Details: Marketing Strategy

Local SEO Packages - What To Look For

Are you looking for SEO packages for small businesses? If so, you are in luck. Today we are going to outline what you should look for in a local SEO service package.

Your local business SEO packages should include Google My Business optimization, access to results via platforms like Google Analytics and Google Search Console, local keyword research, local content creation, as well as on-page and off-page SEO. You should also select a marketing company that has a proven track record, years of experience and is dedicated to their craft.

Click on each corresponding link to jump ahead:

Google My Business Optimization
Access to Results
Local Keyword Research
Quality Local Content Creation
On-Page SEO
Off-Page SEO
A Proven Track Record
Years of Experience
Dedicated Local SEO Expert to Manage Your Account
What Is Local SEO Marketing?

SEO is vital if you want to make sure that your website appears in search engine results. The team at Profitworks understands the value of SEO and with over 17 years of digital marketing experience, we have helped businesses in dozens of industries grow their revenue faster. We'd love to put our expertise to work for you too, we are your local SEO experts.

Let's take a closer look at the best local SEO packages and highlight what you should be looking for to help you make the best choice for your business.

The right local SEO package can help your business get found in local searches.

What to Look for in Local SEO Packages

Investing in a local SEO package can help potential customers in your local area find your business. According to hubspot.com, 46% of all the searches in Google are done by people who are looking for local information. If your website isn't optimized for local searches, you could be missing out on a significant amount of possible customers.

If you search for "local SEO packages" you will be inundated with a vast array of different packages and companies that offer this service. So how do you know which one is best for your company? Here are the most important things to look for when you are making your choice:

1. Google My Business Optimization

Google My Business is a free tool that will promote your business profile and website on Google Search and Google Maps. Not only will it allow you to interact with your customers who leave reviews, but if you are optimized for Google My Business, you are more likely to get the all-important sidebar space when a potential customer searches for your type of business or product.

A good local SEO package will help you set up and keep your Google My Business account up to date by ensuring consistency with your businesses:

Name
Address
Hours of business
Phone number
Email address

By ensuring that all this information is up to date, you can feel confident knowing that your customers can contact you hassle-free.

If your Google My Business account is up to date you are more likely to get a sidebar showing on local searches.

A) Benefits of GMB Optimization:

Increased Visibility: An optimized GMB profile increases the visibility of your business in local search results. When someone searches for a product or service related to your business, your profile may appear in the local pack or sidebar, providing valuable exposure.
Customer Interaction: GMB allows customers to leave reviews and interact with your business. Responding to reviews, answering queries, and providing updates through posts can enhance customer engagement and build trust.
Sidebar Space Advantage: Google often displays a local business sidebar featuring information such as business name, address, phone number, hours of operation, and reviews. An optimized GMB profile increases the likelihood of your business occupying this space, making it more visible to potential customers.

B) Key Optimization Components:

Consistent Business Information: The local SEO package should ensure that your GMB account is set up and regularly updated with accurate and consistent information. This includes your business name, address, hours of operation, phone number, and email address.
Accurate Location Information: Accurate location details are crucial, especially for businesses relying on local foot traffic. Google uses this information to place your business accurately on Google Maps, helping customers find your physical location easily.
Up-to-Date Business Hours: Providing accurate and up-to-date business hours is essential for managing customer expectations and ensuring that potential customers know when you are open for business.
Responsive Customer Communication: Ensuring that your GMB account is actively monitored and that customer inquiries and reviews are responded to in a timely and professional manner demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction.

Optimizing your Google My Business profile is a fundamental aspect of a good local SEO package. It not only enhances your online visibility but also facilitates customer interaction and ensures that potential customers have accurate and up-to-date information about your business. A Google SEO package that includes GMB optimization can significantly contribute to your overall online success in local searches.

2. Access to Results

Selecting a local SEO package that includes results reporting and access to platforms like Google Analytics (GA) and Google Search Console (GSC) is in your best interest!

Access to Google Analytics increases overall transparency and accountability.

