CRO for Local Search (15 Best Practices)

This article was first published on April 25th, 2023, and was last updated January 2024.

In the dynamic landscape of online business, achieving success in local search requires a strategic approach that goes beyond mere visibility. Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) emerges as a pivotal factor, empowering businesses to not only attract local traffic but also convert it into valuable customers.

In this blog, we will dive into the realm of CRO for local search, uncovering 15 best practices that can elevate your online presence within specific geographic regions. Let’s get started!

What is Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO)?

Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) is a process of improving the percentage of website visitors who take a desired action, such as making a purchase, filling out a form, or subscribing to a newsletter. The goal of CRO is to enhance the overall performance of a website by increasing the conversion rate, which is the ratio of conversions to the total number of visitors.

CRO involves analyzing user behavior, understanding the customer journey, and implementing changes to the website to encourage more visitors to complete the desired actions. This optimization process often includes A/B testing, where different web page versions are compared to determine which performs better in conversions.

Key elements of Conversion Rate Optimization include:

• User Experience (UX): Ensuring that the website provides visitors a positive and seamless experience.
• Call-to-Action (CTA): Optimizing the design and placement of buttons or links that prompt users to take specific actions.
• Content Optimization: Make sure that the website’s content is clear, compelling, and aligned with the user’s expectations.
• Page Load Speed: Improving the loading time of web pages to prevent user frustration and abandonment.
• Mobile Optimization: Ensuring that the website is optimized for mobile devices, as an increasing number of users access websites from smartphones and tablets.
• A/B Testing: Experimenting with different web page versions to identify elements contributing to higher conversion rates.

By systematically optimizing these elements, businesses aim to improve the overall effectiveness of their online presence and ultimately increase the number of visitors who convert into customers or subscribers.

Conversion Rate Formula

The conversion rate formula is straightforward and is calculated by dividing the number of conversions by the total number of visitors and then multiplying by 100 to express it as a percentage. The formula is as follows:

Conversion Rate=(Number of ConversionsTotal Number of Visitors)×100

Here’s a breakdown of the elements in the formula:

• Number of Conversions: This represents the desired actions taken by visitors on the website, such as making a purchase, filling out a form, or any other predefined goal.
• Total Number of Visitors: This is the overall number of people who visited the website during a specific time period.

By using this formula, businesses can measure the effectiveness of their website or marketing campaigns in terms of converting visitors into customers or achieving other predefined goals. The result is expressed as a percentage, indicating the proportion of visitors who took the desired action.

Importance of CRO for Local Search

Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) is crucial for local search for several reasons, as it helps businesses maximize the effectiveness of their online presence and marketing efforts targeted at local audiences. Here are some key reasons why CRO is important for local search:

• Increased Conversion Rates: CRO focuses on optimizing websites and online assets to encourage desired actions from visitors, such as making a purchase, requesting information, or contacting the business. Businesses can turn more local search traffic into actual customers by improving conversion rates.
• Higher Return on Investment (ROI): Effective CRO means that a higher percentage of the local traffic you attract through search will convert into customers. This translates to a better return on investment for your local search marketing efforts, as more of the acquired traffic results in valuable actions.
• Local Brand Authority: A well-optimized online presence, including local landing pages and a Google My Business profile, can help establish your business as an authoritative and trustworthy presence in the local community. This, in turn, can positively impact brand perception and encourage more local customers to choose your products or services.
• Competitive Advantage: Local markets can be competitive, and businesses that invest in CRO gain a competitive edge. An optimized website, local landing pages, and effective CTAs can set your business apart from competitors in local search results.
• Enhanced User Experience (UX): CRO often involves improving the overall user experience on your website. A positive user experience contributes to higher conversion rates and helps build a positive perception of your brand among local customers.
• Localized Targeting: CRO allows businesses to tailor their online assets and marketing strategies to specific local audiences. By understanding local preferences, needs, and behaviors, businesses can create more personalized and effective campaigns that resonate with the local community.
• Better Insights and Data-Driven Decisions: CRO involves tracking and analyzing data related to user behavior, conversions, and other key metrics. This data provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of local search strategies, allowing businesses to make informed decisions and continually optimize their approach.
• Adaptation to Changing Local Trends: Local markets and consumer behaviors can change over time. CRO enables businesses to adapt to these changes by identifying trends and adjusting strategies accordingly. This agility is essential for maintaining relevance and competitiveness in the local landscape.
• Cost Efficiency: Improving conversion rates means achieving your local business goals with less advertising spend. This makes your local marketing efforts more cost-efficient, especially when targeting the right audience with optimized campaigns.
• Local Community Engagement: CRO strategies that include localized content, events, and partnerships contribute to community engagement. Building a strong connection with the local community can lead to increased loyalty and support from local customers.

