You know your business, you know your locality and you’re pretty sure you understand your target audience. Put the pieces together and why would you realistically need to hire a local SEO expert?

The answer – to bring your business the kind of experience and expertise you yourself may be lacking.
One of the biggest problems with local SEO is the way in which far too many smaller and local businesses underestimate its complexities. They address the basics, but never come close to capitalising on the true value and influence of effective local SEO.

Now more than ever, the major search engines are lavishing praise and prominent SERP positions on those who hit the nail on the head with local. Making now the perfect time to consider an investment in professional local SEO.
But in terms of the specific advantages, what benefits can you expect to tap into, should you go ahead and hire a local SEO expert?

1. Flawless local content optimisation
First of all, your existing content and all future content you produce can and should be meticulously optimised for your chosen market. Anyone who knows anything about content optimisation acknowledges just how challenging this can be. It’s one thing to produce content with a specific locality in mind, but the technical aspects of the optimisation process tend to elude most smaller businesses. With a local SEO expert on board, things immediately become much easier and more effective.

2. Relevant listings and backlinks
Chances are that you yourself do not have the time nor the inclination to scour the web for the very best places to list your company and position backlinks. Not to mention, do whatever it takes to ensure prominent local sources are happy to publish links to your website. Two of the most important elements at the heart of successful local SEO, you need to take relevant listings and backlinks seriously. If you can’t handle it yourself, think about hiring a pro.

3. Making the most of social media
Effective social media marketing can be a tough nut to crack at the best of times. Attempting to target a very specific locality often makes things even more difficult than they already are. In some instances, handling the social media element of a local SEO can be a full-time job in its own right. Particularly in the early stages, when looking to get things up and running in the first place. Nevertheless, capitalise on the power of social media as part of your local strategy and you’re golden.

4. Algorithm shifts and updates
Last but not least, it’s worth remembering that Google and most other search engines are continuously refining their local search algorithms. Some shifts and updates are more significant than others, but all have an effect on the power and reach of your campaign. With an experienced local SEO in your corner, you’ll have every opportunity to stay on top of the latest shifts and updates, as and when they occur.

Author's Bio: 

Chris Jenkinson works as an interim marketing manager providing marketing support to businesses.