Just how important is local SEO?
Well, that depends. Does your website represent a business whose customers are almost 100% local? If so, then local SEO would yield far greater results than trying to compete globally, especially in a field that has a lot of competition.
Most people that are searching for a service or product would rather be able to shop locally. While the World Wide Web provides an almost limitless supply of just about everything, the amount of local providers certainly narrows. After all, who from Florence, SC wants to contact a landscaper in Florida about mowing their lawn? Right. Nobody.
Here's a quick question, "Would you open a store in Florida and expect residents of the Pee Dee to be your primary customers?" No, you wouldn't. Then why focus primarily on a global web presence when your business is 100% local?
There are vast resources available for local SEO from social media to Google My Business. Sure, analytic research into keywords, meta-tags, traffic, bounce rate, etc. can always help. But, as a local business owner, you should always focus on local clientele. Are locals reviewing your site and services online? Are they going to your social media pages? When searched, does your site appear on Google Maps? Has your company created a profile with Google My Business?
Search Engine Optimization is an ongoing process for the entire life of your business Keeping your site visible globally is one thing. Making sure that locals find you is critical.