earn mentions online.

Want a cheat sheet to make this easier?

Download our free Local SEO Checklist! No tech talk, just a straightforward guide to help you show up in the places that matter most. Contact us today!

Local SEO: Why It's Crucial for Your Business

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 22:12:19 GMT

In today's hyper-connected world, where a quick tap on a smartphone can unveil a universe of information, standing out locally is more crucial than ever for businesses. Just about everything starts with a quick online search. Whether it’s “roof repair nearby” or “emergency plumber,” people rely on their phones to find what they need fast. And while flashy national marketing might seem like the big leagues, small and home-service businesses often see the biggest wins much closer to home.

That’s exactly what Local SEO is for. It’s one of the most effective, and often underestimated, ways to help your business show up where it counts: in front of local folks who are ready to book, call, or walk through your door.

If you’re running a small business or handling the marketing side of things, and you want to turn online attention into real-world customers, this guide is here to help. You’ll get a clear breakdown of what Local SEO actually means, how it’s different from regular SEO, and how to get the most out of your Google Business Profile.

What is Local SEO?

Let’s break it down in plain terms: Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is about making sure your business shows up when people nearby are looking for the services you offer. It’s your digital “open” sign. So when someone searches “roof repair near me” or “HVAC tech in Boise,” your business has a shot at popping up — ideally right at the top.

Traditional SEO usually targets a much wider audience — even nationwide — but Local SEO narrows that focus to the neighborhoods and towns you actually serve. It’s built to connect you with the people who are most likely to become your customers. If you work in home services — plumbing, landscaping, HVAC, cleaning, or electrical — you already know how important timing and location are.

When someone’s water heater breaks down or they need a tree removed ASAP, they’re not hunting for a national chain. They’re looking for someone close by who can show up fast and do the job right.

Getting featured in the Google Local Pack — that map section that lists a few top businesses — gives you a big edge. It adds visibility, builds credibility, and brings in people who are ready to take action.

Why Local SEO Should Be a Top Priority

If you rely on local customers, there are plenty of good reasons to focus on Local SEO. Here are some of the most important ones:

1. Reach People Who Are Ready to Hire

Local SEO connects your business with folks who are already searching for the exact service you offer — and they’re usually looking to book soon. These aren’t just tire-kickers. They’re potential customers looking for someone they can trust, right now.

2. Get Seen by the Right People

If someone searches “fence installation in Portland” and your business doesn’t show up, that’s a lost opportunity. Local SEO boosts your visibility and helps make sure your name is one of the first they see when they need help.

3. It’s Budget-Friendly and Smart

Rather than wasting ad dollars reaching people outside your service area, Local SEO helps you zero in on nearby customers. That means less waste and a better return — more leads , less spending.

4. Stand Out from the Crowd

Believe it or not, many small businesses still haven’t tapped into Local SEO. That gives you a chance to get ahead. If you take steps to build your local presence now, you’ll beat the competition to the top of the results page.

5. Earn Trust by Showing Up Consistently

People trust what they see online. If your business keeps showing up in local searches with solid reviews, up-to-date info, and clear photos, that builds credibility. A polished Google Business Profile often seals the deal before someone even picks up the phone.

6. Bring in More Local Business

Whether you’ve got a physical location or you’re a mobile service provider, Local SEO drives action. It means more people walking in, calling, or clicking through to request a quote — all from searches made right in your area.

7. You’ll Be Found on Mobile Devices

Most of these local searches are happening on phones. Think of someone standing in their driveway googling “junk removal near me.” Local SEO ensures your business is mobile-ready and easy to reach in those exact moments.

Local SEO vs. National SEO: Know the Difference

While both fall under the SEO umbrella, they’re built for different purposes. Knowing the distinction helps make smarter marketing choices.

National SEO

Audience: People across the country (or globally), often for online products or digital services.

Keywords: Broader searches like “best laptops” or “SEO tips.”

Competition: Very high — it’s tough to rank without a big budget.

Website Strategy: Aimed at general audiences, not focused on location.

Tactics: Heavy on content, link-building, and technical SEO.

Local SEO

Audience: People nearby who need a service — today, or soon.
Keywords: Searches like “roof repair in Beaverton” or “window washer near Salem.”
Competition: More manageable. It’s a smaller pool, so you can stand out faster.
Website Strategy: Prioritizes clear contact info, local landing pages, and neighborhood coverage.
Tactics: Strong focus on Google Business Profiles, review building, and directory listings.

If your business is serving a specific geographic area, national SEO just doesn’t make sense. You don’t need to be everywhere. You need to be visible to the people around you.

Your Google Business Profile: The Star of the Show

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) , formerly Google My Business, is one of the most valuable tools in your marketing kit. This is what shows up in search results when someone looks up your business or a service you offer. It’s often the first impression — and it can make or break whether someone chooses to contact you.

Here’s how to make the most of it:

Step 1: Claim and Verify Your Profile

If your GBP isn’t claimed yet, jump on that. Google will mail you a postcard with a code — once you enter it, you’ll have full control. Until then, you’re missing opportunities to optimize and manage your listing.

Step 2: Keep Your Info Spot-On

Name, Address, and Phone (NAP): Use the exact same info across your website, GBP, and every directory you’re listed on.
Categories: Choose a main category that fits (like “electrician”), and add a couple secondary ones if it helps.
Hours: Keep them up to date — including holidays.
Website Link: Make sure it points to the right place.
Service Areas: List the neighborhoods or cities you serve — even if you don’t have a storefront.

Step 3: Write a Real, Honest Business Description

This is your chance to share what you do and why it matters. Mention your services, your service area, and a few keywords people might search. Keep it simple, friendly, and useful — not salesy.

Step 4: Get Reviews — and Respond to Them

Ask for Them: Happy customers often don’t leave reviews unless you ask. Send a text, hand them a card — just make it easy.
Respond Quickly: Thank people for good reviews, and respond calmly and professionally to any negative ones. It shows you care.

Step 5: Share Great Photos and Videos

Photos give people a feel for who you are. Share shots of your team, your tools, your projects. Before-and-after pics go a long way, especially for home services.

Step 6: Post Regular Updates

Use Google Posts to share what’s new — special offers, seasonal services, new team members. These updates keep your listing fresh and let customers know you’re active.

Step 7: Keep an Eye on the Q&A Section

People can ask questions right on your GBP. Answer them fast — and think about adding your own common questions and answers to get ahead of them.

Step 8: Fill Out the Services Section

List every service you offer, with short descriptions. If it makes sense, add pricing too. This helps people understand exactly what you do and whether you're the right fit.

Don’t Overlook Your Website

Your Google Business Profile and your website should work hand in hand. Double-check that:

It works well on mobile.
Your name, address, and phone number match exactly.
You’ve got pages for each service area.
You’re using local keywords — especially in page titles and headings.

It also helps to embed your Google Map and make contact super easy — with things like click-to-call buttons and simple forms.

Need a Hand? That’s What Breakthrough Local Is For.

Running a home-service business takes a lot. Local SEO can start to feel like a full-time job on top of everything else. That’s why Breakthrough Local is here.

The focus is on helping home-service businesses grow by getting them found in local searches. There’s no copy-and-paste strategy here — it’s about understanding your unique business, your market, and what’s standing in your way. Then crafting a plan that gets results.

Schedule a Free Local SEO Audit

This no-cost audit shows exactly how your business appears online — what’s working, what’s not, and how to fix it.

Local customers are already searching for the services you offer. Make sure your business is the one they find — and trust — first.

Let Breakthrough Local help you stand out, show up, and grow.

Local SEO Ranking Factors for Small Businesses

Sat, 28 Jan 2023 09:26:06 GMT

Search Engine Results: Factors For Local Businesses.

Local SEO Search Rankings can be a tricky concept to understand. It is essential for businesses today to comprehend the basics of Local SEO in order to remain competitive and maximize their online presence. Achieving high rankings on search engine results pages (SERPs) requires an understanding of the impact that certain factors and behavioral signals have when it comes to optimizing your website for local searches.

Website
Content
Google Business profile
Schema
Reviews
and more...

As such, it's important to get up-to-speed with what these ranking signals are and how they affect your business’s ability to reach potential customers. In this article, we will dive into some of the most influential Local SEO search ranking factors - so buckle up and get ready to learn!

Optimizing Your Website

When it comes to local SEO rankings, optimizing your website is the first step. It’s important to ensure that all pages include relevant keywords and phrases related to your area, as well as a clear hierarchy of information for users. This includes having an easily navigable menu structure and using breadcrumbs on each page so that visitors can quickly jump around the site. Your website should have proper meta descriptions & title tags. Additionally, you should also focus on making sure all content is up-to-date with no broken internal or external links; this will help keep people engaged while they are browsing through your website.

Another key part of optimizing your website revolves around its speed and responsiveness – both in terms of how quickly the pages load and whether or not they look good across different devices like mobile phones and tablets. You need to make sure that any images used are appropriately sized, as well as optimize them for faster loading times. Having fast loading speeds helps create better user experiences, since people won’t be waiting too long for a page to show up before they decide to leave.

It’s also essential to have a secured connection (SSL) so that customer data remains safe when being transmitted from their browsers over the internet. Taking these steps into consideration will go a long way towards ensuring customers feel secure when visiting your site and give you a higher ranking in search engine results pages for local searches. From here, we turn our attention to creating relevant content...

Relevant Content

When it comes to relevant content and Local SEO ranking factors, making sure your website is optimized for the best possible results can seem like an impossible task! You could spend hours writing blog articles and optimizing pages with keywords that appear nowhere else on the web – but if you’re not including localized content in your strategy, you’re missing out.

Localized content does more than just help you rank better; it helps connect potential customers to your business and helps earn you inbound links. When someone runs a search query for a specific service or product in their area, they may be able to find you right away because of the detail-oriented information provided by localized content.

From neighborhood events and reviews to photos of landmarks or attractions nearby, this kind of content gives people a glimpse into what makes your company unique – which leads them straight to you!

Relevant content also shows Google that your site is active and updated regularly. This means more visits from potential customers as well as higher rankings across search engine result pages (SERPs). Ultimately, having great localized content will help make sure users keep coming back to your site time after time - without any extra effort required from you.

By taking advantage of these types of opportunities and customizing each page based on location, region, or language preferences, you'll have a much better chance at success when it comes to local SEO ranking factors. Ready to take the next step? Let's dive into localized keywords!

Localized Keywords

As the saying goes, “location, location, location”; when it comes to local SEO ranking factors, localized keywords are a key component. By optimizing your content with locality-specific phrases and words that include references to local areas and landmarks, you can ensure that search engines recognize your site as being relevant for any queries related to those terms. Indeed, localized keywords are essential if you want search engine algorithms to understand what type of area or region you are targeting.

In addition to helping potential customers find your business online through organic searches, localized keywords also help improve click-through rates (CTR). These types of terms have more specific meaning than generic ones such as “restaurant near me” which can be used by anyone regardless of their physical location. As a result, people searching for services in their own neighborhood will be more likely to click on pages featuring results containing language pertaining specifically to their locale.

By taking advantage of this technique and incorporating targeted language into both content and titles/headings associated with webpages around your geographical area, companies can effectively increase visibility while gaining an edge over competitors who do not optimize using localized keyword phrases. Consequently, businesses should make sure they use regional terminology whenever possible in order to maximize the effectiveness of their local SEO campaigns. With this in mind, the next step involves utilizing schema markup for even greater success in reaching out to nearby customers.

Schema Markup

According to research from Google , 76% of people who conduct a local search on their smartphone visit a business within 24 hours, and 28% of those searches result in a purchase..

Making it a key piece in your SEO strategy to have schema markup in place when optimizing websites for local SEO rankings. Schema markup is code used to help search engine crawlers better understand the content and structure of webpages. This can include providing more detail about a product or service available on a website, adding an address and contact details, displaying customer reviews, and more.

Schema markup helps to increase visibility in organic search results by making it easier for searchers to find what they are looking for quickly as well as providing additional information such as ratings directly in SERP listings. Additionally, this type of structured data can be used to create rich snippets which display extra info like reviews and prices alongside list items - further increasing click-through rates from the SERPs.

By including appropriate schema markups on your site you will make sure all relevant information is listed accurately so potential customers know exactly what services you provide before clicking through to check out your site. Taking into account these factors can help boost SEO performance and move your website up in the local search results pages; setting yourself up for success with increased engagement levels from qualified leads. Moving onto social signals...

Social Signals

Social signals like reviews and mentions on social media are often overlooked as a Local SEO ranking factor, but it can make all the difference for some businesses. So make sure and register for all the major platforms like Google Business Profile , FaceBook , Instagram , TikTok, Yelp, Apple Business Connect and numerous others. An SEO Expert can help craft a comprehensive list of platforms specific to your businesses industry and location.

