UAE businesses face growing threats from competitors, vying for their business online, in this constantly evolving, digital world. Wherever in the world your business is located, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is important, but for local businesses, the visibility gained through local Search Engine Optimization is absolutely critical. As a local business owner in the UAE, if you want to increase clientele and expand your presence, then focusing on local search SEO is a necessity.
Local SEO focuses on tailoring your website so that it shows up when prospective clients look for services and products offered by your business in the local region. In any competitive market such as the UAE, gaining a better position in local search results can be a deciding factor for the success or failure of a business. But what steps should you take to accomplish this? The following are some strategies and tips that could prove to be useful for local businesses wishing to improve their position on UAE search results pages:
1. Optimize Your Google My Business Profile
Improving local SEO ratings starts with optimizing your Google My Business (GMB) profile. This is free and one of the best ways for local businesses to be visible in search results. Claiming and verifying a GMB listing ensures that a business is visible in Google’s local searches and on Google Maps. In a region like the UAE it is imperative to do this, as many users search for businesses using Google.
Add your business name, address, phone number, website URL, and working hours. Make sure this information is accurate and current, as well as periodically adding new photos, posts, and advertising materials to the GMB listing. Customer reviews can also improve a business’s ranking.
2. Local Terms Keyword Research Focused
When it comes to ranking for local searches, picking the right keywords is critical. Instead of broad keywords, focus on ones that have the location included. An example is if you are a plumber in Dubai, you can target keywords such as “The best plumber in Dubai” or “Plumbing services in Dubai.”
Relevant local keywords can be found with tools such as Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush. You can blog, write website content, and use meta tags or image alt texts to remotely enhance your rank in relevancy to local searches.
3. Mobile Devices Must Be Optimized
The optimization of a webpage for mobile devices is not optional. Google mobile first indexes web pages meaning the mobile version of a webpage is used for ranking. If a business does not optimize their webpage for mobile devices, they face stiff competition from businesses who have optimized mobile-friendly versions of their sites. You would lose potential customers.
Ensure that your site is mobile-friendly and easily navigable across various platforms. Make sure your site’s load speed is up to par, as slow speeds can have a negative impact on your bounce rate and overall ranking. Focus on mobile responsiveness to improve your user experience and help you stand out in localized searches.
4. Local Content Creation
Developing relevant, local content can help enhance your SEO strategy significantly. Writing blogs, articles, or case studies targeting the audience within the specific region, like the UAE, proves their local knowledge and authority on the subject. For example, if you operate a restaurant based in Abu Dhabi, writing and publishing blog posts regarding food festivals in Abu Dhabi will increase local site traffic.
Improve your SEO rankings by incorporating geo-specific keywords strategically throughout the content. You can also partner with local influencers or businesses to promote your content, as well as improve local backlink profiles which are vital for SEO.
5. Cultivate Local Backlinks of Superior Quality
Inbound links, or backlinks, are one of the most indispensable tools driving rankings through SEO. Still, not all links are equal in terms of significance or impact. When creating links for local SEO, it is vital to high-quality backlinks that are locally pertinent. This involves acquiring backlinks from local UAE websites, news agencies, local business directories, and prominent blogs.
Collaborate with local industry influencers or local publications so that you can get features done. Not only do these webpages bring visitors to your site, but they also elevate the perception of your business in the eyes of search engines indicating that your business is reputable and a go-to source for information in the region.
6. Strive For Local Citations
Citations are defined as an online business name, address, and phone number listing as fundamentally links. Citations require uniformity. Ensure that every citation of your business in local business directories, social media, and review sites consists of the same NAP information. Mismatched or erroneous details may create a confusing environment for search engines leading to demoted rankings and low visibility on results pages.
In the United Arab Emirates, businesses have local platforms and directories that include their details such as the Yellow Pages UAE, YallaBanana, and Connect.ae. Ensure that my business is outlined in these sites with correct values.
7. Customer Reviews Should be Actively Sought Out
Customer reviews are extremely important for local SEO and Google’s algorithms utilize this data to rank businesses in local search results. Positive feedback not only assists with ranking but also builds trust with potential customers.
Ask happy customers to review your business on Google My Business, Yelp or other appropriate review sites. It is good practice to reply to reviews both positive and negative, as it demonstrates business appreciation of feedback.
8. UAE Local SEO: Cultural Nuances
The UAE is culturally diverse and it is important to consider the culture when applying local SEO strategies. Language is a key factor for the region since Arabic is the formal language of the UAE. Despite the majority of people in the country speaking English, having an Arabic version of the website creates a unique selling point within the region.
Make sure that the content of your website is suited to the locals bearing in mind the regional’s preferences, norms and values. In order to create customer loyalty and trust, the first step is to understand and appreciate the customers.
Conclusion
Achieving SEO success for local businesses operating within the UAE is a continuous journey, but the benefits are exceptionally rewarding. Improving your website for local searches, targeting mobile users, developing local content, and securing quality backlinks can distinguish your business from the rest of the players in the highly competitive UAE market. Regularly assessing your SEO practices in relation to current events is essential for maintaining a competitive edge. At Ebtechsol, we offer our clients sophisticated digital marketing and SEO services. Should you require support in enhancing your local business SEO and expanding your business within the UAE, our team will guide you throughout the entire process.