A) Benefits of GA and GSC

Performance Monitoring: Google Analytics and Google Search Console provide valuable insights into the performance of your website and its visibility in search results. With access to these platforms, you can track key metrics such as website traffic, user behaviour, conversion rates, and more. This helps you understand the impact of SEO efforts on your online presence.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Reporting tools allow you to analyze data and make informed decisions based on actual performance. You can identify successful strategies and areas that may need improvement, adjusting your SEO approach accordingly. Understanding which keywords are driving traffic, the demographics of your audience, and user engagement metrics can guide your content and optimization efforts.
Transparency and Accountability: Including access to GA and GSC in an SEO package promotes transparency between you and the SEO service provider. It allows you to verify the work being done and ensures that the strategies implemented align with your business goals. It holds the SEO agency accountable for the results they promised, as you can independently verify the impact of their efforts on your website's performance.
Benchmarking and Goal Setting: Access to historical data in these platforms enables benchmarking against past performance. This helps in setting realistic goals for improvement and measuring progress over time. Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) in GA and GSC allows you to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for your SEO campaigns.

In summary, selecting an SEO package that includes access to platforms like Google Analytics and Google Search Console is essential for transparency, accountability, and the ability to make data-driven decisions to optimize your local SEO efforts effectively.

3. Local Keyword Research

Keyword research and local search marketing involve researching the words people type into search engines who are looking for online articles. Local keyword research looks for words or phrases that local users would be searching for. For example, if you have an automotive repair shop in the city of Waterloo, then you would research popular search phrases such as "honest mechanic Waterloo" or "where can I get my car fixed near me". You then use that research to create targeted content that will drive people looking for those topics to your website.

However, keyword research isn't something that you do once and then you are good to go. Because local SEO search language is constantly changing and shifting and new keywords are being used all the time, you want to choose an SEO package that includes regular keyword research.

TheHoth is a great free-to-use keyword planner tool!

A) The Importance of Local Keyword Research:

Relevance to Local Audience: Local businesses need to target keywords that resonate with their local audience. This includes terms that include location-specific modifiers, such as city names, neighbourhoods, or regional identifiers. For instance, an automotive repair shop in Waterloo would want to target keywords like "car repair in Waterloo" or "auto mechanic near me."
Improved Local Search Visibility: By optimizing for local keywords, businesses increase their chances of appearing in local search results. Localized search phrases are often less competitive, making it easier for businesses to rank higher and be visible to their target audience.
User Intent Understanding: Local keyword research helps businesses understand the intent behind local searches. Users often include location-based qualifiers in their queries when they are specifically looking for nearby products or services. Understanding this intent allows businesses to tailor their content and offerings accordingly.
Content Targeting: The insights gained from local keyword research can be used to create targeted and relevant content. This content can include location-specific landing pages, blog posts, or service pages that address the needs and concerns of the local audience.

B) The Continuous Nature of Keyword Research:

Dynamic Search Landscape: Search language is dynamic and constantly evolves. New terms, phrases, and search trends emerge over time. Regular keyword research ensures that businesses stay current with evolving search behaviour and adapt their content to reflect the language used by their target audience.
Competitor Analysis: Monitoring competitors is an integral part of SEO. Regular keyword research allows businesses to stay informed about changes in competitor strategies and identify new keyword opportunities.
Adaptation to Market Trends: Industries and consumer preferences change over time. Regular keyword research enables businesses to adapt to these changes, ensuring that their content remains aligned with the current demands and interests of their local audience.

Local keyword research is a foundational element of a successful SEO local strategy. It ensures that businesses target relevant terms, improve local search visibility, and create content that resonates with their local audience. Choosing an SEO package that includes regular keyword research is essential to staying ahead of the evolving search landscape and maintaining a strong online presence in local searches.

4. Quality Local Content Creation

Having high-quality, local content is extremely important in helping your business rise to the top of local searches. Quality content created with your local market in mind that targets the types of keywords that your audience is searching for will help you increase traffic to your site. This will improve your site's authority and relevance.

But make sure that while you are including your keywords and phrases in your writing in strategic locations such as headings, alt tags, captions and your body text, you don't want to overdo it. You need to keep your writing style as natural as possible. Always remember that you are writing for your reader and not for the search engines.

