What exactly is local geo-targeted SEO – and why does your Hackensack or Bergen County NJ business need it?
Simple: your business shows up in local search results, and your phone starts ringing.
When done correctly, local SEO ensures your business appears prominently in location-based searches on Google and other platforms. That means more visibility, more traffic, and more clients.
Let’s break it down step by step.
Your Google Business Profile: The Foundation of Local SEO
Claim or create your Google Business Profile, then fully optimize it. This is one of the most critical tools in your local SEO strategy.
Make sure all information is accurate and consistent:
- Business name and description
- Opening date, phone number, and website URL
- Social media profiles and short name
- Physical location and service area
- Business hours and service options
- Photos of your location, services, and products
- Posts (news, promotions, updates)
- Q&A section (think of it like an FAQ for your listing)
Google loves consistency and detail – so do your customers.
Geo-Targeted Keywords and Long Tail Phrases
Always assume the person searching doesn’t know your name or your business exists.
That’s where local keywords and long-tail keyword phrases come in. These naturally incorporate your:
- Location [your town, your county, state]
- Products or services
- Industry-specific terminology
Use them strategically:
- In page titles, meta descriptions, and header tags (H1s, H2s, H3s)
- Within body content, but always conversationally
- In FAQs and blog posts
Local SEO works best when these terms are used naturally in your content – not forced.
Branding and Local Identity: Stay Consistent Everywhere
Your business branding should match across all digital platforms:
- Business name
- Logo
- Social media handles / usernames
- Google Business Profile short name
- Website URL
- Business address and phone number
This consistency reinforces your local identity in Hackensack and beyond, helping your brand stick in people’s minds and ensuring better recognition in search.
Reviews and Ratings: Social Proof That Matters
Build a habit of asking for reviews every time you complete a service, task, or sale.
Here’s how to make it easier:
- Send a follow-up email with a review request and simple instructions
- Use a short, friendly script (we use one ourselves)
- Always say thank you when someone leaves a review
- Respond professionally always, especially to poor reviews
Positive reviews improve your local visibility. Google rewards active, responsive businesses.
Local Evergreen Content: The Long Game
Content is still king. And when it’s local and evergreen? Even better.
Create content that resonates with your Hackensack or Bergen County audience:
- Blog posts
- Guides
- Articles
- FAQs
Evergreen content stays relevant and continues to benefit your rankings long after it’s published. It supports your brand, increases discoverability, and helps your website stay fresh in Google’s eyes.
Why Relevant Local SEO Matters
Local SEO isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore – it’s essential. If you're a business owner in Hackensack or Bergen County, showing up when someone types “[your service] near me” is everything.
Optimize your presence, craft your content wisely, and give your audience and search engines what they’re looking for.