In the world of SEO, AI has been pulling a lot of focus as it has exploded in popularity. While this is changing a lot of things online, many of the fundamentals of digital marketing remain the same, especially local SEO. By implementing targeted strategies, dealerships can boost visibility on traditional search engines and with AI to attract more foot traffic and ultimately drive more sales.
Here at Reunion Marketing, we implement these strategies in client plans. Reach out to our team if you want help with local SEO for your dealership.
Why Local SEO Still Matters
Local SEO, or search engine optimization tailored to specific geographic areas, ensures that your dealership shows up when potential customers in your area search for terms like “used SUVs near me” or “Honda dealership in [city].” Unlike broader SEO efforts, local SEO focuses on connecting your company with nearby consumers who are interested in what you’re selling. Advantages include increased website traffic, in-person visits, and better engagement with customers actively searching for your services.
Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is a powerful tool for boosting visibility in local searches and maps, acting as your digital storefront and often serving as the first impression for potential customers. To make the most of it, ensure your name, address, and phone number (NAP) are accurate not only on GBP but across all online platforms where your dealership appears, as consistency builds trust with search engines. Assign relevant business categories like “Car Dealership,” “Used Car Dealer,” or “Auto Repair Shop” to better target your audience. Regularly update your hours, promotions, inventory links, and any special events to keep information fresh and accurate. Additionally, take advantage of GBP’s enhanced features, such as Q&A to address common customer questions and Google posts to highlight promotions or updates. An optimized Google Business Profile can be the key difference between standing out or being overlooked for competitors.
Master the Art of Local Keywords
Local keywords are essential for connecting with the right audience at the right time. These are the search terms people use when looking for products or services nearby, and may resemble longer phrases, also known as long-tail keywords. For car dealerships, this might include phrases like “certified pre-owned cars in [city]” or “best deals on trucks near [city].”
Start by researching keywords strategically, and be as specific as possible by targeting combinations of make, model, and location, such as “2024 Toyota Corolla in Asheville” or “electric SUVs near [city].” Integrate these keywords naturally into your website copy, blog posts, page meta descriptions, and product listings without overloading the content. By selecting and optimizing for local keywords, your dealership can not only be found online but also be seen as a relevant choice for buyers in your area.
Focus on On-Page Local SEO
Fine-tuning your website with on-page SEO tailored to your area can make a big impact, yet many dealerships overlook this key part of local SEO. Start by creating dedicated landing pages for each dealership location, making sure each page is uniquely optimized for local terms. Embed an interactive Google Map on your “Contact Us” or “Location” page to boost local rankings and improve user experience, and use local schema markup to give search engines detailed info like your location, hours, and services. This will increase your chances of appearing in local searches. Lastly, ensure your website is mobile-friendly, fast, and easy to navigate, as many customers research dealerships on their phones. On-page optimization is key to Local SEO, helping search engines and customers find your business.
Create Locally-Focused Content
Content marketing is a valuable companion to your SEO efforts, especially when it’s tailored to your area. By creating content that resonates with local audiences, you can establish yourself as a trusted resource and attract leads who are ready to buy. This is where your dealership blog can come in handy, allowing you to cover topics like local driving guides or upcoming events.
Investing in local SEO is a must for car dealerships looking to differentiate themselves in their communities and drive more leads. If you want expert insights and support for local SEO tailored to your specific goals, we’re ready to help at Reunion Marketing. Our LocalEyes technology and process make identifying areas of opportunity on Google Business Profile easy. We also take care of all the essential optimization areas that you don’t have time to manage.
Kick things off with a custom audit to uncover opportunities and take your website performance to the next level.
Further Research:
Search Engine Land – https://searchengineland.com/local-seo-dominate-local-search-this-year-428339