Google rewards sites that produce this type of content with higher rankings, so the best local marketing packages should include local content creation regularly.

Packages SEO - Regularly adding quality content will improve your site's authority and relevance.

A) The Importance of Quality Local Content:

Rise in Local Searches: High-quality, local content is a key factor in climbing to the top of local search results. When businesses create content that aligns with the interests and needs of their local audience, they increase the likelihood of being discovered by users in the area.
Traffic Increase: Targeting local keywords in well-crafted content helps drive targeted traffic to the website. As users search for specific local terms, they are more likely to find and visit a site that provides relevant and valuable content.
Enhanced Authority and Relevance: Quality local content contributes to a website's authority in the eyes of search engines. When a website consistently produces relevant and informative content, it establishes itself as a reliable source in the local context, contributing to higher search rankings.

B) Optimizing Content for Local SEO:

Strategic Keyword Placement: Incorporate local keywords naturally into various elements of your content, including headings, alt tags, captions, and body text. This helps search engines understand the local relevance of the content.
Natural Writing Style: Avoid keyword stuffing, which can negatively impact the user experience and lead to potential penalties from search engines. Maintain a natural writing style that prioritizes readability and value for the reader.
Reader-Centric Approach: Always prioritize the needs and interests of your audience. While optimizing for search engines is important, creating content that resonates with your local audience establishes a positive user experience and encourages repeat visits.

C) Regular Local Content Creation:

Google's Reward System: Search engines, especially Google, reward websites that consistently produce high-quality, relevant, and fresh content. Regular local content creation signals to search engines that the website is actively providing value to its audience.
Adaptation to Local Trends: Content creation should be an ongoing process to adapt to evolving local trends, industry changes, and user preferences. Regular updates demonstrate a commitment to staying current and relevant in the local landscape.

Quality local content creation is a cornerstone of successful local SEO. It not only attracts local traffic but also establishes a website's authority and relevance in local searches. A local SEO package that includes regular local content creation is essential for maintaining a strong online presence and meeting the dynamic demands of both users and search engines.

5. On-Page SEO:

On-page SEO includes all of the components that you add to your website to help optimize it. One of the great things about on-page SEO is that you have control over it because you add it to your content. Some of the on-page SEO factors that you can include to help your site rank higher are title tags, meta descriptions, headings and sub-headings, image names and ALT tags, and internal and external links.

Contact us for an SEO consulting Quote!

A) The Importance of On-Page SEO:

Control and Customization: On-page SEO provides website owners with direct control over how their content is presented to both users and search engines. This allows for customization based on specific target keywords and the overall goals of the SEO strategy.
Improved Search Rankings: Proper on-page optimization contributes to higher search engine rankings. When search engines understand the content and relevance of a page through well-optimized elements, they are more likely to rank it higher in search results.
Enhanced User Experience: On-page SEO isn't just about pleasing search engines; it also improves the overall user experience. Well-organized content, clear headings, and relevant meta information make it easier for users to find the information they seek.

B) Key On-Page SEO Factors:

Title Tags: Title tags are HTML elements that define the title of a webpage. They are displayed in search engine results and browser tabs. Including relevant keywords in your title tags helps search engines understand the content and purpose of the page.
Meta Descriptions: Meta descriptions provide a summary of the content on a webpage. While they don't directly impact rankings, compelling meta descriptions can improve click-through rates by enticing users to visit the page.
Headings and Sub-Headings: Using headings (H1, H2, H3, etc.) and sub-headings in a structured manner helps organize content and makes it more readable. Search engines use these tags to understand the hierarchy and relevance of different sections.
Image Names and ALT Tags: Naming images with descriptive filenames and providing alternative text (ALT tags) not only makes content accessible to visually impaired users but also helps search engines understand the content of images. This is crucial for image search optimization.
Internal and External Links: Internal links connect different pages within your website, establishing a hierarchy and helping search engines navigate your site. External links (backlinks) from authoritative sources contribute to the credibility and authority of your content.

