local seo for manufacturers: how to attract local customers searching for your products

7.31.24

thinking

It’s 2024, and chances are you’ve heard the buzz about local SEO (search engine optimization). It’s one of the best ways to attract more clients from your local area. In fact, 46% of all Google searches are now driven by local intent.

What you might not know is how to leverage local SEO for your manufacturing business.

Local SEO for manufacturers has the power to put you on the map — quite literally. With the right techniques, you can become the go-to service provider for nearby buyers and significantly improve your standing in the market. We’re talking more foot traffic, increased inquiries, and a boost to your bottom line.

Ready to dive deeper and see exactly how you can achieve this? Read on as the experts at our marketing agency in Reno share some strategic steps you can take to make local SEO work for you.

optimizing your online presence for local search

First, you’ll need to ensure that your website and Google Business Profile (GBP) are complete and optimized for local search.

claim and verify your google business profile account

If you haven’t already claimed your Google Business Profile (GBP), it’s time to get on that!

Google Business Profile has become the gold standard for local search. Since Google favors, verifies, and widely shares its own content, GBP is the perfect tool to help your business align with Google’s preferences and boost your local visibility.

provide accurate and updated business information

Make sure all your business information is spot on in your GBP, including your address, phone number, business hours, and even little details like parking availability. Accuracy is key, as it lets potential clients find you without confusion.

include high-quality photos and videos

People love seeing what they’re getting into before they make a decision. Upload crisp, engaging photos and videos of your manufacturing facility. Show off the processes, the people behind the scenes, and the finished products. It’s a great way to build trust for internet marketing in Reno.

optimize your website for local search

After your Google Business Profile is up and running, you’ll need to think about tuning up your website for local searches. 

target relevant local keywords

Good SEO for industrial companies is non-negotiable for a solid, organic digital presence. Think about search intent – or what clients near you might type into search engines when looking for your services. Keywords like “custom metal fabrication near me” or “local manufacturing services in [Your City]” are your bread and butter.

To streamline your keyword research and make sure you’re hitting all the correct terms, leverage tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush. These platforms provide insights into which keywords are driving traffic in your niche, help track your rankings, and even look at competitors’ keyword strategies.

Once you have your list of keywords, incorporate them naturally throughout your site- on your homepage, in blog posts, and even in your image texts.

create location-specific landing pages

If your business serves multiple locations, it’s a smart move to set up individual landing pages for each area.

Customize these pages with content that speaks directly to the local audience, including specific services offered, information about your team, and testimonials from local clients. Ensure each page has unique content to avoid duplicating information across your site.

For businesses with a single location, consider crafting a detailed About Us page highlighting your connection to the local community. You can even get an extra edge by adding Google Maps directions to your page.

develop local content

While writing about general topics can draw in a wide audience – it’s often more effective to narrow your focus and write about local or industry-specific news to attract local buyers.

To effectively leverage content marketing for manufacturers on a local scale, promote local industry gatherings, news, employee highlights, and other educational content on your blog. Beyond simply advertising your products or services, aim to provide top-of-the-funnel content that truly adds value to your readers.

enhance your local online presence

building local customer engagement

Getting your local manufacturing SEO setup is just the start; the next crucial step is actively engaging with your local community to build lasting relationships and a strong reputation.

Here’s how you can make a real impact:

encourage positive online reviews

Online reviews are one of your business’s most important trust signals. Roughly 77% of consumers use at least two review platforms in their business research.

That alone should be enough incentive to gather more reviews for your business. But reviews are also an important local SEO ranking factor- and the third most important factor for Google’s Map Pack results.

solicit reviews from satisfied customers

Don’t be shy about asking happy clients to leave a review on Google Business Profile or other relevant platforms.

A quick follow-up email thanking them for their business and asking for feedback can do wonders. You can even include direct links to your review pages to make it as easy as possible for them.

respond to all reviews

Make it a point to respond to every review you receive, good or bad. Thank customers for their praise, and address any concerns raised in less positive reviews. Doing this shows you value all customer feedback and are committed to continuous improvement.

establish relationships with local businesses

Strengthening connections with other local businesses can lead to mutual benefits.

partner with complementary businesses

Look for opportunities to partner with businesses in your area that complement what you do. As a manufacturer, you can link up with local contractors or builders to open doors to new customer bases and solidify your local network.

That’s not all. When local businesses link to your site or mention your services, search engines see your business as a trusted local authority, which helps improve your rankings and attract even more local customers.

host and participate in local industry events and networking opportunities

Hosting local events is a fantastic way to put a face to your company’s name, connect with customers on a personal level, and boost your local SEO by increasing your site’s citations and backlinks. You could host a wide variety of events, such as business seminars, product/service launches, trade shows, and more.

Connect with local blogs and directories to get the word out about your event (and also earn some valuable backlinks). If you think enough people are searching for an event like yours, consider using Google Ads to promote it.

Don’t just stick to hosting your own events—participate in others, too! Joining local business events, especially those with a solid social media presence, can help grow your business in several ways. They’re a great opportunity to market your business, get to know your audience, and become an active part of the community you serve.

measuring your local seo success

Once you’ve implemented your SEO strategies for manufacturer digital marketing, you must measure their effectiveness to make sure you’re on the right track. Monitoring your progress helps you understand what’s working, what needs improvement, and how you can continue to refine your approach for even better results.

track website traffic

It’s important to dive into concrete data to get a sense of how your local SEO is performing.

utilize google analytics and search console

Start by setting up and regularly checking Google Analytics and Google Search Console. They’re invaluable for tracking where your traffic is coming from and how visitors interact with your site.

You’ll be able to see not just the volume of traffic but also the quality of it—how long people stay, what they click, and whether they convert. Understanding these patterns will help you refine your strategy and make more informed decisions.

analyze customer conversion rates

But traffic isn’t everything. The real measure of local SEO success is how well traffic converts into actual business.

monitor phone calls, leads, and inquiries

Set up systems to track how many phone calls, leads, and inquiries come through via your local SEO efforts. Many tools can attribute phone calls back to specific campaigns or search terms, letting you see exactly what’s driving your results. It’s an important aspect of effective lead generation in manufacturing, as it helps pinpoint which strategies are working.

Similarly, adding tracking to your contact forms and inquiry pages can help you understand which local SEO tactics are most effective at turning visitors into leads.

reach local customers with seo

get your local seo on track with wildish!

Local SEO for manufacturing companies is a marathon, not a sprint.

While it may not provide an instant boost to your organic traffic, the long-term benefits are well worth the effort. With a solid local SEO strategy, you’ll see big wins down the line, from increased visibility to stronger connections with local businesses.

So, start optimizing today and watch your local presence grow. Wildish is here to guide you through it all!

At Wildish Agency, we specialize in helping manufacturing businesses like yours expand and thrive in their local markets. Contact us today to build a strong local SEO strategy and get your business noticed by clients in your area.  

wildishweb