A storefront with a giant magnifying glass analyzing its online presence, with icons for keywords, links, and local citations floating around it.
Google Business Profile

Is Local SEO a Top Priority for Your Business?

Unlocking Local Success with Ahrefs: A Comprehensive Guide to Best Practices

In today’s digital landscape, where consumers increasingly turn to online searches to find local businesses, optimizing for local search engine results pages (SERPs) is no longer a choice but a necessity. For businesses with a physical presence, neglecting local SEO is akin to turning away potential customers at your doorstep. Enter Ahrefs, a powerful SEO toolkit that can be instrumental in boosting your local search visibility. This comprehensive guide delves into the best practices of leveraging Ahrefs for local SEO, empowering you to attract more local customers, drive foot traffic, and ultimately, grow your business.

1. Keyword Research: The Foundation of Your Local SEO Strategy

Keywords are the backbone of any SEO strategy, and local SEO is no exception. Ahrefs provides a robust suite of tools to uncover the keywords potential customers use to find businesses like yours.

1.1. Utilizing Ahrefs’ Keywords Explorer for Local Keywords

The Keywords Explorer tool allows you to delve into relevant keywords by geographic location. Simply input your primary keywords and select your target location to discover search volume, keyword difficulty, and related terms. Pay close attention to near me searches, as these are highly indicative of local intent.

1.2. Exploring Competitors’ Keywords

Ahrefs’ Site Explorer is your secret weapon to uncover the keywords your competitors are ranking for. By analyzing their successful strategies, you can identify high-value keywords you might have overlooked. Furthermore, understanding your competitor’s strengths and weaknesses in keyword targeting allows you to refine your approach for a competitive edge.

1.3. Long-Tail Keywords for Local SEO

Long-tail keywords, those longer and more specific phrases, are particularly valuable for local SEO. They often reflect higher purchase intent and less competition. Tools like Ahrefs’ Content Gap analysis can help you identify long-tail keywords your competitors are missing, offering an opportunity to carve out your niche in the local search landscape.

2. On-Page Optimization: Making Your Website Locally Relevant

2.1. Optimizing Title Tags and Meta Descriptions with Local Keywords

Title tags and meta descriptions are crucial elements for both search engines and users. These snippets provide a concise preview of what your page is about. Integrate your chosen local keywords naturally within these tags, ensuring they accurately reflect your location and offerings. Ahrefs’ On-Page SEO report can guide you in optimizing these elements effectively.

2.2. Creating Locally Relevant Content

Content is king in the digital realm, and local content is its crown jewel. Produce content that resonates with local audiences by incorporating local keywords, highlighting community events, or addressing local issues relevant to your industry. Blogs, articles, and even video content can be powerful mediums to establish your local authority.

2.3. Schema Markup for Local Businesses

Schema markup, a form of structured data, helps search engines better understand the information on your website. For local businesses, schema markup for your business name, address, phone number (NAP), operating hours, and reviews can significantly improve your visibility in local search results. Ahrefs’ Site Audit tool can help you identify missing schema markup opportunities.

3. Google Business Profile (GBP) Optimization: Your Local SEO Hub

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is your business’s online storefront, making it a cornerstone of local SEO success. Ahrefs provides valuable insights to enhance your GBP and attract more customers.

3.1. GBP Audit with Ahrefs

Ahrefs’ Site Audit tool can be utilized to assess your GBP for completeness and accuracy. Ensure your business information is consistent across all platforms, from your website to your social media profiles. Ahrefs can help you identify discrepancies that may harm your local search ranking.

3.2. Category Selection and Business Description

Choosing the most relevant categories for your business and crafting a compelling business description rich in local keywords are essential for GBP optimization. Ahrefs’ Keyword Explorer can help you identify appropriate categories and keywords to enhance your GBP’s visibility in relevant searches.

3.3. GBP Posts for Engagement and Visibility

Leverage GBP posts to share updates, promotions, events, and other engaging content. Ahrefs’ Content Explorer can help you identify trending topics and content ideas that resonate with your local audience, allowing you to create posts that attract attention and drive engagement.

4. Link Building: Strengthening Your Local Authority

Link building, the process of acquiring backlinks from other websites, remains a crucial ranking factor in local SEO. Ahrefs provides invaluable tools to identify link building opportunities and assess the quality of potential backlinks.

4.1. Identifying Local Link Building Opportunities

Ahrefs’ Link Intersect tool is a powerful asset for discovering link building opportunities within your local area. You can identify websites linking to your competitors but not to you, providing a targeted list of potential outreach targets. Focus on local businesses, organizations, and publications for the most impactful local backlinks.