C) Best Practices:

Keyword Placement: Strategically include target keywords in your content, headings, and meta tags. However, ensure that the content reads naturally and provides value to the user.
Mobile Optimization: With an increasing number of users accessing the internet on mobile devices, ensure that your website is optimized for mobile responsiveness.
Page Speed: Page speed is a crucial factor for both user experience and search rankings. Optimize images, use efficient coding practices, and leverage caching to improve page load times.

On-page SEO is a foundational element of any SEO strategy, including local SEO. By optimizing elements directly on your website, you improve its visibility in search results, enhance the user experience, and demonstrate relevance to search engines. A comprehensive local SEO package should include effective on-page optimization strategies to maximize the impact on search rankings and user engagement.

6. Off-page SEO

Off-page SEO can also impact your local rankings in search engines. Unlike on-page SEO, Off-page SEO includes factors that you don't really have control over, however, there are things that you can do to improve your off-page SEO. They include elements such as quality backlinks (links from other websites that link to you) and social shares (the number of likes and shares that your site receives on social media platforms).

Local - SEO: Both on-page and off-page SEO are important for helping your business rank higher in local searches.

A) Importance of Off-Page SEO for Local Rankings:

Enhanced Credibility and Authority: Off-page SEO plays a crucial role in building the credibility and authority of a website. Quality backlinks from reputable websites signal to search engines that your site is a trusted source of information.
Local Trust and Reputation: Local businesses can benefit significantly from positive off-page signals. Reviews and mentions on authoritative local websites, directories, and social media platforms contribute to building a positive local reputation.
Increased Visibility in Local Searches: Off-page SEO efforts, such as gaining quality backlinks from local businesses or being featured in local news outlets, can enhance your visibility in local search results. Search engines consider these signals when determining the relevance of a website to local users.

B) Key Off-Page SEO Factors:

Quality Backlinks: Backlinks are links from other websites pointing to your site. Quality backlinks from reputable, relevant websites are a powerful off-page SEO signal. They indicate to search engines that your content is valuable and authoritative.
Social Shares and Mentions: The number of likes, shares, and mentions your content receives on social media platforms is another off-page SEO factor. Social signals can impact your website's visibility in search results and contribute to building an online community.
Local Citations: Local citations are mentions of your business name, address, and phone number on other websites, directories, and local platforms. Consistent and accurate citations signal to search engines that your business is a legitimate and well-established local entity.
Online Reviews: Customer reviews on platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, and other review sites are a crucial off-page SEO factor for local businesses. Positive reviews contribute to building trust and credibility in the local community.
Guest Posting and Outreach: Contributing guest posts to relevant websites and engaging in outreach activities can help in acquiring quality backlinks. This not only boosts your off-page SEO but also establishes your expertise and authority in your industry.

C) Off-Page SEO Best Practices:

Natural Link Building: Focus on natural link-building strategies that involve creating valuable, shareable content. High-quality content is more likely to attract organic backlinks from other websites.
Local Community Engagement: Actively engage with the local community through events, sponsorships, and collaborations. Local participation can lead to mentions and backlinks from local businesses and organizations.
Social Media Presence: Maintain a strong and active presence on social media platforms relevant to your local audience. Encourage social sharing and engagement to boost social signals.
Monitoring Online Reputation: Regularly monitor online reviews and mentions of your business. Respond to customer feedback and address any issues promptly to maintain a positive online reputation.

Off-page SEO is a vital aspect of local search engine optimization. While businesses may not have direct control over external factors, they can actively engage in strategies that positively impact their off-page SEO, such as acquiring quality backlinks, building a strong social media presence, and fostering positive local relationships. Comprehensive local business SEO packages should encompass both on-page and off-page optimization to maximize the website's visibility and authority in local searches.

7. A Proven Track Record

Besides looking at what local SEO packages include, you should also take a close look at the track record of the company offering the service. Try to talk to at least three of their current customers to discover how the SEO company that you are considering hiring has helped them succeed. It's easy to talk about SEO and make it sound wonderful, but it's another thing to talk to customers who have had it work for them.

Google Reviews are evidence of a proven track record.

A) Importance:

Assurance of Results: Assessing the track record of an SEO service provider gives you insights into their ability to deliver results. It assures that the strategies and services offered have been effective for other businesses.
Real-World Impact: While the details of an SEO package might sound promising, hearing from actual clients about their experiences adds a real-world perspective. A proven track record involves tangible evidence of success, often demonstrated through improvements in search rankings, increased website traffic, and business growth.

