SEO

Learn how to write effective outreach emails for backlinks that boost your site’s SEO with personalization and targeted strategies.

Learn effective strategies to optimize your YouTube videos for better visibility and engagement, including keyword use and engaging thumbnails.

Explore how interactive elements like quizzes and polls enhance user engagement, improve SEO rankings, and boost your website’s performance.

Learn essential healthcare SEO strategies to enhance online visibility, attract more patients, and comply with HIPAA regulations.

Explore how responsive design enhances SEO by improving rankings, user experience, and engagement on mobile devices.

Learn how to effectively measure SEO ROI through key metrics, tools, and strategies to optimize your digital marketing efforts.

Explore the SEO strengths and weaknesses of WordPress and Shopify to find the best platform for your website’s needs.

Want to grow your small business in 2025? Start with local SEO. Here’s why it matters: To stay competitive, you need a solid strategy. Here are the 10 must-know tactics for boosting your local SEO: Quick Comparison of Key Metrics Metric Impact Local SEO Lead Close Rate 15% Local Mobile Search Conversion 80% Website Traffic from Local SEO 25% Reviews’ Influence on Rankings 90% Why care? In 2025, skipping local SEO could mean losing customers to competitors. Ready to dive deeper? Let’s get started. Google Business Profile Optimization: 20 Expert Tips to Dominate Local Search in 2025 1. Set Up and Update Your Google Business Profile Your Google Business Profile (GBP) serves as your online storefront in 2025. In today’s competitive, AI-driven landscape, keeping your profile accurate and engaging is a must. Here’s how to verify and fine-tune your profile for better results. Steps to Set Up Your GBP Log in with your business email. Google’s 2024 verification process may now require video verification for some businesses. You’ll need to show your physical location and branding to confirm your legitimacy, which also helps establish trust [3]. Make sure to provide these details accurately: Add high-quality images and videos (minimum 720px resolution) showcasing your business. Visual content can play a big role in influencing potential customers [3]. Profile Element Best Practice Impact on Local SEO Business Name Use the legal name only Avoids penalties from AI tools Categories Start with the most specific Improves relevance Photos/Videos Minimum 720px resolution Increases customer engagement Reviews Respond within 24 hours Builds trust Posts Update weekly Keeps visibility high Why an Optimized GBP Matters Here are some numbers to consider: “If you’re not on top of your GBP, you’re handing leads to competitors.” – BlueTone Media Blog [4] Stay active by posting weekly updates about news, events, or promotions. Regular activity not only keeps your profile fresh but also signals to Google that your business is engaged, which can boost your local search visibility [3]. 2. Write Content About Your Local Area Creating location-focused content helps establish your business as a trusted local resource while boosting your search rankings. These tactics complement your overall SEO strategy and fit naturally into your broader digital marketing efforts. Types of Local Content That Work Neighborhood GuidesWrite detailed guides about nearby neighborhoods, emphasizing landmarks and community features tied to your business. For example, realtors can highlight school districts and amenities, while restaurants might focus on local food culture or events. Service Area Pages (SAPs)Build dedicated pages for each area you serve. These pages should include: “The most challenging part with SAPs is you are writing about the same service in numerous markets. It’s hard to make content unique when writing 50 suburb pages for a roofing company.” – Jason Parks, The Media Captain [5] Adding Local Elements to Your Content To resonate with local audiences, include these features: Content Type What to Include SEO Benefits Local Events Details about upcoming festivals, markets, or sports events Timely content that keeps your site fresh Business Spotlights Profiles of nearby businesses or partners Signals community engagement Community News Updates on local developments or initiatives Regular content updates Success Stories Case studies featuring local clients Builds trust through social proof Tips for Writing Local Content Be Clear About Your LocationMake sure your business location is accurately represented across your content. Add Personal Local InsightsInterview local clients or community members to bring unique perspectives. For instance, The Media Captain improved J&D Landscaping’s content by interviewing the owner about Chagrin Falls, showcasing specific details about the area [5]. Create Unique Content for Each AreaAvoid duplicate content by tailoring each service area page. Feazel Roofing does this effectively by creating distinct pages for suburbs like Delaware, Dublin, and New Albany, while keeping their Columbus office page as the main hub [5]. Keep It CurrentRegular updates are key. Share seasonal events, highlight local success stories, showcase partnerships, post area-specific tips, and feature testimonials from local customers. This keeps your content relevant and engaging. 3. Get and Respond to Customer Reviews Managing customer reviews plays a crucial role in building trust and boosting your local SEO efforts. With 98% of consumers reading reviews before making a purchase [6], reviews can directly impact your business growth. Getting More Customer Reviews Encouraging customers to leave reviews should be a priority. Did you know that 72% of customers will leave a review if asked [8]? Ways to Collect Reviews Method How It Works Why It Helps Email Follow-ups Send thank-you emails with review links Can generate up to 80% of reviews [8] In-person Requests Train staff to ask satisfied customers Offers immediate engagement Text Messages Use SMS tools for review invitations Ideal for mobile users; higher response rates Website Links Add review links to headers or footers Makes leaving reviews easy Responding to Reviews Effectively How you respond to reviews – especially negative ones – matters. In fact, 89% of consumers pay attention to how businesses handle complaints. For instance, when customers raised concerns about shoe storage, the Container Store worked with manufacturers to resolve the issue [10]. Tips for Managing Reviews The Results? Businesses that respond thoughtfully to negative reviews, like Boots pharmacy, have seen real benefits. Boots experienced a 186% jump in purchase intent after explaining and addressing customer concerns [10]. Incentivizing Reviews the Right Way Encourage honest feedback while staying within platform guidelines. Here are some ethical ideas: Keep in mind: Customers are willing to spend up to 31% more with businesses that have excellent reviews [7]. A solid review strategy isn’t just about reputation – it can directly boost your revenue. Track Your Review Metrics Monitor these key areas to refine your approach: Since 89% of consumers are more likely to choose businesses that actively respond to reviews [9], staying on top of your review management is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in local SEO. This approach also lays the groundwork for deeper customer engagement strategies. 4. Make Your Website Work Well on Phones More

