Which basic local SEO strategies can you recommend for novice website owners?

Nowadays, there are many effective local SEO strategies that are used by online business owners with just one single goal – reaching the sweetest spot among top-3 ranking positions in Google’s organic search listings. As for the Search Engine Optimization at the level of locales, the very concept itself is revolving mainly around delivering accurate search results, based on the user's current location, the most recent search history, and the commonest browsing behavior. So, you will need at least some basic local SEO strategies to get a solid kickstart with building broader online exposure in a precisely targeted search at the level of locales. That being said, here are some of the best tips and practical suggestions, which are recommended particularly for novice business owners. 

Easy Local SEO Strategies for Beginners

Given that arguably the most influential ranking factor in local search is the actual proximity of your business to the searcher’s current location, you will have just four major factors to be focused first and foremost. Here they are.

Multiple Landings & Localized Content

Don’t skimp your time and effort on creating genuinely unique landing pages for every single location or city/town you’re targeting with your business. Doing so, don’t forget to set clear interlinking connections between your multiple landings. Also, you will have to work on localized content creation and its further optimization. That way, consider the following op-page elements to get them optimized the right way:

• Have only clear & concise Page TItles, Meta Descriptions, as well as H1/H2/H3 Heading Tags. 
• Create a custom URL structure, with a core keyword and a given search location featured in each separate URL.
• Use only relevant images and don’t forget to get each on-page picture well-optimized with a correct ALT Tag, as well as a keyword-based file name (if possible).
• Make sure you’re using your core keywords, long-tail search terms, and their semantic variations naturally. I mean that you should put them into the body content “contextually” and “organically” (i.e., avoid getting everything over-optimized or, God forbid, “stuffed” with too many randomly located keywords).

Google My Business Listings

This default page listing is intended to cover all key business information, such as NAP (otherwise, name/phone/address of your brick-and-mortar company), working schedule, as well as your website URL. Make sure every piece of data is 100% accurate, as the similar information will go for the rest of business listings you’re plugged in. Doing so, I recommend choosing a genuine and compelling picture/logo that will help you stand out of the competition with your own listing. Also, consider hiring a photographer to shoot 8-10 great images that will showcase the best sides of your business, interior/exterior, as well as your staff workers.

Earning & Building Quality Links

Remember, that powerful backlinks are the third most important factor in your successful optimization for Google’s local search. To make every link carry the largest weight for the search engines, consider earning and building high-quality links through the following places:

• Top local directories, business citations and data aggregators.
• Local charity/sponsorship websites and industry-related blogs.
• Neighbourhood communities, groups, and business partnerships (associations).
• Local press releases (i.e., media sites and local newspapers).
• Dedicated FAQs, expert roundups, public forums closely related to your market niche/business industry.