In summary, CRO for local search is essential for maximizing the impact of your online presence, driving more conversions from local audiences, and staying competitive in local markets. It is a strategic investment that directly influences the success of your business within a specific geographic area.

15 Ways to Implement CRO for Local Search 

Implementing Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) for local search involves a combination of strategies to optimize your online presence and engage with the local audience effectively. Here are 15 ways to implement CRO for local search:

1. Optimize Google Business Profile: Ensure your GBP profile is complete and accurate with up-to-date business information, including address, phone number, business hours, and categories. Encourage and respond to customer reviews on GBP.
2. Create Local Landing Pages: Develop dedicated landing pages for different local services or products you offer. Include localized content, keywords, and relevant information on these landing pages.
3. Mobile Optimization: Ensure your website is mobile-friendly for a seamless experience on mobile devices. Optimize page load speed for mobile users.
4. Clear Local Calls-to-Action (CTAs): Implement clear and compelling CTAs that prompt visitors to take local actions, such as calling your business, getting directions, or making a local purchase.
5. Localized Content Marketing: Create content that resonates with the local audience, such as blog posts about local events, news, or community activities. Highlight your involvement in the local community through content.
6. Local Keywords in Content: Integrate local keywords naturally into your website content, meta tags, and headers. Consider local variations of keywords that your target audience might use in local searches.
7. Local Online Advertising: Utilize local online advertising platforms, such as Google Ads, to target local audiences. Create ad campaigns with a focus on local promotions, events, or exclusive offers.
8. User Experience (UX) Optimization: Ensure a positive UX by providing relevant and easily accessible information. Implement a simple and intuitive contact form for local inquiries.
9. A/B Testing for Local Landing Pages: Conduct A/B testing on different elements of your local landing pages, including headlines, images, and CTAs. Identify which elements resonate best with your local audience.
10. Local Partnerships and Sponsorships: Form partnerships with local businesses or sponsor local events to increase your brand visibility. Showcase your involvement in the community on your website and social media.
11. Local Reviews and Testimonials: Feature local customer reviews and testimonials on your website. Encourage satisfied customers to share their experiences through online reviews.
12. Local Social Media Engagement: Engage with the local community on social media platforms. Share content related to local events, news, and activities.
13. Geo-Targeted Email Campaigns: Segment your email campaigns to target specific local audiences. Send personalized and location-specific offers to your local subscribers.
14. Track and Analyze Local Data: Use analytics tools to track local performance metrics. Monitor conversion rates, local user behavior, and other key indicators.
15. Local SEO Audits and Updates: Regularly audit and update your local SEO strategy to align with changing local search trends. Optimize your website and content based on local SEO best practices.

By implementing these strategies, you can tailor your CRO efforts to local search, increasing the likelihood of attracting and converting local customers. Regularly assess performance metrics and adjust your approach based on your local audience’s evolving needs and preferences.

CRO for Local Search Best Practices With Summit Scout

It’s hard to be patient when it comes to growing your business but creating long-term SEO and CRO for local search strategies is well worth the time it takes. The steady, incremental benefits you gain from investing in optimizing your website turn into long-lasting, compounding rewards for years to come. Isn’t that worth staying the course?

If you’re interested in starting a campaign with SEO or CRO or both, Summit Scout can be there to help! Visit both of our organic SEO services and get in touch with our Conversion Rate Optimization experts today to get started!