How to Rank Your Business on Large Language Models (LLMs) As search engines evolve, businesses must adapt to new ways of ranking in search results. Large Language Models (LLMs), like GPT-4, have transformed how search engines interpret and deliver content. These models prioritize context, relevance, and user intent, meaning that old keyword-heavy strategies are becoming less effective. To succeed, your business needs a fresh approach to SEO that aligns with LLM-powered search engines. In this guide, we’ll explore how to rank your business on LLMs, offering practical tips, tools, and strategies to ensure your content stands out. Understanding the Role of LLMs in SEO Large Language Models (LLMs) have shifted the focus of SEO from simply matching keywords to understanding the broader context of a query. Unlike older search engines, which relied heavily on exact keyword matches, LLMs consider the intent behind searches. For example, when someone searches “best accounting software for small businesses,” LLMs don’t just look for content with that exact phrase—they look for relevant, well-structured content that addresses common concerns and needs related to accounting software. Real-World Application Let’s say you run a small business that offers accounting software. Instead of just stuffing your page with keywords like “best accounting software,” you’ll want to create content that discusses how your software addresses challenges specific to small businesses, such as affordability, ease of use, or integration with existing tools. This approach caters to the context-based ranking system that LLMs rely on, making it more likely that your business will appear in relevant search results. 1. Focus on Semantic Search Optimization Ranking your business on LLMs begins with optimizing your content for semantic search. This involves going beyond keywords to cover broader topics, subtopics, and related themes that your audience is likely to search for. Semantic search focuses on the relationship between words and phrases, helping search engines understand the meaning behind queries. Actionable Tip Use tools like Semrush and Ahrefs to identify not only your primary keywords but also related phrases and questions your audience might ask. For example, if your target keyword is “digital marketing services,” you might also cover topics such as “marketing automation,” “social media management,” and “ROI for digital marketing.” By addressing these related themes, you increase your chances of being picked up by LLMs, which are more likely to rank content that thoroughly answers user queries. 2. Utilize Long-Tail Keywords and Natural Language LLMs are designed to understand and rank content that mirrors the way people naturally search. Incorporating long-tail keywords—phrases that are specific and conversational—can greatly improve your chances of ranking for more detailed and specific searches. Long-tail keywords also tend to have less competition and higher conversion rates since they target users with a clearer intent. Practical Example Instead of focusing on a general keyword like “CRM software,” opt for long-tail variations like “affordable CRM software for freelancers” or “best CRM software for small businesses in 2024.” These are the types of phrases users are likely to search for when using voice search or typing in a conversational query. Pro Tip Use Ahrefs or Ubersuggest to find long-tail keywords that align with your content goals. These tools help uncover what your audience is searching for and how you can address their needs more effectively. 3. Prioritize High-Quality, Comprehensive Content One of the most important ways to rank your business on LLMs is by producing high-quality, in-depth content. LLMs prefer pages that offer comprehensive answers to user queries. The more detailed and informative your content is, the more likely it is to rank highly. This means going beyond surface-level discussions and diving deep into the subject matter. Strategy Example If you’re writing about “how to improve workplace productivity,” don’t just list a few generic tips. Create a 2,000-word article that covers various aspects like time management, communication tools, workflow automation, and mental well-being. This depth of content not only satisfies LLMs but also provides value to your readers. Action Step Use tools like Grammarly or Hemingway to ensure your content is clear and easy to read, while Semrush can help you find gaps in your content that you can fill with more relevant information. This combination of depth and clarity will keep your audience engaged and improve your rankings. 4. Leverage Internal Linking A strong internal linking strategy helps search engines understand how different pieces of content on your site are related, which in turn boosts your site’s overall relevance and ranking. For LLMs, internal linking adds context by showing how various pages fit into the broader narrative of your website. Example in Action If you have a blog post about “choosing the right software for eCommerce,” link it to other posts on your website like “how to improve eCommerce site performance” or “best payment gateways for small businesses.” This creates a web of related content that LLMs can easily understand and rank accordingly. Pro Tip Ahrefs provides a robust internal linking tool that helps you identify opportunities to connect relevant content on your site. This not only improves SEO but also enhances user experience, as readers can easily navigate between related articles. 5. Optimize for Voice Search Voice search is on the rise, and LLMs are particularly adept at handling voice queries, which tend to be more conversational. Optimizing your content for voice search involves anticipating the types of questions users will ask and providing clear, direct answers. Example Approach If you run a local business, you might want to create content that answers voice search queries like, “Where can I find the best pizza near me?” or “What are the top-rated accounting services in New York?” Answer these questions succinctly within your content, and you increase your chances of ranking for voice search queries. Action Step Use Google Search Console to track the performance of your voice-search-optimized content. This helps you understand how your website is performing in voice search results and identify areas for improvement. 6. Utilize Structured Data and Schema Markup LLMs rely on structured data and

