Author: Shei Wah, TAN
Have you ever felt the rush of excitement when you type in your business keywords and hope to see your website shining at the top of those organic search results? Yup, me too.
But let’s be real, we’ve all been there when our website doesn’t even make the first page (or the second… or the third 🙈).
When we first started our digital marketing agency in Singapore, I remember our creative team spending plenty of time creating top-notch content for our client. And yet we still found it difficult to get to the first page. This was especially true for new businesses in a competitive niche in Singapore and Australia, such as the medical and e-commerce industries.
That’s why, as an agency, we always start working on local seo campaigns for every new client. Organic search SEO is a wild beast. It’s dynamic, ever-evolving, and frankly, a little difficult to dominate. At NEO360, to secure a fast and effective win for our team, our SEO process starts with a local SEO campaign.
Now, why is this a good opportunity? Because while everyone is busy trying to rank in organic search results, you can start ranking in local search with low barriers to entry. I mean, who wouldn’t want their business to pop up when someone searches for “dentist near me” or “hair transplant in Singapore” within the first 3 months of the SEO campaign?
Often, we overlook the power of the community around us. Our neighbours, the folks grabbing coffee down the street – they’re all potential customers, and local SEO can be your bridge to them.
So, what did we do? We started small. We updated our client’s Google Business Profile, collected reviews from their loyal customers, and engaged with local online communities. And guess what? The phone started buzzing, enquiries began pouring in, and the footfall in our client’s clinic increased. All because we decided to tap into the community around us.
I share this not to say organic search SEO isn’t vital – it is. But take note that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. And while we’re gearing up for that marathon, let’s not forget to pick those low-hanging fruits along the way. 🍎
Interested in our approach? Check out our local SEO campaign checklist below.
Local SEO Campaign Singapore Checklist:
1. Understand Local Search Intent
- Use tools like Google’s Keyword Planner with a focus on Singapore.
- Identify location-specific keywords for your business.
- Research colloquial terms and phrases used in Singapore.
2. Claim Google Business Profile
- Ensure NAP details are accurate and consistent.
- Upload high-quality business images.
- Encourage and respond to customer reviews on Google Business Profile (GBP).
- ink Google Business Profile with Google Merchant Center (E-commerce).
- Add top-tier product images (E-commerce).
3. On-site Optimisation
- Update title tags, meta descriptions, and URLs with local keywords.
- Implement schema markup for local businesses.
- Embed Google Maps pinpointing your exact business location.
- Produce content related to local events, news, and culture.
4. Citations and Local Listings
- List your business on top Singapore directories (like Yellow Pages Singapore, Yalwa).
- Ensure consistent NAP across all listings.
- Regularly monitor and manage citations for accuracy.
5. Building Local Links
- Network with local bloggers and businesses for potential collaborations.
- Identify local events or causes for sponsorship opportunities.>
- Guest post on local blogs or news sites.
6. Mobile Optimisation
- Check your website’s mobile responsiveness.
- Fine-tune site speed for mobile access.
- Make sure local contact info is easily accessible on mobile.
7. Social Media
- Create or update profiles on popular platforms in Singapore.
- Engage with local audiences via polls, stories, and more.
- Regularly post content centred on local interests.
8. Reviews and Reputation Management
- Encourage customer reviews after a purchase or service.
- Assign someone to promptly respond to reviews.
- Keep an eye on online mentions and manage your online reputation.
9. SEO Analytics and KPIs
- Integrate tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console.
- Watch your local search rankings.
- Monitor conversions stemming from local search traffic.
If you need assistance to run a local SEO campaign, we offer Local SEO services in Singapore and Australia. We specialise in the medical, education, and e-commerce industry. Please use the contact form below if you are interested.