B) Key Considerations:

Customer Testimonials: Look for customer testimonials or case studies on the SEO company's website. These can provide an overview of the successes achieved for their clients. Pay attention to specific details such as the type of business, the challenges they faced, and the outcomes after implementing the SEO strategies.
References and Client Interviews: Request references from the SEO company and reach out to at least three current clients. Directly talking to businesses that have worked with the SEO provider allows you to gain valuable insights into their experiences, the level of satisfaction, and the actual impact on their online presence.
Ask About Results: During interviews with current clients, ask about specific results they have seen. Inquire about improvements in search engine rankings, organic traffic growth, and any notable achievements since partnering with the SEO company.
Longevity and Consistency: Assess how long the SEO company has been in business and whether they have consistently delivered positive outcomes for their clients over time. A company with a long and successful track record is likely to have a more reliable and proven approach to SEO.
Industry Relevance: Consider whether the SEO company has experience working with businesses in your industry or niche. Familiarity with specific industry challenges and trends can contribute to more effective and tailored strategies.

C) Benefits of a Proven Track Record:

Risk Mitigation: A proven track record reduces the risk associated with investing in an SEO package. If a company has consistently delivered positive outcomes for other clients, it increases the likelihood that they can do the same for your business.
Confidence in Expertise: Seeing evidence of success builds confidence in the expertise of the SEO company. It demonstrates that they have the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of SEO and achieve meaningful results.
Realistic Expectations: Understanding the actual results achieved by other businesses helps set realistic expectations for your own SEO campaign. It provides a benchmark for success and allows you to gauge the potential impact on your business.

Assessing the track record of an SEO service provider is a crucial step in selecting a local SEO package. By talking to current customers, reviewing testimonials, and examining case studies, you gain a deeper understanding of the company's ability to deliver tangible results. This information is essential for making an informed decision and choosing an SEO partner that aligns with your business goals and expectations.

8. Years of Experience

In addition to talking to previous customers, it is a good idea to find out how long the company offering local SEO packages has been in business. It is relatively easy to set up an SEO business and call yourself an expert, but it is another thing to stay in business for a long time. A long track record is a pretty good indicator of a high-quality SEO company.

The more experience a company has, the more time it would have spent figuring out what works and what doesn't work. Experience is invaluable when it comes to getting SEO right, so when you choose to work with a company that has many years of experience, you will reap the benefits of the lessons and the expertise that they have gained over time.

A) Importance:

Industry Understanding: The number of years a company has been in business in the SEO industry is a valuable indicator of its understanding of the field. It reflects the ability to adapt to changes, navigate industry trends, and stay relevant in a dynamic digital landscape.
Accumulated Expertise: Experience in the field implies that the company has encountered various challenges, tested strategies, and refined its approach over time. Accumulated expertise is crucial in dealing with the complexities of SEO and developing effective solutions.

B) Key Considerations:

Longevity in the Industry: Assess how many years the company has been offering local SEO services. A longer duration of operation suggests stability and the ability to sustain a business in a competitive environment.
Consistency and Adaptability: Consider whether the company has consistently provided local SEO services over the years. Additionally, evaluates its ability to adapt to changes in search engine algorithms, industry best practices, and emerging trends.
Client Retention: Look for indications of client satisfaction and retention over an extended period. A company with a history of retaining clients demonstrates its ability to build lasting relationships based on trust and results.
Evolution of Strategies: Inquire about how the company's strategies and methodologies have evolved over the years. A willingness to adapt and improve its approach demonstrates a commitment to staying at the forefront of industry developments.

C) Benefits of Experience:

In-Depth Knowledge: A company with years of experience is likely to possess in-depth knowledge of the local SEO landscape, including regional nuances, industry-specific challenges, and effective optimization strategies.
Refined Processes: Experience allows a company to refine its processes, identifying what works best for different scenarios. This can result in more efficient and effective execution of SEO campaigns, ultimately benefiting your business.
Problem-Solving Skills: Overcoming challenges is an inherent part of any business, and an experienced SEO company is likely to have encountered a diverse range of issues. This experience equips them with problem-solving skills to address complex situations.
Proven Success Stories: A company with a track record of success over many years can provide tangible success stories and case studies. These examples demonstrate the company's ability to achieve results for a variety of clients.