Here are three keyways, social signals help boost local SEO rankings: • Encouraging customers to leave positive ratings and reviews • Growing brand awareness by increasing interactions on social media platforms • Boosting click-through rates (CTR) by linking back to your website or landing pages

Business Owners should be taking advantage of these opportunities to increase their visibility online. Whether you’re actively engaging with current customers or looking for new ones, having a presence across various social networks is essential when optimizing for Local SEO. By leveraging the power of Google Maps alongside other tactics such as schema markup and social signals, business owners can better position themselves competitively against others in search engine results.

Google Maps - Google Business Profile

Google Maps is an important local SEO ranking factor. It can be the difference between appearing on Google’s front page or not for certain queries. While it may sound like a simple task, optimizing your business listing in Google Business Profile *GBP), formerly well-know as Google My Business (GMB), requires some forethought and effort. Gaining top position in the "local map pack", is never guaranteed but is absolutely attainable.

For starters, make sure that you have claimed ownership of your business listing. This allows you to update information such as opening hours, contact details, pictures, etc., as well as respond to customer reviews. Additionally, use keywords appropriately when filling out your profile description and other fields since this helps with both organic rankings and click-through rate (CTR).

Finally, ensure that you have chosen the best primary category and other relevant categories are selected correctly so that potential customers will know what services you offer quickly. Best practice SEO strategy is to not select too many categories, stay rather specific to your top services.

Doing these steps properly will help boost your position in local search engine results pages (SERPs) significantly. With the right research, experience, planning and consistent action getting into the 3- packs should be just a matter of time for any marketer or small business owner. Onwards then to citations & NAP consistency!

Citations & Nap Consistency

Citations and NAP consistency are the cornerstones of Local SEO. They form a solid foundation, like pillars supporting a temple—a place where businesses can be found by potential customers searching online.

But what exactly is meant by citations? Citations are references to your business’s name, physical address, and phone number (NAP) on other business directories or websites around the web. The more comprehensive these mentions become, the stronger your citation profile will be — helping you climb up in local search rankings. Every mention should include all three pieces of information about your business for maximum impact: Name, Address, Phone Number (NAP), as well a website link is always helpful.

All this data needs to match exactly with the way it appears on your own website; otherwise Google may not recognize them as authoritative sources of information about your business.

To ensure that every reference includes complete and accurate details of your business location, create consistent NAP listings across third-party sites so they match one another perfectly. This means making sure that abbreviations and typos do not occur in any listing! If you find discrepancies between different versions of your contact info out there, take the time to clean up those errors quickly . Doing this will pay off in improved visibility for your business over time.

TIP: It's important to keep track of how often you update citations - regular updates show Google that someone is watching out for accuracy and completeness. It also gives you a chance to freshen up the business descriptions or other pertinent information.

Reviews & Ratings

It’s a brave new world of SEO, and online reviews & ratings are the order of the day. If you don't have them, your local search engine optimization strategy won't get very far! We all know that getting glowing five-star reviews is an essential step to success in building your brands reputation - but what about those pesky one or two-star ratings? Well, here's where we take a deep dive into dealing with these issues head on.

The truth is, if you're serious about cracking the code for great Local SEO rankings, then pay attention to both positive reviews as well as negative customer feedback. It can be tempting to just ignore critiques altogether, but it's important to remember that negative reviews provide valuable insight into how customers perceive your business – which ultimately helps shape their decisions regarding whether they'll patronize you again. Not only will this help build trust with potential patrons, it may also give you ideas on how to improve your products/services and enhance overall customer satisfaction.

So while having good reviews and ratings isn’t necessarily going to guarantee page 1 ranking status overnight – it could certainly make a big difference when used strategically alongside other local SEO tactics. Acknowledging every review (good or bad) and using them together yields better results than either does alone; making sure not just to respond appropriately in each situation, but also taking action whenever possible should be at the forefront of any successful Local SEO approach.

Overall Local SEO Approach

Local SEO ranking factors can be thought of like a building. If you want it to stand tall and proud, then you must build a strong foundation and ensure the structure is sound. The same theory applies when trying to get your website higher up on local search engine results pages (SERPs). To do this, one must have an overall approach that encompasses multiple facets of local SEO. This will help the algorithm recognize and trust yoru brand.

When constructing your local SEO foundation, think about four key elements: research, content, optimization and analysis. Research involves gaining insight into what keywords are being used by potential customers; Content focuses on creating relevant articles and blog posts for consumers; Optimization means configuring different parts of the site so they meet Google’s guidelines; And finally, analysis ensures that all efforts thus far have been effective in improving SERP rankings.

These steps should be carried out constantly over time - never stop analyzing data or refining existing optimizations. It's important to remember that there will always be new trends emerging within the world of Local SEO Ranking Factors that need to be addressed and integrated into your approach as soon as possible. With a constant eye towards improvement, you're sure to see tangible rewards from your hard work!

FAQ's Local SEO

Local SEO is a powerful tool for businesses that want to increase their organic rankings and brands visibility & trust in search results. By taking the steps discussed above, you can ensure your website and content are optimized for better rankings. With relevant keywords and schema markup, a complete google business profile, social signals and reviews, plus citations with consistent NAP information, you’ll be able to rise through the search engine ranks like a rocket.

It's important to remember that there isn't one single factor that will lead to success, like 100 positive reviews; rather it requires an integrated SEO strategies involving all these elements working together harmoniously. That way, you'll reap the rewards of increased visibility and traffic – both figuratively and literally!

Overall, by following best practices when it comes to Local SEO ranking factors, I'm sure you're well on your way to achieving great results. So, get out there and start optimizing today - don't wait until tomorrow because as they say ‘the early bird catches the worm’!

Local SEO Agency Portland Oregon

At Breakthrough Local SEO, we work closely with our clients from the research and planning phases through to implementation. Helping our clients craft a Local SEO strategy that will build brand awareness & trust. This new visibility and Brand recognition ignites conversion rates, helping yo serve more people month-over-month.

We help clients all around the web, but are locate din beautiful Portland, OR and help Contractors, Professionals, Restaurants and Store Fronts here in the Pacific Northwest.

If your looking for a great SEO Company to improve your Local SEO ranking, contact us, we would be happy to help :)

Effective Local SEO Keyword Research Tips for Contractors

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 04:11:31 GMT

SEO Keyword Research For Contractors

Local Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a crucial part of any contractor's successful digital marketing strategy. But how do contractors use keyword research to maximize the benefits of SEO? What strategies can be adopted for effective and efficient implementation of keyword research in an SEO campaign? Can it really help contractors find success online?

Keyword research plays an important role when it comes to optimizing websites for search engine rankings. It allows marketers to identify which keywords or phrases are being used by their target audience and then develop content that meets those needs. Contractors must understand the process of keyword research if they want to effectively optimize their website's visibility on Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc. In this article, we will discuss the importance of keyword research in SEO for contractors and some best practices when implementing it.

It is essential that contractors understand how to utilize keyword research correctly to make sure their webpages reach their intended audiences and draw their attention.

The right approach ensures greater exposure and higher engagement rates from potential customers – something every contractor wants! With this knowledge at hand, let us dive deeper into understanding what exactly keyword research entails and why it is so critical for achieving success in today’s competitive market.

What Is Keyword Research?

Keyword research is the process of uncovering words and phrases related to a particular topic that is used in search engine queries. It involves researching popular terms, conducting analysis of competitors’ strategies, and analyzing trends in keyword searches over time. The goal of keyword research is to identify potential keywords or topics which are relevant to your specific industry or niche business so that you can optimize your website for these terms and ultimately increase organic web traffic.

The importance of keyword research lies in understanding what users are searching for when they utilize search engines like Google, Yahoo!, Bing, and other similar services. Keywords provide insight into user intent and help ensure content on websites matches their needs; thus, increasing visibility of the site within search results. Additionally, targeted keywords allow marketers to craft strategic campaigns with higher chances of success due to increased relevance towards target audiences.

By incorporating focused keywords throughout content marketing efforts such as blogs, press releases, articles, website copy, advertisements – Contractors can effectively reach their desired audience through SEO tactics, leading to an overall better online presence for their businesses as well as improved lead conversions.

Why Is Keyword Research Important For SEO?

Keyword research is an essential aspect of any successful Search Engine Optimization (SEO) campaign. It helps marketers identify target phrases, which can be used to optimize content and increase website visibility in organic search results. In this article, we will explore why keyword research is important for SEO, as well as how it can improve a contractor's online presence.

The first step of any effective SEO campaign is identifying the right keywords and phrases that potential customers are using when searching for services provided by contractors. Keywords help inform the structure of websites; they should be included in titles, headings, and body copy so that they appear prominently on search engine result pages (SERPs). With the correct implementation of relevant keywords onto webpages, these pages have a better chance at ranking high on SERPs, thereby increasing their visibility, and driving more traffic to your site.

Additionally, keyword research provides valuable insight into customer behavior such as language preferences or trends over time. This data allows you to tailor your messaging accurately based on what people are actually typing into the search bar and can uncover new opportunities for growth within specific markets or niches. By understanding user intent behind certain queries, you may even discover related topics not previously considered - expanding your reach to untapped audiences while still providing value through content tailored specifically towards them.

Through careful monitoring of key metrics like click-through rate (CTR), bounce rate, and conversion rate, businesses can then further refine their strategies according to consumer response and maximize ROI from their efforts. Ultimately, having access to quality data empowers companies with information needed to make informed decisions regarding their marketing campaigns - enabling them to stay ahead of competitors and remain competitive in today's digital landscape.

By leveraging the power of keyword research effectively in SEO campaigns geared towards contractors, businesses can gain greater insights into consumer needs and behaviors, which subsequently leads to improved rankings on SERPs as well as increased engagement from targeted users. As such, it is crucial that contractors understand the importance of utilizing this powerful tool for optimized success online.

How Does Keyword Research Improve SEO?

Keyword research is an essential part of SEO as it can help website owners create content and build links that are more likely to rank on search engine results pages. According to a survey by Ahrefs , “90.63% of all content gets no traffic from Google”. This statistic alone emphasizes the importance of keyword research in improving SEO rankings.

When it comes to keyword research for contractors, there are several types of keywords they should consider including:

Short-tail keywords which have high competition but provide more targeted leads.

Long-tail keywords which have higher competition but also lower search volumes.
Localized terms such as city or region related keywords.
Industry specific terms like 'construction contractor' or 'electrical services'.

Having knowledge about different types of keywords allows contractors to better optimize their websites for search engines, enabling them to reach potential customers who might be searching for their services online. Additionally, understanding how these groups of words interact with each other can provide insight into what works best when crafting content and building links. Knowing how people search for things online helps contractors tailor their messaging so that it resonates with their target audience. With the right keyword strategy, contractors will be able to increase visibility and attract more qualified prospects, resulting in improved ROI.

By researching relevant topics within their industry, contractors can identify opportunities where they may have previously overlooked and capitalize on those areas as well as stay up-to-date on current trends that could impact their business down the line. Researching competitors’ strategies also gives valuable information about what has worked or not worked in the past allowing them to gain an edge over competing businesses in the same field. Ultimately, doing thorough keyword research provides useful insights that enable businesses to make data-driven decisions regarding optimizing content for SEO purposes as well as creating marketing campaigns tailored towards reaching out directly to prospective clients.

Types Of Keywords To Consider For Contractors

The success of a contractor's website depends on the strength and accuracy of their keyword research. Allusions of a knight gearing up for battle comes to mind; only by understanding what your target audience is searching for, can you arm yourself with the right tools for an SEO victory. In this section we'll cover types of keywords contractors should consider when conducting keyword research to improve SEO performance.

When creating content related to contracting services, there are two main categories of keywords that should be considered: short-tail and long-tail. Short-tail keywords consist of one or two words in length, such as ‘contractor’ or ‘kitchen remodeler’, while long-tail keywords include three or more words like ‘affordable kitchen remodeling service near me'.

Both have their own advantages. Short-tails generally produce higher search volumes but usually feature greater competition due to their popularity. Long-tails may not generate much traffic initially, but they represent an opportunity to create specialized content targeting niche audiences which can drive organic leads over time. Here are some examples:

Short tail keywords :

Contractor
Remodeling

Long tail keywords :

Affordable bathroom tiling service near me
Commercial drywall repair experts in Portland

It is important for contractors to understand how each type of keyword could be beneficial in different contexts and factor them into their content strategy accordingly. Taking advantage of both short and long tails will help ensure maximum visibility across various topics within their industry so that customers find exactly what they need when looking for it online.

Analyzing Keyword Search Volume & Competitiveness

Analyzing the search volume and competitiveness of keywords is a crucial step in effective keyword research for contractors. Like a chess player methodically studying their opponent's moves, it requires careful consideration to determine which keywords will yield the best results. The challenge lies in discerning between potentially lucrative terms with high competition and low-hanging fruit that may not have as much potential but require less effort to rank for them.

