So much has changed over the last few years, including the way consumers behave online. Alongside an increase in online shopping, people across the UK are choosing to shop local, making your local SEO, content and eCommerce website more important than ever.
There is no doubt that customer behaviour has permanently shifted. Adapt your SEO strategy and digital marketing plan to take advantage of these opportunities. There's no time like the present to get started.
Four things you can do to help more local customers find your business:
1. Check if your existing SEO strategy is still relevant
People's lives have changed and therefore search engine marketing has changed. New trends are emerging all the time.Your business has an opportunity to tap into these interests through content. Try to think about your audience, think about their interests, look at what’s trending and provide valuable content they will want to engage with.
Products and services are now more readily available online, including tutorials, classes, and live shopping experiences. What can you offer that your ideal customer would be interested in?
2. People are shopping local - check your local SEO and digital marketing
More people chose to support small local businesses during the pandemic and help their community. Having found it more convenient to stay local, and with local businesses adapting to offer online shopping and delivery options - it's a trend that looks set to stay.Your local SEO strategy and Google Business Profile are more important than ever. You need to make sure you’re showing up with all the right information your target audience is searching for online.
Do your website, social media and listings include all of your local details, opening hours, and any new services? Are your website, Google Business Profile, social media, and websites like TripAdvisor bursting with beautiful, up-to-date images and reviews?
3. Help people shop online - don't overlook eCommerce website design
Working from home has shifted consumers into doing more online shopping than ever before. This is another trend set to continue as online shopping has not shown any signs of slowing down.
If you haven’t already, now is the time to look at developing your eCommerce website. This will make it easier and more convenient for your local customers to buy from you.
Depending on your business, it could also open up your target audience on a national scale.
Ensuring your website design is:
- up to date
- mobile optimised
- and has good, fresh, relevant content
- has clear sales terms that are easy for the customer to understand.
4. Develop a content marketing strategy
Now is a great time to work on your content.
While paid search, pay-per-click (PPC) marketing has a place, there is no better way to drive traffic to your website than a long-term organic SEO strategy.
You have an opportunity to create content that will engage and influence potential customers, driving traffic and ultimately online or over the counter sales.
Well-written content can also generate traffic for years to come. We call this evergreen content, providing you with long-term results.
While investing in PPC can provide instant short-term results, investing in good evergreen content marketing will help your business for months and years into the future.
How can we help you generate more local sales?
Here at Stick Marketing agency, we can walk you through each of these steps, from a local SEO strategy to a content marketing plan, through to content creation and publishing.
Drop us a line to elevate your business online.