Local SEO: 10 Essential Steps to Expand Beyond Google

Regarding local SEO, Google is often the first platform businesses think of—and for good reason. Google dominates the search engine market, and optimizing for Google My Business is crucial for attracting local customers. However, focusing solely on Google means overlooking other powerful platforms that can significantly expand your local SEO reach.
To maximize your local SEO efforts, consider other platforms. These platforms have their user bases and are often overlooked by businesses solely focused on Google. By diversifying your local SEO strategy and optimizing your business information on these platforms, you can tap into new audiences and increase your local visibility.

To truly dominate local search and connect with your community, you need a broader strategy. Here’s how to go beyond Google and maximize your local SEO efforts.

1. Optimize for Bing Places for Business

While Google is the leader, Bing holds a noteworthy share of the search engine market, especially among desktop users. Optimizing your business profile on Bing Places for Business ensures visibility for a different segment of search users.

• Action Steps:
  • Claim or create your Bing Places listing.
  • Ensure your business information (name, address, phone number) is consistent with other platforms.
  • Add high-quality photos and accurate categories.

2. Leverage Apple Maps

With millions of iPhone users relying on Apple Maps for navigation and local search, having a presence here is critical.

Apple Maps also integrates with voice assistant Siri, making it essential for voice search optimization.

• Action Steps:
  • Register your business on Apple Business Connect to manage your listing.
  • Include accurate information, such as opening hours, website links, and contact details.
  • Encourage reviews on platforms like Yelp, as Apple Maps often pulls ratings from third-party sites.

3. Tap Into Yelp for Reviews

Yelp is a go-to platform for reviews and recommendations, particularly for restaurants, service providers, and local attractions. A strong Yelp profile can influence not only its users but also platforms like Apple Maps and Bing.

• Action Steps:
  • Claim your Yelp business page and complete your profile.
  • Respond promptly to reviews—whether positive or negative.
  • Use Yelp Ads to increase visibility in competitive local markets.

4. Optimize for Social Media Platforms

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn play a critical role in local SEO by driving traffic and engagement. Facebook Business Pages, in particular, often appear in local search results and offer features like reviews, location maps, and business hours.

• Action Steps:
  • Keep your profiles updated with consistent business information.
  • Use location-based hashtags and geotags in your posts to increase local visibility.
  • Encourage customers to leave reviews and tag your business in their posts.

5. Use Niche Directories

Industry-specific and local directories are valuable for improving local SEO. Listings on these platforms enhance your business’s credibility and improve backlinks, boosting overall search rankings.

• Examples:
  • For restaurants: Zomato or TripAdvisor.
  • For healthcare: Healthgrades or Zocdoc.
  • For tradespeople: Angi (formerly Angie’s List).
• Action Steps:
  • Identify directories relevant to your industry.
  • Ensure consistent and accurate business details across all platforms.

6. Optimize for Voice Search

Voice search is growing, with more users relying on assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant to find local businesses. Optimizing for voice search ensures your business appears in these queries.

• Action Steps:
  • Use natural, conversational keywords in your content.
  • Focus on answering common questions (e.g., “Where’s the nearest coffee shop?”).
  • Include clear, concise business information on your website and listings.

7. Don’t Overlook Local News and Forums

Local forums and news websites often rank highly in regional searches. Participating in these platforms can boost visibility and position your business as a community leader.

• Action Steps:
  • Contribute to local forums and news websites like Kisumu Everyday or relevant Facebook groups.
  • Partner with local news sites for sponsorships, collaborations, or press releases.
  • Share updates about community involvement to build local credibility.

8. Leverage Video Platforms Like YouTube

YouTube, the second-largest search engine, is a powerful tool for reaching local audiences. Creating videos showcasing your products, services, or local community involvement can drive traffic and engagement.

• Action Steps:
  • Create videos with local keywords in titles and descriptions (e.g., “Best Coffee Shops in [City]”).
  • Include your business’s contact details and website link in video descriptions.
  • Collaborate with local influencers for more exposure.

9. Collaborate with Local Influencers

Local influencers have established trust with their followers, making them valuable partners for boosting visibility and credibility.

• Action Steps:
  • Identify influencers who align with your brand and operate in your area.
  • Partner for sponsored posts, giveaways, or events.
  • Encourage them to tag your business and use location-specific hashtags.

10. Monitor and Respond to Customer Feedback Everywhere

Online reviews influence local search rankings and customer trust. While Google reviews are crucial, feedback on other platforms like Facebook, Yelp, and industry directories also matters.

• Action Steps:
  • Set up alerts for new reviews across platforms.
  • Respond to all reviews professionally and promptly.
  • Use customer feedback to improve your services and address concerns.

Keeping your business profiles on these platforms up-to-date and engaging with your customers can improve your local SEO rankings across multiple platforms.
While Google My Business is essential for local SEO, expanding your reach beyond Google can significantly enhance your online visibility. By optimizing your business information on platforms like Bing Places for Business and Apple Maps Connect and engaging with your local audience on social media, you can attract more customers and increase your local SEO rankings.

Want to enhance your local SEO strategy? At Crowdol, we specialize in helping businesses reach their full potential in local search across all platforms. Contact us today to take your local SEO efforts to the next level!