By examining search volumes, SEO experts can identify how often users are searching for specific phrases or topics related to contractors. Examining competitive metrics provides insight into how difficult it would be to outrank competitors already appearing on SERPs (Search Engine Result Pages). With this knowledge, Local SEO experts can develop a plan of attack strategically targeting keywords most likely to increase organic traffic and conversions.

Combined with other factors such as cost-per-click pricing, seasonality trends, and user intent, analyzing keyword search volume and competitiveness helps create an informed picture of what works best when targeting prospects online for construction related industries through SEO Services. A comprehensive keyword list crafted from this data sets the stage for successful marketing campaigns built around relevant content tailored specifically to resonate with target audiences.

Crafting A Comprehensive Keyword List

Crafting a comprehensive keyword list is like piecing together the perfect puzzle. It takes patience, careful thought, and attention to detail to maximize your return. To ensure contractors have an effective SEO strategy, here are three essential steps to help create a complete keyword list:

Analyze search volume: Knowing the number of searches for each term will indicate how much competition there is for that particular word or phrase. This can provide insight into which keywords should be used in content creation and where more effort needs to be focused on optimizing it for search engine results pages (SERPs).
Assess competitiveness: Look at current SERP rankings of competitors’ websites and analyze their backlinks, quality scores and click-through rates (CTRs). By doing this you can determine if your website has similar potential compared to theirs. If not, then focus on improving the quality of links pointing towards your site as well as other factors such as page loading speed and mobile optimization.
Brainstorm ideas: Use online tools such as Google Trends or KWFinder to generate additional keyword phrases related to contractor services. Consider adding ‘long tail’ terms - these are longer phrases typically containing 3+ words that often result in higher conversion rates when optimized properly due to being less competitive than shorter versions of them.

Additionally, think outside the box by researching synonyms, variations or combinations of existing terms – all of which could open up new opportunities within niche markets.

By taking time upfront to carefully craft a comprehensive keyword list with consideration given to both short and long-tail options based on search volumes & competitor standings – contractors can better position themselves for success with SEO campaigns going forward.

Identifying Long Tail Keywords

Identifying long tail keywords is a key component to keyword research in SEO for contractors. Long tail keywords are queries that contain three or more words and often target users further down the sales funnel, as they tend to be much more specific than other search terms.

These types of keywords can help increase organic traffic by taking advantage of less competitive search engine results pages (SERPs). Additionally, due to their specificity, these sorts of queries have higher conversion rates since they cater to people who already know what they want.

For example, if someone searches “best kitchen faucet” versus “black pullout sprayer kitchen faucet with single handle” - the latter would be considered a long tail keyword due to its length and level of detail. As such, it likely caters to an individual looking for very specific product details instead of just researching different models. With this knowledge in mind, contractors can use keyword research tools to identify potential opportunities within their niche and craft content specifically tailored towards them.

Utilizing Keyword Research Tools

When it comes to optimizing pages for SEO, keyword research is a key component. Utilizing the right keyword research tools can be instrumental in helping contractors identify lucrative long tail keywords that will drive organic traffic and improve visibility on search engine results pages (SERPs).

There are several different types of keyword research tools available to contractors today with varying levels of complexity and cost. Here are four essential ones:

Google Keyword Planner – This free tool from Google allows users to get ideas related to relevant topics and find estimated monthly searches associated with certain terms or phrases.
Moz Pro Tools – These professional-level tools allow users to conduct detailed market analysis, track rankings over time, analyze link profiles and more.
Keywords Everywhere – An extension for Chrome or Firefox browsers which provides a variety of data points, such as monthly search volume, cost per click (CPC), competition level and more.
UberSuggest – A free online tool that offers suggestions based on what you type into the interface, including words, phrases and questions people are likely searching for.

Knowing how to use these keyword research tools properly can help contractors hone their content strategy and target specific audiences while increasing their website’s visibility in SERP's effectively.

Understanding not only what niche keywords your potential audience might be using but also understanding the context around those queries is paramount when crafting content pieces that have staying power across multiple channels. With this knowledge at hand, contractors have all the information necessary for creating an effective optimization plan for their business objectives.

Transitioning from utilizing keyword research tools to optimizing pages with keywords should now be easier due to having taken advantage of the insight gleaned from researching higher quality long tail keywords via appropriate resources previously mentioned here today.

Optimizing Pages with Keywords

Optimizing pages with keywords is a critical step in keyword research for SEO. It involves finding the most relevant phrases that can be used to target potential customers and generate more traffic to your website. This process requires an understanding of search engine algorithms, such as Google’s PageRank an algorithm which ranks webpages based on their relevance to certain topics. Additionally, knowing how to use various tools like Keyword Planner and SEMrush can help you identify popular terms related to the services offered by contractors.

Once you have identified these relevant keyphrases, it's important to incorporate them into content across all areas of the contractor's website. For example, titles, headings, introductions, body copy and meta descriptions should include these terms naturally throughout the text. By using keywords strategically within the site's structure and design, contractors are better able to attract organic users from search engines who may potentially become paying customers.

It is also essential for contractors to continually update their page optimization strategies depending on changes in market trends or shifts in user search behavior. After making adjustments to meet changing needs, monitoring changes in search rankings becomes paramount so that any necessary modifications can be made quickly and effectively.

Monitoring Changes in Search Rankings

Monitoring changes in search rankings can be likened to a game of chess; one must stay abreast of the competition, anticipate their moves, and quickly adapt strategies accordingly. For contractors looking to make use of keyword research for effective SEO, keeping track of search engine performance is an essential component.

From tracking specific keywords to analyzing overall trends, monitoring search ranking fluctuations helps create more informed decisions on where to focus efforts. Through observation, it becomes possible to identify which approaches are working as intended and what adjustments may be necessary. Should results not meet expectations, this data allows for timely course corrections that will maximize the chances of success.

Such ongoing analysis also reveals insights into user behavior which can be used to refine content strategy going forward. A holistic perspective incorporating both context and intent along with other relevant factors like location or device type provides valuable input into how best to shape the message being conveyed through SEO optimization efforts. With an understanding of all these elements at hand, businesses can craft solutions tailored specifically towards achieving desired outcomes without losing sight of long-term objectives.

Analyzing Competitors’ Keywords

As the adage goes, “Knowledge is power” - and one of the most powerful pieces of knowledge to acquire in Local SEO for contractors is an understanding of their competitors’ keywords. To gain this insight, they must analyze those same terms that other players in the market are using. This can be done through extensive keyword research and tracking how these words are used by others throughout their content.

The modern search engine optimization landscape has shifted away from simply monitoring changes in search rankings to a much more holistic approach. Contractors now need to develop insights into what audiences want when searching online and how they interact with websites. Knowing which keywords competitors are targeting allows them to understand what topics potential customers may have already searched for. By leveraging this information, contractors will be able to prioritize certain phrases over others depending on various factors like competition level or traffic volume.

A sound SEO strategy requires use of both primary (targeted) and secondary (competitive) keywords. Analyzing competitor's keywords provides valuable data about where the focus should lie for maximum results, as well as gives insight into trends within specific target markets. It also affords access to ideas that could potentially increase organic website traffic down the line if properly implemented and monitored going forward. With such intelligence at hand, it becomes easier to leverage semantic keywords in order to maximize reach across multiple channels while still delivering relevant content that resonates with potential customers.

Leveraging Semantic Keywords

Semantic keywords are essential for effective keyword research in SEO. Semantic keywords refer to words that are related or connected to the main topic being discussed, rather than just using a single word phrase such as “contractor”.

By leveraging semantic keywords, contractors will be able to create content more accurately tailored towards their target audience. This allows them to reach users who may not have been accessible through traditional means of marketing. Additionally, by understanding how people search and what they expect from search results, contractors can effectively optimize their site for better user experience, engagement and conversion rates.

Furthermore, using semantic keywords gives contractors the opportunity to rank higher on SERPs (Search Engine Result Pages) due to its broader scope of coverage compared to other types of keyword phrases. By taking into consideration context and relevancy, these terms bring more value to both organic and paid campaigns since it enables searchers to find exactly what they’re looking for quickly and efficiently. As a result, this helps increase visibility while driving relevant traffic that is likely to convert at a much higher rate than other methods used today.

This comprehensive approach provides insight into why leveraging semantic keywords should be part of any successful contractor's SEO strategy moving forward. Without proper implementation of semantics-based search queries, businesses run the risk of missing out on numerous potential opportunities in terms of reaching new customers online. With that said, understanding how best to leverage semantic keywords during keyword research proves critical if contractors want to achieve success with SEO efforts over time. Transitioning into writing high-quality content for SEO is one way that local contractors can further capitalize on their findings from keyword research utilizing semantically related phrases.

Writing High-Quality Content

The theory that writing high-quality content for Search Engine Optimization (SEO) provides powerful results has been well established. With the right strategy, SEO contractors can use this to make a significant impact on their clients’ websites. Writing quality content is an important part of any successful SEO campaign and should not be overlooked by contractors.

When creating content, it's crucial to understand how search engines work and what they look for in order to rank pages highly. Content must meet certain criteria in terms of technical optimization such as keyword density, length of text and structure; but more importantly, it needs to communicate a message effectively.

Quality content requires engagement with readers and encourages them to take action – whether that means making a purchase or signing up for something. The key is understanding the target audience/reader and crafting relevant messages tailored specifically towards them.

Content should also link back to other pages within the website, either through hyperlinks or internal linking strategies. This helps establish relevance between related topics, increases page views and strengthens authority on a specific subject among readers and search engine algorithms alike. Internal links provide users with additional information which may lead to conversions down the line too. In addition, when done correctly, internal links are beneficial from an SEO perspective because they help pages maintain higher rankings over time while providing valuable context clues about user intent to search engine crawlers.

Using Internal Linking Strategies

How can internal linking strategies help contractors optimize their websites for SEO? To maximize the impact of keyword research, understanding and utilizing proper internal linking practices is an essential part of the SEO strategy. Here are some key elements that contractors should consider when creating effective internal links:

Utilizing anchor text – using keywords in your link's clickable text allows search engines to understand what the linked page is about.
Creating logical connections between pages on a website – this will provide users with easy navigation through interlinked topic-specific content.
Linking back to older posts or archived pages – this helps direct visitors who have already visited your site to more relevant information.

Internal linking provides value both from a user experience standpoint as well as for SEO purposes.

It creates an environment where users can easily find related topics covered by the same website, keeps them engaged within the website’s ecosystem, and encourages further exploration into other areas of content.

Additionally, it helps search engine crawlers move quickly throughout the site while indexing its various pages, which can affect ranking performance. By optimizing these types of outbound links, contractors have the opportunity to increase visibility and get targeted organic traffic, across multiple webpages. Understanding how to use internal links effectively is critical for achieving sustainable results in SEO efforts.

Measuring The Effectiveness of Keyword Research

Achieving success in SEO for local businesses involves a deep understanding of keyword research and measuring the effectiveness of these efforts is essential. To start as if going down a well-worn path, keyword research is akin to navigating an ever-changing landscape; it can be difficult to accurately assess progress without accurate metrics. When done correctly, this process yields valuable insights about what customers are looking for when they search online.

When conducting keyword research for SEO purposes, there are several key indicators that should be tracked and assessed on an ongoing basis. These include click-through rate (CTR), average position score (APS) and cost per click (CPC).

CTR measures how often users select your website link when presented with multiple options, while
APS looks at where you appear in SERPs relative to competitors.
CPC helps determine which keywords bring higher returns on investment.

Each of these data points provide unique insight into the overall performance of keyword research campaigns and enable more strategic decisions based on hard evidence rather than guesswork or speculation.

By taking such an analytical approach to keyword research, contractors can gain greater clarity regarding their competitive positioning within the digital landscape over time. This type of monitoring also allows them to quickly respond to changes in consumer preferences or seasonal trends so that marketing strategies remain relevant and effective long after initial implementation. Ultimately, by carefully measuring results from keyword research initiatives, it is possible to refine techniques and maximize ROI regardless of industry or target market size.

Conclusion

Keyword research is an essential component of successful Local SEO strategies for contractors. When done correctly, it can help them reach their target audience more effectively and improve website rankings on search engine results pages.

It involves analyzing keyword search volume, competitiveness, levering semantic keywords, writing high-quality content and using internal linking strategies to ensure maximum visibility for contractor websites. By leveraging these techniques, contractors are able to gain a competitive edge in the market.

Measuring the effectiveness of keyword research is key in determining its success. For example, tracking organic traffic generated from specific keywords can give insight into how effective the strategy was in driving relevant visitors to a website. Additionally, monitoring ranking positions and click through rates will provide data which can be used to refine keyword selection and optimize future campaigns.

Ultimately, keyword research should be seen as an ongoing process that requires consistent testing and refinement if you want to achieve long-term success with your SEO efforts. What steps do you need to take today to make sure your contractor's website remains visible?

