Starting a new business is an exciting yet irrefutably terrifying experience! On the one hand, you are taking life by the horns and trying to build something for yourself, while on the other, you are launching yourself head-first into an increasingly competitive marketplace.
One of the biggest challenges for new businesses is knowing where to start with SEO and digital marketing. For example, is it possible for a new business in Miami to dominate the local listings? How can you compete when there are already so many long-established businesses? Read on to learn more…
David and Goliath
If the story of David and Goliath has taught us anything, it’s not the size of the boat; it’s the motion in the ocean.
Yes, there may well be several long-established businesses in your local area, but that doesn’t mean you have room to thrive.
You can dominate the local SEO listings in Miami, even if you are the new kid on the block. Here’s how…
Focus on strategy
You can carve yourself out a slice of the pie with a solid strategy. Many businesses in the local SEO listings haven’t even claimed their GMB profile (Google My Business) and are simply ranking because they’ve been around for long enough.
However, if you set up your GMB and fill out every field with purpose and intention, you can start working towards knocking them off the top spots. Let’s look at some essential tips to get you started:
- Fill out every section of your GMB profile
- Add all of the necessary contact information
- Select your primary and secondary categories carefully
- Tick off all of the viable attributes (e.g., disabled access)
- Conduct high-quality keyword research
- Fill out your GMB ‘about’ section using the proper keywords (use tasteful and engaging sales copy)
- Upload high-quality pictures and videos of your premises (including street views, ‘meet the team’, and your products / and services)
- Encourage happy customers to leave reviews and respond to all feedback
- Set up messaging and respond to all inquiries as quickly as possible
- Connect your social accounts and share regular posts
- Add an FAQ section and answer as many questions as you can
If you do all of the above, you will do significantly more than most people. This will give you a strong foundation upon which you can build.
Play the long game
You are new to the game, and other businesses have been around for far longer. However, with some patience and dedication, you will start to climb the rankings. Don’t expect instant results. Only SEO scammers will promise you the #1 spot in a matter of weeks. The reality is these things take time.
“Build it, and they will come!”
Look for gaps in your competitor’s content.
Carry out extensive competitor research. Visit their websites and social media and look at what kind of content they share. Have they covered everything on their blog? Are there certain areas that they could improve on?
This data can be highly valuable – particularly because it allows you to address certain topics and subject matter that haven’t been touched yet and thus can create unique content of your own.
Highlight your USP
When conducting competitor research, you should be able to identify what makes your business different. Lean into and highlight those differences! For example, if you are a new coffee shop trying to compete with hundreds of others in Miami, look for ways to differentiate yours (e.g., group events, board games, art nights, serving alcohol, using local produce, supporting charities, loyalty schemes, etc.).
Find a USP and then talk about it. Share it on your socials, create blog posts, and let your audience know that they will be investing in a different experience when they come to you.
Conclusion
The above tips are just scraping the surface, but they should show you how to improve your local SEO and make some noise in your local area.
The fact is, you really do not have to be a long and established business to attract a unique audience. You must think outside the box, put the time in, and go the extra mile.
Another great way to get ahead is to consider hiring a Miami SEO company to assist you with your local strategy. We hope you’ve found this article inspiring and wish you the best of luck!