4.2. Assessing Backlink Quality with Ahrefs

Not all backlinks are created equal. Ahrefs’ Domain Rating (DR) and URL Rating (UR) metrics allow you to assess the authority and trustworthiness of potential link sources. Prioritize high-quality backlinks from reputable websites for optimal SEO benefit.

4.3. Building Relationships for Local Backlinks

Building relationships with other local businesses, influencers, and organizations can pave the way for valuable backlink opportunities. Consider collaborations, sponsorships, or guest blogging opportunities to build your online presence and acquire high-quality local backlinks.

5. Tracking and Monitoring Your Local SEO Performance

Local SEO is an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring and adjustments. Ahrefs provides comprehensive tracking tools to measure your progress and identify areas for improvement.

5.1. Monitoring Keyword Rankings

Ahrefs’ Rank Tracker allows you to monitor your keyword rankings in your target location. Track your progress over time and identify keywords that need further optimization. Pay close attention to local keyword variations, including near me searches, to assess your local search visibility effectively.

5.2. Analyzing GBP Insights

Ahrefs provides insights into your GBP performance, allowing you to track metrics such as views, clicks, website visits, and direction requests. These insights provide valuable data to assess the effectiveness of your GBP optimization efforts and identify areas for improvement.

5.3. Adapting Your Strategy Based on Data

Regularly review your Ahrefs data, including keyword rankings, backlink profile, and GBP performance. Adjust your strategy based on these insights to continuously improve your local SEO effectiveness. The dynamic nature of search engines necessitates ongoing adaptation for sustained success.

Conclusion

Local SEO is an essential ingredient for businesses seeking to thrive in today’s digital landscape. Ahrefs, with its powerful suite of SEO tools, empowers businesses to conquer local search results, attract local customers, and drive business growth. By embracing the best practices outlined in this guide, you can unlock the full potential of Ahrefs for local SEO and establish your brand as a dominant force in your local market.

*Note: Zing Business Systems provides done-for-you solutions for Google Business Profiles or provides ideas and solutions for the DIY business owner.

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Author: Matt Kallunki

Background and Experience Born in North Carolina and raised in a military family that moved frequently across North America, Europe, and Hong Kong, Matt Kallunki learned the values of adaptability and resilience from an early age. He enlisted in the Army National Guard at 17, bringing dedication and commitment to his service—a trait he has carried through every opportunity since. His education at Utah Valley University and later at Utah State University, along with diverse roles in technology, hospitality, and marketing, has shaped a career marked by innovation and leadership. As a veteran, Kallunki proudly leads Zing Business Systems, a veteran-owned and operated business. Inspiration and Innovation The constant throughout Kallunki’s career has been the importance of effective marketing—an insight first gained while running his initial restaurant. This understanding guided him through various entrepreneurial and consulting roles, eventually leading to the foundation of Zing Business Systems. Here, Kallunki has harnessed emerging technologies to provide small businesses with smart, scalable communication solutions. Zing Business Systems: Bridging Technology and Opportunity Zing Business Systems turns everyday challenges into growth opportunities. The company's flagship service, the Missed Call Text Back, ensures that small businesses never miss out on potential customer engagements. Kallunki equips his clients with tools that streamline communication, allowing them to focus on what truly matters—their core business and customer relationships. Customer Impact Kallunki's technology revolutionizes how businesses interact with customers. From automotive to professional services, he helps business owners centralize operations and automate routine tasks, significantly enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction. Looking Ahead Dedicated to continuous innovation and expansion, Zing Business Systems is committed to empowering more businesses with effective communication tools. With over two decades of marketing experience and a lifelong passion for service, Kallunki is redefining standards in business engagement and management. More About Matt In addition to his professional pursuits, Matt Kallunki is a lifelong motivated learner with a diverse array of hobbies and interests that span both creative and technical fields. From open boat sailing and spear fishing to ham radio operation and gardening, Matt's activities reflect his broad interests and relentless curiosity. A Cold War to present military enthusiast and avid reader, he also indulges in audiobooks, constantly seeking new knowledge and adventures. As a certified scuba instructor and divemaster, Matt takes his passion for exploration below the water's surface, teaching others and enjoying the serene beauty of the underwater world. His love for hands-on creation is evident in his skills in woodworking and metalworking, while his technical acumen shines through in his interests in cybersecurity and networking. Photography is another passion, capturing moments from his ventures and everyday life, showcasing his artistic eye and attention to detail. Whether it’s running marathons, launching high-powered rockets, or nurturing his garden, each hobby Matt engages in reflects a facet of his dynamic personality and relentless pursuit of growth and excellence. Connect with Matt Kallunki You can connect with Matt and learn more about his work and Zing Business Systems through various platforms: Visit https://blog.zingacp.com/about-us-page for social and medial links.