Local SEO for Contractors

If your looking into how you can improve your website rankings, generate more traffic and convert more visitors, this is the place you need to start. Here at Breakthrough Local SEO we can help you create a complete Local SEO Strategy, including a comprehensive KW Research Report. As part of our Local SEO Services, we offer ongoing Local SEO Services and Ad-Hoc Services as requested.

Visit our previous post on Local SEO for Contractors

The State of Local Search 2023

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 23:52:31 GMT

The State of Local Search 2023 by BrightLocal

We just got done watching a great podcast from BrightLocal Hosted by Claire Carlise, a Local SEO Expert on-staff.

Joined by her guests they held The State of Local Search 2023

Joy Hawkins from Sterling Sky
Ben Fisher from Steady Demand
Amanda Jordan from RicketyRoo

The panel provided some very insightful takes on the Local SEO marketplace heading into 2023 and looking back at 2022.

The opening question was:

Wild predictions for 2023 and the guests quick takes?

One of the hot topics in the digital marketing world and growing into the general population is AI and content creation. There's a popular platform called ChatGPT3 right now many people are experimenting with and implementing that into their processes or workflows.

The general thread from all the guests was around this new AI and how it will likely be abused and how it can actually be useful as well. They go through different use cases of this AI tool and other AI tools throughout the podcast. Both cases it can come in handy and those places you want to avoid AI.

We felt it was a fun introduction and an accurate perspective for what we see in the Local SEO marketplace going into 2023.

The next question was around 2022 and what the guests saw had the biggest impact in Local Search in 2022.

The guests discuss several things one of the highlights I feel joy brought to the table was dating back to the very end of 2021 pushing into 2022 the vicinity update how important that was and really the impacts that had on a business really shrinking their radius the business performs well in, within the local search results.

Amanda saw that in 2022 Google business profile seemed to experience a lot of breakage over seemingly unimportant factors as a user might change one small thing and the whole listing gets suspended. She gets further into that through this discussion.

Ben’s perspective was renewed emphasis on quality citations. As funny as that may sound, by getting back to the basics and making sure the foundation was solid he saw great success within many industries in 2022. Ben had several big impactful areas to discuss from the name change of Google My Business to Google Business Profile. Also, the new user interface which is an in-search experience. Along with the emergence of video in the SERPS and the importance of having good video content.

The next topic was what change did they make in their processes, and their agencies that had the most impact in 2022?

Joy, with Sterling Sky, had great insights into her process finding a huge impact in creating specific playbooks per industry. As different factors affect different industries and don’t seem to influence other. These playbooks can differentiate the important elements per industry allowing her to more efficiently serve her clients.

Amanda with RicketyRoo, felt really diving into the architecture of her site and the internal linking gave her big wins in 2022.

Ben seems to have a wealth of knowledge and experience around Local Search AD’s and listed that as an impactful factor for his clients in 2022.

Claire went on to ask the guests what surprised them the most in 2022.

Ben, to the amusement of the guests, brought back citations and how he has seen impact from not only local citations, but the big citation sources as well. He went on to clarify his citation process happens at the beginning giving his campaign a bit of a boost and we think that's exactly how it should work.

Joy has been busy, doing a lot of research and testing around links. The effects of links on the organic search results v.s. the local Google algorithm, and showing up in the map listings. She mentioned she was going to release a finding on this, possibly later this year. It sounded very interesting, and we are eagerly waiting for that to come out.

Amanda, brought up technical SEO and the importance of that from a Local SEO perspective And has some great resources available on the technical side, technical SEO is how she got started and we look forward to checking her information out also.

Then the group talks tips and tricks of managing the new Google Business Profile user interface.

the In-Search editing features came seemingly overnight to many business owners and agencies alike. The general consensus around the new user interface is not positive, but they all agree it's not going away, so we better get used to it.

Ben's number one tip for the new UI is do not hit the remove this profile button, it will permanently delete the profile from all users.

Joy brought up a positive with the new insights tab which has improved. also the appointment URL's moved over to the bookings section and where you can go at this point anyhow to manage photos your photo library within Google My Business.

The Future of Local SEO in 2023.

Not surprisingly content AI has taken over the discussion, it's huge in the industry right now. A thread among the guests was how AI might work well with SEO, will it replace different aspects of SEO.

Furthermore, the impact on other industries as AI grows technology improves. I agree with the consensus of this group. Artificial intelligence written content is not going to replace good quality content. Content written for the user from a unique perspective and from an authoritative figure in that subject. it can help create fantastic content, but that content needs to be shepherded along the path to completion.

Claire's question to the group was, how much can we seriously see this AI technology impact local SEO and their workflows?

Ben answered this question with the classic SEO response, “it depends”, lol. He continues to say, tread carefully, try to look into the future predicting what Google will do with the type of content you're producing. Rather than is the content is AI generated or human generated.

Amanda expressed caution on the usage of it for content. She stated it was a useful tool not a replacement for a quality content writer. That this tool should be one of many in the toolbox used to create the overall content piece.

Joy had a different underlying sentiment about AI. She cautiously believes, it's a very helpful tool in doing her job as an assistant. Definitely not a replacement and she sees that as its most effective use right now.

Claire pushed on with a question asking what AI should be used for in local search of 2023?

Joy quickly responded use it as a tool to get unstuck in your SEO process don't use it as a tool to drive your SEO process.

Amanda mentioned having a good it was great for a good jumping off point in your process. If you're sitting there pondering where to start, there are some good use cases around AI and generating creative ideas for you to build upon.

Ben was a little more cautious with his use of AI said he isn't implementing much with it at this point. But he has been doing a lot of testing. He goes through and shows some of his tests that he's done with AI generated content on different websites answering different questions etc.

The group then continues to discuss Local SEO, and a new platform Apple rolled out called Apple Business Connect, what this might mean for the local market.

The consensus is that it's Apples attempt of making a map directory or a business directory like that of Google My Business/Google Business Profile. However much like Bing it lacks a lot of functionality at this point. As well, it’s a new platform with low usage so there's not a big impact at this point. However, having your Apple Business Connect profile secure and verified was important. As they're already starting to see spammers engage in unsightly tactics.

The next question Claire posed was the biggest learning from 2022 to carry into this year 2023?

Amanda responded by saying don't just rely on the talking heads the industry leaders that you hear and their processes and what they say works. Get out there and test new things and see if those also drive an impact for you and your clients’ websites.

Joy mentioned one of the biggest learning lessons for her in 2022 which she's going to carry into this year is not to neglect the actual result pages from search. the layout of these pages consistently changes which could dramatically impact the conversion rates for you and/or your client. so it's important to maintain a current view and analyze the different elements Google is displaying for each industry.

Ben brought up a classic point look at SEO from the consumer perspective, back like they used to in 1995. I think he was referring to before SEO “Professionals” took over the industry and spammed the search results trying to trick the algorithms. Those tactics are built upon pleasing the algorithm rather than pleasing the consumer, and often end up in poor quality websites or content.

Google's ultimate goal is to serve the best quality content, specific to the user’s intent of their search. Mass AI content creation directly goes against the end goal of Google. While Google is not always quick, they are diligent in catching that type of content, eventually penalizing it and the site it sits on.

2023 Local Marketing Marketing Confidence

They took a quick halftime and brought out Sammy Paget from BrightLocal, to give us an overview of a inaugural Local Marketing Confidence Survey for 2023 . This survey contains great information and is worth the read. Some of the key points in the survey

54% of local businesses plan on increasing marketing budgets in 2023.
76% of agencies slash freelancers plan on adding new services.

we thought those were interesting statistics there's many more within this survey that recap the landscape of local SEO and how both business owners and agencies are viewing the coming year

Question & Answers

After this fantastic recap by Sammy they dove into a Q&A session, where they explored numerous questions with fantastic insights some of those questions were given.

· Does putting your keyword in the name help improve your ranking position for your Google Business Profile

· As a service area business is it best practice to have one location listing or have multiple location listings across a greater metropolitan area

· Is there a good strategy for removing fake reviews? Unfortunately, the short answer to that is there's not a great strategy. There are things to try there is no guarantee, as is often the case with Google.

· one of the concluding questions however slightly funny being SEO's don't like to give out their secrets was the top five ranking factors for a website in 2023

We all know SEOs don't like to share their secrets, but here's a funny question to end the Q&A

what are the top five ranking factors for websites in 2023?

It's a great question, and one that's sure to spark some lively discussion.

Some of their answers included.

Internal linking
Proximity
Category Selection
On-Page SEO
Links
Reviews
Business Name

Ben brought back up LSA or Local Search ADs and the impact he is seeing with them in 2023.

Wrapping it up

Overall, we thought this was a really great podcast produced by BrightLocal, The State of Local search 2023, gave a good overview of where the market's at, where it came from, and where we see it going.

Here at Breakthrough Local SEO we utilize several SEO tools one of important tool to us, from a local SEO perspective, is BrightLocal. It helps us manage our clients overall local SEO presence building a strong brand and helping them attract and convert more clients.

visit our website to learn more about what we do and contact us to find out how we can help you be successful in what you do.

Website Development Plan

kevin@breakthroughlocal.com (Kevin Kirby) — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 01:56:20 GMT

Tips For An Effective Website Development Project

As a leading Local SEO Company in Portland, Oregon. We often start working with clients through a website development request. Building a website can be a time-consuming project, especially without the proper guidance. While having your website developed correctly can have a major impact on your SEO efforts and your success in future online marketing efforts. Making it important for you to develop a web design project plan.

Developing a website is a big investment of time and resources, and it is important to ensure that the website will meet the needs of its intended audience and achieve its desired goals. Proper research is a crucial step in the website development process as it helps to identify the target audience, understand their needs and preferences, and determine the goals of the website.

Before we begin working with a client, we take them through a series of questions, discovering some key data to incorporate into the new website. In addition to what the client provides, we conduct an extensive audit on the company and the competitors in the market. This helps us develop a solid framework to begin our project.

Here are some important topics we discuss with our clients to help facilitate our discovery.

Company History
Target Audience
Current Online Presence
Future Online Goals
Timelines

Define Company

It’s important to define your company; its history, what inspired them to start their business and where they see it going. The company’s vision and mission and U.V.P. are important in a website helping to ensure that the website aligns with the overall goals and objectives of the organization.

A clear vision and mission can provide a framework for decision making and guide the development of the website in a way that supports the company's overall web design and SEO strategy .

A company's vision is its long-term, aspirational goal, often encapsulating what the company wants to achieve or become in the future. It should be a statement of purpose that inspires and motivates employees and stakeholders. Having a clear vision allows the company to set clear goals and objectives for the website and ensure that it supports the company's overall strategy.

A company's mission, on the other hand, is a statement of its purpose, outlining what the company does and for whom. It defines the company's products, services, and target audience, and helps to guide the development of the website in a way that meets the needs of the target audience.

Having a clear vision and mission also helps to ensure that the website is aligned with the company's brand. A company's brand is its reputation, and it is important that the website reflects the company's values, personality, and message. A company's vision and mission can provide a framework for creating a consistent brand message across all touchpoints, including the website.

Just as important in this discovery is the companies Unique Value Proposition (UVP), which is a statement that clearly communicates the unique benefit that a company's products or services provide to its customers. It differentiates a company's offerings from its competitors and is a key factor in attracting and retaining customers.

Defining a company's UVP and communicating it effectively on the website is important because it helps to ensure that the website is focused on the unique value that the company provides to its customers. This can help to attract targeted prospects who are looking for a specific solution or benefit and increase the likelihood of converting them into paying customers.

Having a clear UVP also helps the company to differentiate itself from its competitors and stand out in a crowded market. A UVP can be used to highlight the specific advantages of a company's products or services, such as better quality, reputation, lower price, or faster delivery.

Define Target Audience

The first step in proper research is identifying the target audience . This includes understanding the demographics, such as age, gender, and location, as well as the interests and habits of the audience. For example, if the website is for a local business, it would be important to understand the demographics of the local area and the interests and habits of the target audience in that area.

Here is a list of common attributes to define:

General Demographic information (age, gender, education, location, income, etc.)
Ideal Client – who is your ideal client (who, what, where, when)
Client Behavior – (why) (habits, likes, dislikes, wants, desires, fears, etc.…)

Once the target audience is identified, it is important to understand their needs and preferences. This can be done through user research, such as conducting surveys or focus groups, or through analysis of existing data, such as website analytics. User research can provide valuable insights into the needs and preferences of the target audience, such as the types of products or services they are looking for, and how they prefer to navigate and interact with a website.

Once the target audience, their needs and preferences are understood, you can develop a website to meet that ideal persona exactly when and where they will need you, enticing them to convert.

Evaluate Current Website

Identifying the things that you don't like about your current website and online presence along with examples of what you do like is an important step in the website development process. This helps to ensure that any changes or improvements that are made to the website will address the issues that are currently causing problems and will enhance the aspects of the website that are currently working well.

One of the key things to consider when identifying the things you don't like about your current website, is the user experience . This includes aspects such as the website's navigation, layout, typography, fonts, whitespace, and overall design. For example, if the website's navigation is confusing or the color makes it difficult to use, this can make it difficult for visitors to find the information they are looking for and may lead to a high bounce rate.

