Local SEO is aimed at targeting or connection with customer in a specific local area by improving their visibility on search engines, the main one being Google. In a place like Thailand where there is a huge spectrum of business types and a booming online economy this can present unique opportunities to reach very targeted audiences. Trusted digital marketing companies like Primal understand how using local SEO can boost a brand’s presence and drive relevant traffic without going down the route of advertising-heavy tactics.
Google Business Profile
One of the easiest ways to improve your SEO locally is by setting up or optimizing a Google Business Profile. Doing this it allows your business to appear in local search results and the “near me” category of searches which is when users want businesses that are closer to them based on their location. A good example of this would be instead of searching for “Sushi restaurants Bangkok” which would list out Sushi restaurants anywhere in Bangkok, the “sushi Restaurants near me” search will bring up the closest ones to you based on your location. Adding accurate details such as your business hours, address, and phone number can significantly improve your chances of attracting local customers. Regularly updating photos, business updates and responding to customer reviews builds trust and engagement for people who view your profile.
Location-Specific Keywords
Including Thailand-specific keywords in your website content and metadata is another effective strategy. For example, if you’re a restaurant in Chiang Mai, phrases like “best Chiang Mai restaurant” or “authentic Thai cuisine in Chiang Mai” will make your business more likely to appear in regional search results. These keywords should be naturally used in your headers, blogs, and page descriptions. If they naturally occur in people’s reviews, even better!
Creating Locally Focused Content
Write about local events, cultural activities, or industry-specific trends in your area. A good example would be a hotel in Phuket that publishes a guide on the best local beaches or festivals. This not only increases your website’s relevance but positions you as a knowledgeable part of the community.
Mobile Optimization
With Thailand’s high rate of mobile internet usage, mobile optimization is essential for a good local SEO strategy. Ensuring your website is mobile-friendly allows customers to easily find information about your business, especially when they’re on the go. Features like click-to-call buttons and fast-loading pages can significantly improve the user experience and lead to better search engine rankings.
Authorities Directories
Submitting your business information to reputable online directories is another step which the uninformed often overlook. Sites like Wongnai and Pantip are widely used in Thailand and can drive additional traffic to your site. Make sure your business details are consistent across all listings to avoid any confusion for search engines or potential customers.
Reviews Help in More Ways Than One
Customer reviews are crucial for building trust and improving local search rankings. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google or Facebook. Responding to these reviews, whether positive or negative, showcases your commitment to customer satisfaction and boosts your online presence. They also contribute to your map ranking, so if you have a lot of 5* reviews you will have a better chance at ranking higher for your services. Not all reviews carry the same weight either, so if you get good reviews from high level local guides it will be more useful than a standard review.
Targeting Specific Areas Through Local Landing Pages
Another useful technique is creating dedicated landing pages for different areas your business serves. A dental clinic for example, who are operating in both Bangkok and Pattaya can have individual pages optimized for each location. This makes it easier for search engines to direct local traffic to the relevant pages, increasing your chances of customer engagement.
Measuring Performance
It goes without saying that you need to monitor the effectiveness of your local SEO efforts using analytics tools. Pay attention to metrics such as organic search traffic, rankings for local keywords, and the number of customers discovering your business through maps or local listings. These insights will help you refine your strategies for continued growth.