Considering the years of experience of a company offering local SEO packages is a crucial aspect of the evaluation process. Experience not only indicates industry knowledge but also suggests adaptability, client satisfaction, and a refined approach to SEO strategies. Choosing a company with a long history in the field increases the likelihood that you'll benefit from their accumulated expertise and proven success in local SEO.

9. Dedicated Local SEO Expert to Manage Your Account

When choosing between local SEO packages, you want to look for a company that offers you an account manager that is dedicated to managing your account. Having one person who is your main contact and who knows your company and your goals is very important to helping you achieve the growth that you want. Your account manager will get to know you, and you can go to them with your concerns and ideas.

We can help you set up GA, along with several other SEO tools.

A) Importance:

Personalized Service: Having a dedicated local SEO expert assigned to your account ensures a personalized and focused approach to your business's specific needs. This individual becomes intimately familiar with your company, goals, and challenges, providing a more tailored and responsive service.
Consistent Communication: A dedicated account manager serves as your primary point of contact, streamlining communication and facilitating a deeper understanding of your objectives. This consistency in communication helps in addressing concerns promptly and fostering a collaborative relationship.

B) Key Considerations:

Assigned Account Manager: Ensure that the local SEO package includes the assignment of a dedicated account manager who will oversee your account. This person should act as a liaison between your business and the SEO service provider.
Industry Knowledge: Look for an account manager with expertise in local SEO and experience working with businesses in your industry or niche. A deep understanding of local search dynamics and industry-specific challenges can enhance the effectiveness of SEO strategies.
Communication Style: Assess the communication style and responsiveness of the assigned account manager. Effective communication is essential for conveying your goals, receiving updates, and addressing any concerns that may arise during the course of the SEO campaign.
Understanding of Business Goals: Your account manager should thoroughly understand your business goals, target audience, and unique selling propositions. This understanding forms the basis for creating a customized local SEO strategy that aligns with your specific objectives.

C) Benefits of Having a Dedicated Account Manager:

Personalized Strategy Development: A dedicated account manager can work closely with you to develop a local SEO strategy that specifically addresses the needs and goals of your business. This personalized approach increases the likelihood of achieving desired outcomes.
Consistent Monitoring and Optimization: The account manager is responsible for monitoring the performance of your SEO campaign regularly. They can identify areas for improvement, implement optimizations, and adjust strategies based on evolving business objectives.
Quick Issue Resolution: In case of any issues or concerns, having a dedicated account manager streamlines the resolution process. You can communicate directly with someone familiar with your business, making it easier to address challenges promptly.
Continuous Collaboration: Building a relationship with your account manager fosters continuous collaboration. You can share feedback, discuss new ideas, and receive proactive recommendations to further enhance your local SEO efforts.

Having a dedicated local SEO expert to manage your account is a valuable aspect of a comprehensive local SEO package. This individual serves as a trusted partner, understanding your business intimately and working collaboratively to achieve your growth objectives. When evaluating local SEO services, consider the availability of a dedicated account manager as a key factor in ensuring a personalized and effective SEO partnership.

10. What Is Local SEO Marketing?

Local SEO (search engine optimization) is a process that helps local businesses move up in search engine rankings when a customer who is near their brick-and-mortar location searches. SEO is an organic process that doesn't require you to pay for your position in search results. Instead, you instill SEO techniques to help you rank higher.

SEO can help your business rank higher in search results

Trust Profitworks - The Best Local SEO Company

If you are looking for the best local SEO packages, talk to the experts at Profitworks. At Profitworks, we have over 20 years of experience providing our customers with local SEO plans and services that have helped them grow their businesses faster and we can help you too. Contact us today to find out more.

"We saw not only an increase in website traffic, but more importantly in the quality of leads. It means we are spending more time on the things that truly make a difference to our business."

- Dave Mattingly