Another important thing to consider is the website's content . This includes the types of information that is provided on the website, as well as how the information is presented. For example, if the website's content is outdated or irrelevant, this can make it difficult for visitors to find the information they are looking for and may lead to lower conversion.

Additionally, it is important to consider the website's performance and functionality . This includes aspects such as the website's load time, responsiveness, and SEO. For example, if the website takes too long to load, this can lead to a high bounce rate and may result in poor user experience.

We also ask clients to send a few examples of websites they really like and what they like about those specific websites. We encourage them to send over as much information as possible, helping us formulate a web design that is user-friendly, responsive, functional, and SEO-friendly.

Define Target Audience

Here is a list of common attributes to define:

General Demographic information (age, gender, education, location, income, etc.)
Ideal Client – who is your ideal client (who, what, where, when)
Client Behavior – (why) (habits, likes, dislikes, wants, desires, fears, etc.…)

Once the target audience, their needs and preferences are understood, you can develop a website to meet that ideal persona exactly when and where they will need you, enticing them to convert.

Evaluate Current Website

New Website Goals

Defining the website's primary and secondary goals is an important step in the web design process because it helps to ensure that the website is designed to meet the specific needs of the target audience and achieve the desired outcomes. This can help to improve the website's overall effectiveness and increase the likelihood of your online success.

Primary goals are the main objectives that the website is designed to achieve. These goals will vary depending on the purpose of the website, such as promoting a product or service, providing information, or facilitating communication. It is important to ensure that the website is designed to meet these primary goals effectively, such as by providing clear and easy-to-use navigation, relevant content, and appropriate calls-to-action.

Secondary goals are additional objectives that the website is designed to achieve. These goals may be less critical than the primary goals but are still important to the overall success of the website. Examples of secondary goals may include increasing brand awareness, building a community, or promoting a specific event.

Here are some common website goals to consider in your website development RFP (Request For Proposal):

Educating and informing prospective buyers about your products/services
Selling products/services
Building brand awareness
Generating more online sales
Providing thought-leadership content to attract potential investors

Once the primary and secondary goals are defined, it is important to incorporate them into the web design process. This includes using the defined website goals to guide the development of the website's structure, layout, and functionality.

New Website Functionality

Functionality requirements can vary, but some to consider in your web development project are:

Blog
SEO strategy
Mobile responsiveness
Sticky menu navigation
CRM integration
Live chat
New Letter
Landing Pages
Social Media
Icons
Buttons
Forms
Store locator
Integrated Map
Internal search feature
Downloadable files
Video Uploads
Tools

A key question to ask your self is what will your new website need to facilitate and how do you want that to happen?

Web Development Timelines

Setting a clear timeline is important because it helps to ensure that the website is completed on schedule and within budget . It also helps to keep the project on track and ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the progress and any potential issues.

A clear website development timeline should include key milestones, such as the completion of design, development, testing and launch. It should also include deadlines for deliverables from all parties, such as wireframes, mockups, final design files, images, and content requirements.

Having a clear website development timeline can help to ensure that the project stays on schedule and that everyone stays aware of the progress. It can also help to identify and resolve any potential issues before they become a major problem. This can help to reduce delays and minimize the risk of the project going over budget.

Portland Oregon Website Developer

Developing an effective website and online presence is a priority for many savvy business owners here in Portland, Oregon. Following the tips provided will help you craft a great website development plan. A clear plan for your project will help you ensure success.

Contact Breakthrough Local SEO, a Portland based Web Design and SEO Marketing Company to help develop your next great website.

SEO Services in Portland Oregon

kevin@breakthroughlocal.com (Kevin Kirby) — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 06:45:22 GMT

Portland SEO Service

SEO Services for business owners in Portland can be tough to find, or at least tough to find an effective SEO Company. That’s because many SEO companies rely on methods that simply don’t work or have a short-lived benefit. If you want to be successful, you need to build your brand presence and reputation with an SEO expert. Along with a website developed with the standard SEO best practices.

At Breakthrough Local SEO , we approach this with a set of SEO services, offered as our Local SEO package designed to increase search results, bring in leads and help conversations.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a crucial part of any digital marketing strategy, and it's especially important for local business owners. Local SEO is a specific branch of SEO that focuses on helping local businesses rank higher in search engine results pages (serp) for their specific geographic area. By optimizing for local search, businesses can increase visibility and attract more customers in their local community.

On top of ranking higher than your competition in organic search, businesses need to build trust and an all-around brand presence through their online marketing efforts. Here at Breakthrough Local SEO, we help companies gain visibility while simultaneously building their reputation. This increases credibility in the eyes of potential clients, leading to higher ctr, higher conversion and a better experience.

On-Site SEO

On-site SEO is the process of optimizing a website to rank higher in search engine results. This includes optimizing elements such as title tags, meta descriptions, and header tags, as well as ensuring that the website is mobile-friendly and loads quickly. Some best practices for on-site SEO include including keywords in title tags and meta descriptions, using header tags appropriately, and optimizing images by including alt tags.

Local Map Listings

Local map listings refer to a business's presence on map-based platforms like Google Maps, Bing and Apple Maps. These listings provide customers with important information such as a business's address, phone number, and hours of operation. Beyond the basic information, having an active presence on these platforms is important for a successful campaign.

Review Management

Reputation management is the process of strategizing, promoting, monitoring, and responding to customer reviews of your business on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook. Positive reviews can improve your business's local search visibility, while negative reviews can harm it. To improve your review management, be sure to respond to both positive and negative reviews in a timely manner, and work to resolve any issues that customers bring up in their reviews.

Citation Management

A citation refers to any instance where a business's NAP is listed online. These listings can include directories, social media platforms, and other websites. Citation management refers to the process of ensuring that a business's NAP is consistent and accurate across all these platforms. This helps improve your local SEO and makes it easier for customers to find your business.

Link Building

Link building is the process of acquiring links from other websites to your own. Search engines like Google use links to determine the authority and credibility of a website, so having a good number of high-quality links can improve your search visibility. For local link building, seek out links from local directories, chambers of commerce, and other business organizations in your area.

Local SEO is an effective way to increase visibility and attract customers in your local community as most consumer journeys start online. "Over 76% of people who search from their smartphones for something nearby visit a business within a day ".

Portland SEO Agency

Our SEO Campaigns start with an SEO audit of your existing page and online content, leading to keyword research and strategies that are centered around your company's goals. We setup reporting for each client to help track the changes in rankings and reviews.

By focusing on On-site SEO, Local Map Listings, Review Management, Citation Management, and Link Building, local business owners can improve their search visibility, trust, and drive more traffic to their website. With a solid Local SEO strategy in place, businesses can reach more of the people most likely to become customers and grow their business in a sustainable way.

At Breakthrough Local SEO , we offer web design & development, PPC, & SEO services to a wide range of industries across the greater Portland area. Our Local SEO Service is a cost-effective form of online advertising helping take the lead generation burden off your team. If you want to get more customers and increase your reputation online, contact us today and see how we can help.

Local SEO for Contractors

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 15:15:00 GMT

Why Local SEO is Essential for Home Improvement Contractors

If you're a home improvement contractor, you know that your business relies on a good flow of leads. There are fewer better ways than Local SEO to help generate a consistent lead flow and build your brand's reputation and credibility.

That's because customers searching for home improvement contractors in their area are more likely to find you online with a strong business presence and act if they trust you.

So, if you want to stay competitive, ensuring your website and online presence are optimized for local search queries, Local SEO is essential. In this article, we'll show you how to optimize your website for Local SEO and explain the importance of it for your home improvement contractor business.

What is Local SEO?

Local SEO is a process for improving your website's ranking in local search engines (such as Google, Yahoo!, and Bing) by optimizing your website for locations where you have a significant presence.

This can be done by adding localized content, having consistent information across the internet, ensuring your site loads quickly, building links from high-traffic local pages, to your different web pages.

Additional services help manage your overall brands presence and reputation, ensuring credibility, building consumer trust, increasing conversion rates.

How does Local SEO work?

Local SEO involves optimizing your website for search engines within a specific geographic region. This will make it easier for people in that area to find and access your content (and possibly buy from you). Beyond your website it involves various map listings and company listings across the various online sources. Add on top review management services which helps you track, manage and improve your reviews online.

You can do this in a few different ways, there are plenty of DIY tutorials online for a business owner to try, they will cover everything from on-site SEO, off-site SEO, Link Building, Citations, Reviews and Map performances. Another more effective way is to higher a Local SEO Service to manage everything and grow your online lead systems.

The Importance of Local SEO for Home Improvement Contractors

Local SEO is essential for any home improvement contractor who wants to maximize online visibility. Not only does it help them rank higher in search engine results pages (SERP), but it also helps them attract more customers from the local area looking for their specific product or service in real-time.

● Increases Inbound Traffic: Since people tend to look for nearby businesses, having high rankings in your local area will automatically increase traffic. This leads to more sales and positive branding implications and can save you time and money on transportation costs.

● Enhances Your Overall Ranking: Higher ranking means increased exposure and potential business opportunities. As a result, your average customer will be much more likely to find you through Google or another search engine than if you were ranked lower.

● Creates More Opportunities for Cross-Selling And Upsells: Increased visibility often leads to customers requesting services that they might not have otherwise considered - like remodeling their kitchen instead of just buying supplies. By being able to offer these additional services at no extra cost, you're increasing your profits dramatically!

Benefits of Local SEO for Home Improvement Contractors

Local SEO is a great way to improve your visibility and ranking in local search results. You can significantly boost your business by concentrating on targeted keywords and relevant neighborhoods.

Here are some of the benefits of local SEO for home improvement contractors:

● Higher conversion rates - When potential customers find you online, they're more likely to click through to learn more about your services. This leads to higher sales volumes and better customer satisfaction ratings.

● Increased brand awareness - Your customers will start recognizing your name and logo in Google search results, which can lead them to visit your website or contact you directly via phone or email.

● Enhanced credibility - With good rankings in all the major search engines, visiting from outside your area may be less skeptical about choosing you as their contractor than if you don't have localized listings.

Local SEO isn't an easy or quick fix; it's an ongoing process that requires dedication and consistency over time. But with the right strategy in place, it can help you achieve significant gains in traffic and profits!

Tips for Getting started with Local SEO

There are many factors to consider when starting a local SEO campaign, and it can take time to know where to start. This article will discuss some tips for getting started with local SEO .

1) Do your research: When starting a local SEO campaign, it is essential to do your research. Know the keywords you want to rank for, understand the competition, and find out what search engines people are using in your area. This information will help you target your efforts more effectively.

2) Develop effective content: Your website's content is critical when ranking for specific keywords. Ensure each article focuses on one central topic and is well-written and engaging. It would help if you also ensured that your content is optimized for Google Search Engine results pages (SERP). By building high-quality content, you'll improve rankings and build trust with potential customers."

How Can Home Improvement Contractors Optimize their Websites for Local SEO?

If you are a home improvement contractor who wants to increase your visibility and reach, optimizing your website for local search is vital. By studying the current search engine trends and focusing on providing relevant content that meets the needs of your target audience, you can ensure that people find you when they are looking for services in your area.

Here are a few tips to help optimize your website for local SEO:

● Create detailed descriptions of all services offered. Include keywords throughout the text, including in headings and the body of each section. This will help you produce quality content that ranks well in search engines.

● Ensure all images used on your website are high resolution (at least 300 dpi) and appropriately tagged with keyword metadata. Use Alt tags if necessary to indicate which words should be interpreted as an image description instead of just being displayed without any information!

● Optimize titles and metatags to include important keywords. Try using Long Titles or Snippets along with rich snippets (especially for Google My Business listings). These will give users a better idea of what they're getting before clicking through to see more details.

● Regularly update content on your site, so it remains fresh and relevant - this helps keep visitors coming back time after time!

Tools and Resources for Optimizing your Website for Local SEO

Several tools and resources are available to help you optimize your website for local SEO. Here are just a few:

● Google Search Console: This tool allows you to track the results of your search engine optimization (SEO) efforts and see how different factors (such as localization, titles, meta descriptions, etc.) affect your website's ranking.

● Optimizely: Optimizely is one of the most popular tools for optimizing websites for Local SEO. It enables you to create automated tests and analyze their performance data to find optimizations that work best for your site.

● BrightLocal: Bright Local is another popular tool that helps you optimize your website for local SEO. It includes keyword discovery, competitor analysis, on-page optimization recommendations, social media integration options, and more. we use their platform to help manage our clients and provide reporting as needed. Check out our free Local SEO Audit and see how your business stacks up!

Types of Search Engines that Home Improvement Contractors should be aware of:

Contractors can use several different search engines to find information online. But which is the best choice for them?