Managing Your SEO Efforts Across All Your Service Areas If you’re like many of us managing a business with multiple locations, you understand the blend of excitement and challenge that comes with expanding your digital footprint. While reaching new service areas holds immense promise for growth and customer engagement, it also presents hurdles that require careful navigation to achieve online success. From ensuring consistency across listings to standing out in competitive local markets, the world of Multi-Location SEO can seem like a labyrinth at times. But fear not! Our mission is to guide you through these challenges and help you unlock the full potential of Multi-Location SEO. In this blog, we’ll explore the common obstacles faced by businesses like yours and offer practical solutions to thrive in each service area. What is Multiple Location Local SEO? Multi-Location Local SEO, is a specialized digital marketing strategy tailored for businesses operating and serving in multiple locations. It focuses on optimizing a business’s online presence to target local customers across various service areas effectively. Unlike traditional SEO, which aims to improve a website’s visibility on a global or national scale, Multi-Location SEO hones in on the unique needs and preferences of customers in specific geographic regions. The essence of Multi-Location SEO lies in its ability to ensure that each location of a business ranks prominently in local search engine results pages (SERPs). This means that when potential customers in a particular area search for products or services related to your business, they are more likely to encounter relevant information about nearby locations. Nearly half of all Google searches have local intent, meaning users are actively seeking nearby businesses or services. Optimizing for local SEO can help capture this audience and drive more foot traffic to physical locations. Since Google and other search engines use a searcher’s location to find local relevant service providers, optimizing your business for all the areas that you are willing to provide is essential to ensuring that you are maximizing your leads. This localized approach not only increases the visibility of individual branches or outlets but also enhances the overall brand presence in each service area.  Key components of Multi-Location local SEO include optimizing Google My Business (GMB) listings for each location, creating dedicated landing pages with location-specific content on the business website, and incorporating relevant keywords and geographic modifiers into website content and meta tags. Additionally, ensuring consistency in Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) citations across online directories, review platforms, and social media profiles is essential for establishing credibility and trust with both search engines and potential customers. Multi-location local SEO is particularly beneficial for businesses with physical storefronts, such as retail chains, restaurants, healthcare facilities, and service providers with multiple offices or branches. By implementing a targeted Multi-local SEO strategy, these businesses can attract highly relevant traffic, improve customer engagement, and drive foot traffic to individual locations. Ultimately, Multi-Location local SEO empowers businesses to connect with local audiences on a granular level, driving growth and success in each service area. What’s the Benefit of Multiple-Location Local SEO? Multi-Location Local SEO offers a number of benefits for businesses operating in multiple service areas. The Benefits of Multiple-Location SEO include: Key Strategies for Multi-Location Local SEO Success Achieving success in Multi-Location Local SEO requires a comprehensive strategy that addresses the unique needs and challenges of each service area. Here are key strategies to help businesses optimize their online presence and drive results: How do I rank for service areas for which I do not have a physical address? Ranking for service areas in which you do not have a physical address is perhaps the biggest challenge for multi-location SEO  but is still achievable with the right strategies. These strategies are similar to ordinary local seo practices but incorporate a few differences that allow you to hone in on specific service areas. Here are specific steps to help you rank for these service areas: In conclusion, mastering Multi-Location SEO is essential for businesses with multiple locations seeking to thrive in today’s digital landscape. By addressing challenges with strategic solutions, such as optimizing Google My Business listings, creating location-specific content, and engaging in local link building, businesses can enhance their online presence and attract customers across all service areas. With diligence and the right tactics in place, businesses can achieve success in Multi-Location SEO and drive growth in their target markets.