Local SEO Tips: Incorporating Your Surroundings Into Blog Posts

Blogging can be hard, especially when trying to create content that references similar subject matter. 

But, this is often a necessary part of maintaining rankings for specific services your business might offer. Regardless of the changes that Google can go through, it always tends to favor seeing fresh, informative, and useful content. 

Consistent blogging on a regular basis is difficult. Plus, this doesn’t even take the other strategies that you may need to use for ranking on a local level into account. Blogging in order to highlight specific locations can feel even harder due to the limited area you are working with. But, with enough creativity, you may be able to find new angles that will allow you to incorporate your local surroundings in a meaningful and relevant way to your ideal client. Today, we are going to explore how to include local elements in your blog content effectively, from brainstorming techniques to using local schema markup.

Keyword Research 

Conducting solid keyword research is the foundation of many good SEO practices, and local blogging is no exception. It is important to research keywords that are relevant and rankings on a local area that may include your city, neighborhood, or service area. In many cases, these will include terms that end in “near me” or the city/town in which your practice is located. Why? Well, this is because of search intent. Folks are more likely to search for services with a qualifier like “near me” to hone in on services close in proximity to where they are searching from. So, it’s important to ensure you are showing up for these terms. But, including terms that are related to specific services you offer can be tricky, especially when trying to link them back to a specific location. 

Brainstorming is your best friend

Creating original, locally-focused content is challenging but achievable with effective brainstorming. This process can spark ideas and help you develop unique content that resonates with your local audience. Here are some key questions to consider during brainstorming:

What pain points do your clients struggle with, and are there places they can go that can help them manage those issues?

Think about the common problems your clients face. Are there local businesses, parks, community centers, or events that could assist them? Writing about these places can provide valuable information and show that you are attuned to the needs of your community.

What local resources are available that you want to reference?

Highlighting local resources can enhance your blog’s value and relevance. These resources could include anything from libraries and educational centers to local experts and organizations that offer services related to your field. By referencing these resources, you can position your blog as a helpful guide for locals.

How can you engage with local content that will be relevant to your local audience?

Engagement is crucial. Consider writing about local events, news, or community projects. Engaging with content from local influencers or businesses can also broaden your reach and establish connections within the community. For instance, interviews with local business owners or reviews of local events can add a unique, personal touch to your blog.

Using tools like ChatGPT can aid in brainstorming and content creation. By adding your ideas and getting instant feedback, you can refine your topics and structure your posts more effectively.

Recognizing Where We Work, Live, and Play

Understanding how different locations can be used for various purposes is essential in creating locally-focused content. Knowing the specific characteristics of the areas where your audience works, lives, and plays can help you tailor your content to their needs.

Highlighting Famous Landmarks/Locally Known Places

Incorporating well-known local landmarks in your blog can significantly boost its appeal and relevance. Photos you’ve taken of these landmarks can enhance your posts, providing visual proof of your connection to the area. This not only helps Google recognize your location but also fosters a stronger connection with your local audience.

For instance, if you’re writing about a fitness regimen or how to manage anxiety symptoms, you could mention popular local parks or hiking trails where people can exercise or feel more at ease with their surroundings. Including personal anecdotes or tips about these places can make your content more engaging and relatable.

Don’t Forget Local Schema Markup!

To ensure that Google understands the local relevance of your content, including local business schema markup can also be a great way to highlight your location. This technical element helps search engines recognize the geographical focus of your business, improving your visibility in local search results.

Local schema markup provides Google with detailed information about your business, such as your address, phone number, business hours, and more. This can enhance your appearance in search results, making it easier for potential customers in your area to find you.

Creating Locally Focused Blogs Isn’t Impossible!

Creating local blogs can take a blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and technical know-how. By brainstorming effectively, recognizing the unique aspects of your local area, and utilizing tools like local schema markup, you can develop content that resonates with your audience and ranks well in local searches.

Remember, the goal is to provide genuine value to your readers. Avoid shortcuts like keyword stuffing, and focus on building a blog that truly reflects the vibrant, unique nature of your local community. With thoughtful planning and execution, your locally-focused blog can become a trusted resource for your audience and a cornerstone of your digital marketing strategy.

Start Receiving Support with Simplified SEO Consulting

Our team of SEO specialists would be happy to guide you in learning more about locally focused content and the best ways to incorporate your surroundings into helpful content. You can start working with the team at Simplified SEO Consulting by following these steps:

1. Apply to work with us to improve your SEO
2. Meet with an SEO specialist 
3. Start improving your SEO rankings!

Other Services Offered with Simplified SEO Consulting

Our team knows there are many aspects of SEO that you may need help addressing on your site. This is why we offer a variety of SEO services. Other services offered include our Done For You SEO Services and DIY Online SEO Courses. We also offer a 12-week Done With You Intensive SEO Program. Visit our blog to learn more today!

About the Author

Sterling Humburg-Cage graduated from the University of Missouri with a BA in Psychology in 2020. He has integrated what he learned in school into his work as an SEO Specialist with Simplified SEO Consulting. Sterling prides himself on helping current clients & alumni problems solve difficult SEO issues.  He’s great at giving clients multiple options about how to approach a situation, finding solutions to some of the more technical aspects of SEO, and responding in a timely manner to client concerns.  Since he started, Sterling has met frequently with our alumni and provided them with extra problem-solving support. He now provides additional support with a variety of local SEO services. He often goes the extra mile to do outside research. By doing so, he sure private practice owners have everything they need to rank well on search engines long term for the keywords their ideal clients are using!