Here are four types of search engines that home improvement contractors should be aware of:

1) Google - Google is the most popular search engine in the world, and it's been around for more than 20 years. It offers users various features, including advanced Boolean operators and synonyms.

2) Yahoo! Search - Yahoo! 's primary focus is on providing comprehensive results across multiple categories, so it's excellent for finding general information (like contract details or product reviews).

3) Bing - Bing has been growing in popularity over the past few years because it offers users a better experience searching for Chinese-language content. It also includes built-in filters and refines to help you find what you're looking for faster.

4) DuckDuckGo - DuckDuckGo doesn't track any personal data whatsoever (unlike some other major search engines), so it's ideal if you want to keep your privacy protected. This free service offers an alternative to more commercialized search engines, and its results are reliable and accurate.

More Tips and tricks to Improve your Rankings with Local SEO

There are many ways to improve your rankings with proper Local SEO techniques. Here are some tips to get you started:

● Add relevant keywords and phrases to your website's title, metadata, and content. This will help indexing engines find and rank your site more quickly.

● Optimize your images for search engine visibility. Ensure they're appropriately titled, sized, and optimized for keyword density. Use keyword variants in the file names if possible.

● Implement link-building strategies that link back to high-authority sites in your niche. Linking out from lower authority sites will have less impact because Google doesn't associate higher Authority Sites with poorer quality information (though it may still be worth doing).

● Conduct comprehensive local market research before investing time or money into online marketing- knowledge is powerful!

● Build your brands reputation with a review management process.

The best way to achieve the desired goal is to understand what factors are important and how they impact Local SEO. Then, you can optimize your campaign accordingly.

At Breakthrough Local , we use tested methods based on these factors to ensure that our client's local SEO campaigns get top rankings consistently. Call us at 503-382-8911 if you want us to kickstart your campaign today!

Google Business Profiles

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 04:05:59 GMT

Google Business Profile Management in 2023

A Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the most important tools a local business can implement in 2023, and its free for business owners to implement. While many businesses opt for a Local SEO Service to help manage and improve the performance of their profile, it is not necessary in all circumstances.

A broad range of industries can take advantage of this feature from Lawyers, doctors, chiropractors, restaurants, plumbers just to name a few. If you’re a local business with a real-world presence, either at your location or service customers at their location, you can likely qualify for this feature.

Not only does this help you connect with potential and current customers, but they also provide a detailed view of your company’s information. Making it even more important in 2023, to have and manage your Google business profile correctly.

In this article, we'll discuss the most important things you need to know about Google Business Profiles to stay ahead of the competition.

Over the last several months we have seen a big update with Google and their business profile interface. Now a business must manage their profile directly on search, while signed in. While many Local SEO providers have expressed their dislike for the update, all the features remain available to the users and for a single location user this interface tends to make things easier.

The importance of having a Google Business Profile

Having a Google Business Profile is highly beneficial for SEO purposes and a business’s overall visibility. With about 30% of clicks going to the top 3 listings in the Local Pack (google business profile map listings). Organic rankings are still important and garner around 40-50% of the clicks on a search results page.

A well-managed business profile will help you rank higher in organic search engine results, which translates to more organic traffic and leads. In addition, your business can be found faster when someone is looking for a specific product or service.

Lastly, having a Google business profile gives you credibility and allows potential customers to contact you directly through the platform's integrated features.

How to Get Started with Creating your Google Business Profile?

To get started with setting up your business online, first create a profile on Google by searching Google Business Profile in their search bar and following through to their website link.

They provide a simple step by step process, make sure you fill in your information accurately and completely. Google will require a verification and offers several methods for a business owner to do so.

This will allow you to easily manage your business account and track important metrics like customer reviews, google search results, and social media engagement.

Next, add photos of your storefront, product pages, and other important website pages onto your profile. This will help potential customers visualize what they're buying and make a more informed decision when making a purchase.

Make sure all the information in your profile is accurate, complete, and up to date to give customers the best possible experience when looking for your business online.

Tips on Managing and Updating your Google Business Profile:

You can take a few key steps to manage and update your Google business profile effectively.

First and foremost, make sure your profile is verified and kept current with the latest information. This includes everything from your website, blog, contact info, product releases, customer appreciations, service spotlights and more.

When you update your profile, use correct grammar and spelling, as Google considers these things when ranking you higher in search results.

You can also add videos, under 30 seconds, to help promote your business and better connect with potential customers. Plus, adding video content will help create an engaging customer experience that can result in more sales.

Once in awhile your profile may come under scrutiny either justly or from questionable actors online trying to cause havoc on your listing, and Google might "suspend" your profile until you address the concerns. If everything with your profile is within their policies, it is a simple fix by filling out their provided form.

The GBP team will email you and notify you of the appropriate steps to take. You can also research more about what to do, Google Business Profile Help .

How can I Make Sure my Google Business Profile is Updated and Current?

When you are signed in to your google account, search for your business name. This will bring up a results page like the one shown. As you can see you have several options available right there for you to make quick edits, view KPI’s, make updates and manage reviews.

Manage your company profile settings: You can control which users have access to your company details, what types of content they see on your page, and how often the page is updated.

Update product pages: Add new images, descriptions, prices, and SKUs, as well as make any necessary changes to shipping times or policies.

Update website content: Make sure all the relevant pages on your site are included like homepage / About Us / Team / Services, include any recent industry news articles that pertain to you or your business, and add social media links where applicable.

What are some Best Practices for Creating and Managing a Google Business Profile?

When it comes to creating and managing a Google Business Profile, one of the best practices is to use the correct account type if you own a business and register for a Google Business Profile using that account.

After your profile is created, make sure to update it regularly with the latest information about your business. This way, you can showcase the best representations of your business and services in a search engine results page (SERP) listing.

Additionally, be sure to include important terms (keywords) in the title and summary of your profile page so that search engines will find your profile and display results related to what you have listed.

Including high-quality images of your business environment, products, or services, and add descriptions that will help visitors understand what they are seeing.

Be engaging through content updates such as posts to show the public what’s new or about current sales or events.

Through all your efforts creating content and publishing it on your Google Business Profile, make sure and create CTA and offer visitors more information to explore.

How to Measure the Success of Your Google Business Profile?

Google is one of the most popular search engines in the world, and it's no surprise that many businesses use Google to find customers. However, measuring the success of your Google Business Profile can take time and effort. After all, what constitutes a successful profile?

One common measure of success is page views. This refers to how often people visit your website or blog from a search engine result page (SERP). Pageviews are useful because they indicate how well you're converting visitors into customers.

However, pageviews are just one metric you should focus on when measuring your Google Business Profile.

It would help if you also considered other metrics such as calls generated, messages, bookings, directions, and website clicks, all without any paid advertising.

These metrics are available for each profile under their performance tab and are an easy way to gauge your profiles success.

Another great way is to hire a Local SEO Agency to manage and report on your Google Business Profile, Website and more…

What should I put in my Business Profile on Google?

There's no doubt that a strong and well-crafted Business Profile is key in terms of online visibility. On Google, your profile represents your business - and you should ensure it reflects your brand's identity as seen in the real world. Remember not all businesses are eligible for a GBP, as its is focused on local businesses with a real-world presence. Make sure and review their policies and adhere to their policies.

Here are some tips for constructing an effective Business Profile on Google:

● Highlight essential info and show what makes your business unique on your Business Profile. Include information like phone number, operating hours, health & safety measures, etc., so customers know what to expect.

● Share photos (and other visual content), including a logo or photo of yourself or someone important in the company's history. This will help customers get to know you and feel confident about doing business with you.

● Write concise, informative descriptions that focus on specific aspects of your business, not just product categories or services offered. This will ensure that customers can quickly understand what they need from you and find relevant reviews helpful when making decisions about whether to go ahead with a purchase

How do I optimize my Google Business Profile 2023?

● Fully populate your profile.

● Fill in your business description.

● Keep your hours updated.

● Choose the right business categories.

● Select all applicable attributes.

● Verify your location or service area

● Connect profile with website (visa-versa).

● Stay active

● Highlight key services

● Local matters

The importance of having a solid Google Business Profile cannot be stressed enough. The profile plays a vital role in helping you get to the first page and acquire more customers.

At Breakthrough Local SEO , we offer all the necessary support to create and manage your profile from scratch. Call us at 503-382-8911 , or visit our website our home page to find out more.

On-Page SEO Tips

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 18:32:06 GMT

On-Page SEO Services

SEO Services can be classified as on-page or off-page both are important but on-page or on-site SEO is the foundation for a successful SEO campaign.

This post will discuss the basics of on-page SEO and a number of techniques you can implement right away for ranking improvements to your website or product page.

What is On-Page SEO

On-page SEO (on-site SEO) is the process of optimizing your websites or webpage content and code to help it perform better and rank higher in the various search engines such as Bing, FireFox, Duck Duck Go and Google.

How Do You Measure Your On-Page S.E.O.

There are numerous tools that measure on-page SEO and different metrics associated with each tool. Some of the industry standard platforms are Moz , SEMRush , SpyFU & Majestic . Each of these tools has their own metrics they use to evaluate a given website or web page. These tools along with many others allow you to track progress and competition in various ways, making for a great addition to any SEO toolbox.

Benefits of On-Page SEO

On-Site SEO has numerous benefits for any organization looking to grow their online presence or online driven sales.

A well optimized website allows the search engines to discover all the pertinent information in a quick and efficient manner giving their end-user the best results for their query. A good on-site optimization plan includes optimizations to the user experience as well as the search engine bots.

How to improve your On-Page SEO?

There are a couple very important on-page SEO factors to help improve your online rankings. On-site optimization is a continuous process with new updates rolling out across the search engines a few times per year. If you follow a few of these basics your webpage will have a great foundation.

Content

If you want your webpage to be worthy of ranking high in the search engine, you need “great” content. When we discuss content keep in mind there are several ways to display content. Some of those ways are rather obvious such as text, also images, videos and documents can be considered elements of content. In order for your content to be valuable it must be useful to the end-user, and it must be shareable.

Useful content

Content that answers a question or provides information an end-user would value can be considered useful.

Shareable

Content needs to be sharable allowing others to send your content online or hyperlink back to your content when applicable.

The content should always be unique, delivering new information or information in a different way to the end-users. The content on your website should not only be accessible to the user but the search engine Bots, or crawlers, as well. Allowing the search engine to find, understand and rate your content. Highly rated content is specific to its purpose, focused on 1-2 keywords or search terms. It should be easy to navigate with related articles or sources linked to from within.

Title Tags

Having a well optimized title tag is very important. The title tag is often your first impression with an end-user. This is what shows up in the Search Engine Results Page (SERPs), web browsers and some social networks.

Your title tag should be a concise description of your page that elicits the end-user’s response. You only get so many characters to describe your webpage, around 50-60 characters is best practice. Those characters not only tell the search engines details but the end-user what your site is about and why they should take act.

URL Structure

URL has an impact on your on-page SEO efforts as well. When choosing a URL make sure it is relevant and structured correctly. Along with good structure the URLs of your website should be interlinked in a systematic manner allowing the search engine bots and users alike to discover more content related to their search and your website.

Structured

Good Structure example www.mysite.com/category/product or www.mysite.com/service/sub-service

Interlinking

While linking to your different pages in the menu is helpful it is not enough to optimize your website and tell the user and Bots how thigs are related. Your interlinking strategy largely depends on the goals of your website and the journey you plot for the user. No matter if you want to funnel everything up to your home page or down into more specific pages, you want the links to flow naturally and cover the whole site in most cases.

Alt Text

The Alt text is a bit of descriptive text you can attach to your images, videos and website elements that further define the content. This is a great place to not only appropriately label your elements but provide useful information to the search engines and users.

On-Site SEO Portland Oregon

When you put all this together you have a great start to a fully optimized website or webpage.

Relevant to a specific topic (product or service)
Properly use Keywords in Title, Descriptions, URL & Alt text
Give value in the form of unique content
Be structured clear and concise
Interlinked pages
Use alt text to provide value

For more information about our Portland SEO Services - Contact us directly.

Check us out on DesignRush and their top local seo agencies .

3 Focuses of a Successful SEO Strategy

Sat, 27 Nov 2021 20:47:21 GMT

SEO Services for Portland area Businesses

SEO Services by Breakthrough Local SEO in Portland Oregon improves your website's online visibility driving top line growth. Unlike other marketing methods, SEO focuses on organic search traffic. Its focus is to generate more direct, unpaid traffic to your site. Through various methods, SEO can boost your site's visibility on search engines, increase its traffic, and attract new customers.

3 SEO Focuses

· Content

· On-page

· Off-page

Content Focused SEO Services

Content is ultimately what is going to set your website apart. Content can be displayed in various ways, not always visual text. Images are content and can hold numerous bits of content within them. It’s important that your content is unique, authoritative, and well optimized.

