Are you a tradesperson or service-based business owner looking to connect with customers in your local area? Do you want to know how to use “near me” for SEO?

If so, you’ll want to focus on improving your local SEO to ensure your business is visible to potential customers who are searching for your services.

In this article, we’ll explore three key strategies for improving your local SEO: avoiding the use of “near me” in your business name, creating local business listings, and generating leads through targeted marketing campaigns.

A sign on top of a building saying: BEER! This, like using near me SEO, is one of many ways to attract business in the local area.
Using a giant flashing sign is just one of many different ways to attract local customers to your business.

Should you use “Near Me” for SEO in Your Business Name?

Contrary to popular belief, there’s no need to add “near me” to your business name to improve your local SEO. In fact, doing so can actually be detrimental to your efforts. Google will not consider the “near me” in a search to be part of the business or product name. Rather, the technology is smart enough to understand that the intent of the search is to find a result in close physical proximity to the searcher.

Instead, focus on creating high-quality content on your website that includes your location and the services you provide. This will help Google understand what your business is all about and where it’s located, making it more likely to appear in local search results.

“Local SEO is about optimising your website and online presence to attract more business from relevant local searches.”

Andrew Seidel, Quantum
Google Business Profile for local SEO optimisation.
Creating and optimising your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) should be high up on your priorities when considering your local SEO.

Create Local Business Listings

Another key aspect of local SEO is creating local business listings on directories and websites such as Yelp and Yellow Pages. You should also set up and optimise your Google Business Profile, if you have not done so yet.

This can help improve your visibility in local search results and also provides additional opportunities for potential customers to find your business. Make sure your listings include your business name, address, phone number, and website URL. Further to this, I would also strongly consider adding photos and other relevant information about your services.

Targeted marketing campaigns are a great way to improve visibility for your local business.
Targeted marketing campaigns are a great way to improve visibility for your local business. Just trying to advertise to anyone and everyone is like throwing spaghetti at a wall and hoping it sticks!

Generate Leads Through Targeted Marketing Campaigns

In addition to optimising your website and local business listings, you can also generate leads through targeted marketing campaigns. This can include running local advertising campaigns on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, as well as using Google Ads to target potential customers in your local area.

Make sure your campaigns are targeted to the right audience and include a strong call-to-action that encourages potential customers to contact your business.

Client getting haircut in a local barbershop.
Knowing your customer and knowing what motivates them will help you fine-tune your marketing efforts for your local business.

Conclusion

Improving your local SEO and generating more leads for your business requires a multifaceted approach. By avoiding the use of “near me” in your business name, creating local business listings, and generating leads through targeted marketing campaigns, you can improve your visibility in local search results and connect with potential customers in your local area. 

Remember, the key to success is to focus on providing high-quality content and services. And of course, to stay consistent in your marketing efforts over time.