Optimizing your content both on your website and off-site is important for your website's ranking. Search engines look for well-structured pages. By optimizing the headings, you can make your website look more attractive to search engines. For instance, you can use bolding or italicized text in your text. If you're focusing on video content, you can also use bullet points. These techniques will help you make your content more visually appealing. It will also increase the amount of time visitors spend on your site.

Breakthrough Local SEO services will help you achieve your website's goal and attract new customers on auto pilot. First, it will optimize your website by making it search engine friendly. Along with creating great content that will help people find you easily and engages your customer. It's a win-win situation. The more people use your website and the longer they stay, the higher your page ranking will be.

On-Page SEO Services

Another part of our SEO service includes On-Page SEO, which is the process of optimizing content, structure, and data to increase its ranking in search engines. It includes several components: page title, page content, meta-description, and linking structure. Using the right keywords is important for achieving a high ranking, but the first two are more important than the others. In addition, you should ensure that your website is a well-designed user-friendly site.

Tip** Meta description. You should include your targeted keyword at the beginning of the description. This will help you increase your website's rankings in search engines. On-page SEO is essential to boost your website's ranking in SERPs. If you want your website to be ranked higher in SERPs, you should consider meta-descriptions. In addition, you should consider your site's setup in terms of keywords and how they are used.

Off-Page SEO Services

Off-page optimization includes, guest posting, backlinking, promoting and social media exposure. By optimizing your website, you can get more traffic from search engines. However, off-page SEO involves optimizing other websites on the importance of your website attracting new customers and online attention.

Off-page optimization is a crucial part of SEO. While on-page optimization is important for a website's visibility, "it's not sufficient in and of itself" SEO Newcastle . A good SEO company will use SEO tools and help find new opportunities for exposure. This strategy can help you improve, if done correctly, your site's visibility on search engines such as Google and their local map. In addition to this, they can improve your website's traffic by implementing an off-page strategy.

Another important aspect of an SEO service is the backlink profile they build for your website. This SEO technique focuses on building links and authority among other websites. If you're looking for an effective SEO Service, make sure They are offering quality link or signal building services, like Breakthrough Local SEO.

These are just a few basics of an effective SEO Strategy, Keep following as we go more in depth or contact us now to see how our SEO Services can help your business.

SEO 101- What you need to know

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 05:44:03 GMT

What you need to know about Search Engines.

The SEO industry is constantly changing and evolving. Algorithm updates happen often, such as the June update. Search engine optimization strategies must change to keep up with the times. The future of SEO is something that many people wonder about to prepare their business for success. In this blog post, we will answer common questions around SEO and Google's Algorithm.

What is Google's algorithm and how does it work?

The algorithm is a set of instructions that Google uses to rank websites in search results. It was originally created by computer engineers and programmers, but since then it has been improved and refined over time to create the complex algorithms we see today.

The goal is for users to find what they are looking for while also providing them with more relevant information about their query - such as other searches or related content found on the page. Recent updates have focused on relevance, quality signals, personalization features like AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) and social media integration.

How to optimize your site for search engines

There are many factors involved in creating an effective SEO campaign: keyword research; site structure and design; backlinks from authoritative sources all help googles algorithm understand what your site is about and when and where to show it on the Search Engine Results Page.

On-site SEO is the process of designing and developing your website to best perform on the various search engines.

The two main goals for on-site optimization are to get your most important keywords onto the front page of Google search results and to make it as easy as possible for people to find what they are looking for.

There is no point in investing time, money, and effort into an SEO campaign if you have not first done your research and properly setup your website.

How to use keywords effectively in content marketing

Choosing the right key words for your business is one of the most essential aspects in optimizing content marketing.

The best way to use keywords effectively is to ensure that you are using them appropriately, where appropriate means not too much or over stuffing it with keywords and not too little as well.

A couple types of Keywords to keep in mind and use throughout your website copy include Main Keywords, Longtail Keywords (LSI Keywords)

Main Keyword

A Main Keyword is a single keyword phrase that will act as the primary focus of your content.

For example, if you are writing an article about “summer vacation ideas” then summer and vacation would be your main key words.

Longtail Keyword

A Longtail Keyword (LSI keyword) is a phrase that contains two or more words and generally is not as popular as Main Keywords.

For example, if you were writing an article about “summer vacation ideas” then the LSI keyword would be family friendly activities for summer vacations.

Ways to make sure you are not penalized by Google

1)Check Google Search Console for any warnings or errors.

2) Try searching for your website by the exact name.

3) Check your Google Analytics console for a sudden drop in traffic.

Tips for getting links from other sites on the internet

Offer a content upgrade of the post they shared to their followers/subscribers (e.g., an infographic, PDF) in exchange for sharing your article with them.

Create or curate list posts that will appeal to bloggers who are writing about related topics and offer reciprocity by including links back to those sources within your article. Add something new every week so people do not notice you're doing it all at once.

Find influencers on social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter who have a large following of people interested in similar topic areas and ask if they would share your information with their audience because they "would love the content". Keep track of what you do each day until you see results.

The importance of using google analytics

It is imperative you analyze your data showcasing what works best for you and what does not.

-Measure the key metrics like traffic, bounce rate, new visits etc to see what is driving visitors to your site.
This way you can figure out the best keywords that will generate more traffic for your site.
Analyze if there are any gaps in what people want to find and fill them with content they will love!

Benefits of using google analytics:

Find out how well a certain post performs against others when it comes to social media or search engine rankings, which posts drive new visitors to your site etc.
It gives insight into where customers come from so you know who is coming back and who isn’t coming back as much. It also lets you see what country or region they live in which helps tailor marketing campaigns accordingly.

Local SEO Audit

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 06:36:36 GMT

What does our Local SEO Audit report show?

We offer Local SEO Services for business across all industries, from professional services such as dental or legal to home service companies and brick & mortar companies of all types.

Our Local SEO Audit will check 6 key components of Local SEO. Consider this a health check-up for your online presence with an easy-to-understand report, highlighting areas for improvement.

Our reporting platform starts with this Local SEO Audit and allows any business to run a “website health check”. For our clients we offer a Local SEO dashboard giving them transparency into our progress and local SEO agencies efforts.

The 6 most impactful areas a business can focus on for an optimal web presence, enjoying the full benefits of a Local SEO Service.

Links & Authority
Organic Ranking
Local Listings
Reputation Management
Google My Business
On-Site SEO

Links & Authority

Links are one of the most important ranking factors for a business. A backlink or “link” occurs when another website links back to your website. Keep in mind not all backlinks are created equal in the eyes of Google and other search engines.

While there was a day when you could buy 1000 or 5000 backlinks from spammy SEO services and they would actually work! Those days are long gone, thankfully.

A great backlink profile in Local SEO has not only a good quantity of backlinks but links from trusted sources, industry specific and from sources as local as possible.

Our report will use a couple industry leading software platforms to gather and calculate your backlink profile and authority. While there are numerous tools on the market that we use to cross reference our websites. This is a great overview and starting point for any local business.

Organic Ranking

The organic rankings of your website are still especially important to your overall SEO strategy. While we see Google and the other Search Engines put more ads and map listings above the organic website positions, these positions still hold tremendous value.

Many consumers skip right over the ads and map listings and scout the 1 ^st page of the SERPS for the best local website. This is where you want to be, showing your local dominance.

Our Local SEO Audit will look at your top 5 Keywords and how your website ranks across Google, Google Mobile, Google Maps, Bing & Bing Local. All this information in an easy-to-read format that shows your position and your map position.

Local Listings

Your local listings are particularly important to your overall success in Local SEO. These listings can be found in directories across the internet and should have consistent Name Address & Phone (NAP).

This is another Local SEO area that has changed over the last 5-7 years. Recently the importance of having consistent quality listings over quantity has increased exponentially.

Our Local SEO Audit will look at your businesses NAP across the top 20 website directories. The report will quickly show if your listing is found, claimed, consistent or has errors.

This report makes it easy for you to identify which listings you need to log-in and fix or create. While this can be exhilarating work, if your just too busy, we can take all the stress out of the process and help. Contact us to find out more about our Citation Management Services.

Reputation Management

Social Media and other review sites present a unique opportunity for businesses to prove themselves before ever interacting with a consumer. Most consumers are digital warriors scanning the internets various sites to research a problem or find a solution.

When it comes to your business, they can easily see how well established your business is, what it offers, what other people are saying about it and how you respond to your audience.

That is a whole lot of information! How can a business owner who wears too many hats already manage all these channels? The first step is to know what platforms are important and that your business is listed. Then you want to gain reviews, monitor your listings, and interact with your consumers.

The Local SEO Audit, your about to run, will identify 5 top review sites and if your company is listed along with the average star rating. Additionally, it will show you your last 10 reviews across these websites.

This report gives you the insights needed to start professionally managing your online reputation. Reviews are one of the biggest deciding factors for consumers when evaluating who to call. As well they hold more and more importance in your local map rankings.

Gaining new reviews can be a challenge or can feel out of your control, after all you want honest reviews not a bunch of fake garbage ones you bought online.

The best way to get reviews is through engagement. Rather that is asking for them on-site or in a professional follow-up process. The outreach process can become a time drain for many business owners. Contact us to find out how we can help set-up a review gathering machine.

Google My Business

The free listing you can set-up through Google My Business is a central piece in your online success. This listing is the most important for any business to get setup and verified. This is where you can reply to reviews you get on Google and so much more.

While setting this listing up is free, optimizing it correctly is vital to your success. Your local SEO Audit will show you the key metrics in your listing and the top 10 competitors. This insight allows you to compare the top 10 map listings, their key metrics vs yours, and what adjustments you might want to make to rank better.

Showing you if the listing is verified, quantity of photos, review count, average star rating and main category. These metrics provide a great benchmark for your Google Business listing and the competitive landscape.

This Local SEO Audit gives limited data, which is insightful and useful, our clients have access to a much more in-depth report, showing their map ranking across 5 main Keyword’s and in-depth analysis of their Google My Business Profile. Contact us to find out more!

On-Site SEO

The on-site portion of the Local SEO Audit is detailed overview of the technical SEO of your website.

Google is continuously updating their algorithm to provide for a better consumer experience. These updates make it important for an SEO agency and business owner to monitor the technical requirements of each update and if their website is compliant or up-to date.

Some of the recent updates have made mobile indexing more important, while page load speed is increasing in importance. A big update is schedule to come out in the next couple months making your websites page load speed even more important!

How do you keep up, this report is a great starting point. It will list off the main technical SEO aspects and any errors on your website. If there are errors found, it will show you what page those are on and what type of error. This gives you the ability to log-in and fix your technical SEO page by page.

If you’re like the rest of our clients, you have better things to do with your time than figure out the technical SEO of your website. Let us help get your website dialed in, you can sip a cold one monitoring our progress along the way.

Stay tuned for highlights of our client platform coming soon!

Jump back to our home page and find out more about us here

Local SEO Guide

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 04:39:35 GMT

Local SEO

If you’re a local business, brick and mortar and/or service orientated, you need to be thinking Local SEO.

Through a unique process of search engine optimization, Local SEO drives connections to potential customers in your geographical area at the right time in the right place.

We consider, this type of Search Marketing, Local SEO, to be the cornerstone of any local marketing strategy.

Why Local SEO?

Over half of searches on google are for local information or services. From local plumbers to a great local Mexican restaurant, people are searching every day for local businesses, just like yours.

Think the of the last time you needed to find a lawn care company, dentist or local shoe store.

Likely, you grabbed your smartphone or hopped on your desktop and searched for the needed service or product. You may have used a search term such as “lawn service near me” or “City+ Dentist” maybe "running shoe stores near me". Either way you likely told the device you wanted "something" Local.

These types of searches return local specific results on most search engines. Google being the most popular search engine, with other such as Bing still holding some ground.

Search Page Layout

No matter what search engine you are utilizing, likely, the results page will be laid out with "Paid Ads" on top, a "Map Listing" section and then the “organic search results”.

It is incredibly valuable to be positioned at the top of the page, and you will notice "paid ads" are almost always on the top and bottom of search result pages.

While paid ads are a great part of a larger, Local Marketing Strategy. When focusing on Local SEO we want to look at the “Map Listings” and the “Organic Results”

Local SEO = Long-term ROI

Local Business = Big Leverage

Having a “Local Business” is big leverage within communities as we see a growing trend across the US towards buying local.

Here in Boise we have a huge affinity for supporting local products and locally owned businesses. Rightfully so as us local business owners care about and want to serve our communities. Just as in the real world, you need to be leveraging "Local" online as well.

Much like in Boise that affinity for "local" is present across the west, Portland Oregon, Bend, Seattle and everywhere in between you will find local followings and buy local campaigns.

We as consumers like to get to know and support our neighbors. We like to stake a claim and show pride in our communities. We like quick responses and to find the closest business to serve our needs.

"near me" Search

The “near me” search is a great example of this. I have to admit when I search I often type something like " service near me" or "service+city" which brings me the best local results.

In fact, when searching I often get a suggestion for the "near me" version of my search and click on it.

Evolution in Local SEO

As we as a society adopt more voice assistant technology Local search will be increasingly dependent upon these and other "semantic" search phrases. Phrases we would use more in a conversation, or with certain intent rather than specific words. Think about how you would ask your " Google Home " device or better yet your friend for something.

Local SEO Tips: non-technical stuff

Okay as a business owner you likely understand the importance of Local SEO and the effect it can have on your success. So where do you start and what should you do? As a top Boise Local SEO company, we have found the following areas to be a great place to start.

As with any Search Marketing campaigns, you need to do the basics really well and stay up to date with changes within the dreaded algorithms of Google, Bing and others.

Local Algorithms are a bit different than traditional. However, both try to serve their "customer" the searcher, the best results possible. In local search, location matters big time, relevancy, trust and authority.

These are overarching principles and the actual algorithm incorporates hundreds of factors which are proprietary to Google, Bing or the search engine being used.

Keeping the overarching principles (location, trust, relevancy, authority) in mind you can dramatically increase your rankings.

Below are some of the non-technical Local SEO tips to consider starting with.

Local Directories:

Local directories are important and having a consistent Name, Address, Phone (NAP) across all your listings will help ensure Google and other search engines don’t get mixed signals. Sending mixed signals lowers your overall rankings.

These might include a listing in your local chamber of commerce, BBB, Yelp, Four Square, Home Advisor, Local directories. You can usually find a number of directories in your city by searching "City+Directory".

There are 100's of directories in the US we recommend starting with local ones and adding others as you go.

tip: If you sponsor an event or non-profit in the area, you might be able to get them to mention you on their website.

Local Listings:

Google My Business , (GMB), is the most important listing you need to setup.

Take the time to create, verify and optimize this listing. Your NAP, should match that of all your other listings, down to the character.

This consistency builds your credibility within the algorithms allowing you to rank higher. Other optimization factors include setting up the appropriate categories, hours, social profiles and adding as many great pictures of your business as possible.

GMB allows you to create posts and engage with your customers. We recommend taking advantage of this feature. The posts stay active for a certain period of time. So, make sure to stay up to date and keep yourself visible.

Along with posts they have recently released a website builder which is incorporated in your GMB. This is a great feature to create another property on Google. It’s a simple process and the system populates your info from what it finds online. This makes it simple to create and publish within minutes.

You have the options to edit the website and add pictures/content to better describe your business. In our opinion it should not be a replacement to a traditional website. Rather another Google property you own and manage. As they say Google loves itself!

Social Profiles:

Your social profiles allow for a couple things. They help you build a Brand online, with multiple touch points across the web. They also allow you to put fantastic citations back to your business. This builds trust and prevalence among the search engines.

Maybe just as important they allow for interactions and increase awareness along which can bring traffic to your website and business.

FaceBook, Google+, Twitter, Pintrest and Snap Chat are well known platforms you should be on and utilizing for your local business. While others such as allignable and meetup are gaining traction on a local basis and great sites to consider.

Reviews:

Reviews across your social and local profiles allows not only the search engines but the customers know a bit more about your business. They are becoming more important in ranking factors, in our opinion. Also, as Social Proof. This social proof can turn a searcher into a customer.

Think of this, you are on a trip to Portland and looking for a great Italian restaurant for lunch. After grabbing your smartphone opening your google app and searching for the "best Italian restaurant near me".

A number of results are served, while you would love to try them all you only have time for the best. Likely, the restaurants with the best review stars or ratings will get your attention first.

From there you open the page with the best reviews, see photos of the restaurant which looks inviting and decide to try it out.

We all do, it is human nature to take into consideration the opinions of others while making a decision.

While there are many services which can help you gain reviews, there is still a lot you can do as a local business owner. Be aware google does have user guidelines "Contributions must be based on real experiences and information. Deliberately fake content, copied or stolen photos, off-topic reviews, defamatory language, personal attacks, and unnecessary or incorrect content are all in violation of our policy. If you see this behavior, please report it." Google Policy.

Google also has some tips on getting reviews, here , this has their top 3 suggestions. All of these suggestions will help with your Local SEO efforts.

First, is to ask your customers for reviews. Make it easy for them leave these reviews either on your smart device or desktop. Maybe you have a client list you could e-mail them requesting some honest feedback for your company.

Their next suggestion is to reply to the reviews you have gotten. This builds connections at the same time shows more about your business to the outsider looking in. With positive reviews a quick response may be appropriate. As well responding to reviews gives you the opportunity to address negative reviews in a positive manner.

Their last suggestion seems like a no-brainer. To ensure your listing is verified, only verified listings can reply to reviews. The truth is most businesses either do not have or have not verified all their business listings. So, take it to heart and make that a priority.

On-page Local SEO and Web Design:

Just like with traditional Search Engine Optimization it all starts with your website. It needs to be structured in an easy to navigate way across all device types.

Responsive design and Mobile friendly websites have been a best practice for a number of years and with the majority of searches conducted on smart devices with varying screen sizes, it is becoming a more prevalent factor in the search engine algorithms.

Since mobile searches or searches conducted through a mobile device have surpassed those on a PC. Having a site that is easy to use and take action through across all devices is crucial to Local SEO.

Titles & Descriptions:

Your page titles and descriptions are important they are the first thing to tell the search engine what your page is about. Make this specific to your location and service/product.

Local Content

It is not 2005 and "keyword stuffing" does not work and is highly frowned upon. However, great content that address both a service/product as well as a location is a best practice in Local SEO.

Your content should address your customers main concerns and what they would be searching for. Without getting technical, this plays into the semantic search which is becoming more pervasive. If your content address Who What When Where & Why it’s a great start.

The Search Algorithms are getting better at understanding search queries and the user. With this it is even more important to mention your main product/service along with location but not repeatedly or by stuffing in phrases. This won't help and may even get your site marked and penalized by Google.

tip: Think of adding FAQ's, Best Practices and a blog to your website. This allows you more area to place in depth content.

Contact us to find out more about Boise SEO and how we can help your business.

SEO Basics

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 04:39:33 GMT

Search Engine Optimization(SEO)- Basics

SEO- Where to start?

SEO is extremely important not only to Google and other Search Engines, more importantly to end-users.

Following some of the basics SEO tips provided by Google, you can better ensure your website is setup correctly and serves end-users best.
This quote can be found at the top of Googles SEO Starter Guide

“Even though this guide's title contains the words "search engine", we'd like to say that you should base your optimization decisions first and foremost on what's best for the visitors of your site.” - Google

Let’s keep end-users in mind and dive into some of their tips found in google article above.

Great Content

It has been said “Content is King” and it surely still reigns. Take this excerpt from Google’s SEO Starters Guide below.

“Creating compelling and useful content will likely influence your website more than any of the other factors discussed here”.

Old School SEO

SEO has been manipulated by less than ethical SEO services for years. While Google is actively combating this, one of the main areas of focus is quality website content.

There was once a day when a website could be filled or “stuffed” with Key Words, main search terms. This was either done just blatantly with strings of Key Words (KW) going on forever. Or they would hide this KW stuffing with white text and white background kind of stuff.

This lead to a tremendous push back from users as the search results where filled with garbage. While Google certainly never intended to reward this behavior, it worked, until google updated their algorithm and tightened up on KW density eliminating much of the spam.

Today's SEO-
In today’s search environment Key Words are essential to incorporate into your content, although they should only be used when appropriate. Along with the evolution in search queries as mobile and voice search really take hold. Its not as important to focus on one KW, rather on answering questions one might search for our solutions to problems.

Your content should be easy to read and flow topic to topic. Answering the classic 5 W’s (who, what, where, when & Why) should help you organize your content a bit.

Content should be on topic to your specific page and answer questions from various perspectives while making it easy for users to take action.

Keep your content unique and continuous. Think of a writing assignment at school, if you copy and paste your content, you just won’t get any credit. There are great times to quote other content and give them credit. However, most of your web content should be unique to that specific page. It also helps to refresh or update your content as it serves both returning and new customers.

Structure your content into main topics and subtopics. Utilize headings and separate topics allowing users to focus on what they want quickly.
Content should also show your businesses personality, when at all possible.

A great way to do this is through a blog. But, don’t forget about Social Sites. These allow for multiple content streams to reach your customer and drive traffic to your site.

Clear Page Titles

Page Title are important to the overall search experience. To both Search Engines like Google and to end-users or searchers on-line. They appear not only at the top of your browser but in the first line of your results. This a good place to use a main KW, caution do not stuff or use too many KW’s in your title.

You will find that in the three basic elements of a results listing. When an end user searches for a KW or phrase, if those words match words found in the Page Title, Page Description and Page URL, they will be displayed in Bold.

Making it easy for the end-user to associate your information with that of the search query.

Page Titles should be unique and specific for each page. From an end-user perspective this easily allows them to identify the relevance to their search. While from a Search Engine perspective by eliminating duplicate titles, it creates a broader footprint for your site, matching it to more search queries and topics.

The length of the Title on desktop is 70 characters long and up to 78 on Mobile. Best practice is to keep it at 70 this way it should display correctly across both platforms.

Captivating Page Description

This is a longer area to describe in more detail what the page is about. It serves both the searcher and the search engines, allowing for more specific details of your page and a chance to capture the searchers attention.

This area should
Be informative and captivating
Use unique descriptions of what each page is about

The length of the page description varies between Mobile and Desktop which is about 150 characters long and 110 on mobile.

We recommend you put the more important information first, we also recommend going over 110 characters. This should ensure you have at least two lines of text for your description on the Search Engines.

Proper Site and URL Structure

As your website is developed and grows over time, it is helpful to make your page URL’s relative and easy to read. Ultimately easy to read and navigate for the end user, the searcher. But, also easy for the Google Bot’s to crawl and understand.

Use a hierarchical structure which flows from main topics to sub topics. This should start at the homepage and then navigate to categories and subcategories as applicable.

Categorizing site by topic helps both the reader and the search engine understand it better. In addition, it helps those who might want to link to your site, giving them a clear relevant path to do so.

These URL strings are displayed in the search results and much like the description and titles, when the search contains a matching word, the searched word displays in bold. This helps users quickly identify relevance to their search query.

Sitemaps for all

It is recommended to create an on-page HTML sitemap geared towards the visitors of your website. A second, XML Sitemap can be created and submitted through Google’s webmaster tools.

If you are not techy and the whole thought of XML has you turning off, at the least create the on-site sitemap. It is simply a layout of the structure of your site with links going to each page.

Not only can it be helpful for users who may be looking for something specific. It also allows a place for the Google Bot’s to find and crawl your entire website.

While there maybe some instances you use a picture or image to link through to another page. It is recommended to use mostly text for the navigation and not to nest everything in drop down menus.

Anchor Text Away...

Anchor text is the text shown to a user that is linked to a website, once clicked it will take the user to that site. This text is important as it indicates to the user what they can expect to find if they click that link.

For example, Boise SEO is linked to our home page. Users can clearly tell that that by clicking that text phrase, they will find a Boise SEO Company.

A few things to keep in mind with your anchor text.

First make sure it is relevant to what the linked webpage is about.
Make it short. Don’t use a whole sentence or paragraph
Internal anchor text matters. Ensure the anchor text leading people around your site is on-topic and descriptive.
Make them easy to see, allowing users to identify that it is a link.
Linking out to sites Google doesn’t trust can affect your site as well.

Promote Your Content

If you create a new website or some quality content, of course you want to stand at the top of Table Rock and scream it to the world.I would too.

That’s exactly what you should do, well maybe not on Table Rock but across the web.

You should share it on various social media site such as FaceBook or Google+, make sure you are directing (linking) people back to your new content with relevant anchor text.

Google appreciates you promoting and generating traffic to your website. through engagement and outreach. There are a number of ways to do this.. one way would be to find online places to publish your site for exposure. Rather its with social platforms or directories . Both can help drive visibility.

Be aware there are numerous ways to generate backlinks which Google strongly recommends you avoid.

Essentially make it natural and don’t pay for linking services for the aim of increasing your Page Rank instead of increasing your traffic.

Their philosophy is to create quality content, share that content and let the links and traffic naturally follow.

Its a start to S.E.O Domination.

These are a few basic steps you can take to ensure your website is following some basic SEO principles. While they may seem daunting, a solid foundation and proper set-up of your websites on-page SEO can be a huge difference in your rankings.

For the business owner who would rather focus on their strengths and sell more of their widgets than try to tinker with SEO, I get it. The terminology and the details behind each SEO aspect creates a learning curve you would rather avoid.

It’s a simple fix, contact us for an honest evaluation of your website and SEO efforts. If we can help, we will create a solid game plan to move forward and propel your website online.

As a Local SEO Marketing in Boise , our mission is to educate and help other local businesses succeed online.

Citations:

Google- Search Engine Optimization Starter Guide
:https://static.googleusercontent.com/media/www.google.com/en//webmasters/docs/search-engine-optimization-starter-guide.pd f