Improving your Practice’s Accounting Website’s Local Search Rankings

by author on March 31, 2012

There is no boundary to the number of prospect traffic you can create for modern accounting firm websites.  There’s a tangible possibility for developing an almost unlimited cash flow for even a small local business. It can be intimidating to start, and that is genuinely the sole downside to this potential. This article contains several strategic hints to help your firm dominate the search engines in your local area to make sure that the local search traffic clicks on your website.

For Better Results Customize Your Search Terms

SEO best practices are more acutely focused when you are working with a geographically targeted area. Use your desired search keywords all over your site.  This includes page title, header tags, your URL and of course in your optimized content. As an example, for an accountant in the greater Boston area, you should target longtail keywords such as “greater Boston metro area CPA” or “tax accountant in Boston local area” rather than broad-based terms such as “Boston CPA” or “Boston accountant”. These kinds of direct, focused keywords bring in the qualified, local visitors your firm is trying to attract.

Blog!

Blogging is a great strategy for modern CPA firm websites.  It can be a great help in increasing your firm’s rankings with the search engines. Each post is a new opportunity for fresh, optimized content to be listed in the search engines.  It is also an opportunity for being listed with a geographically-targeted group of keywords. A blog does not only offer the benefit within the search engines.  It is also an excellent opportunity to be seen as an accounting subject matter expert in your local area. As a CPA, you know how important this is.  Financial management services are important for both corporations and families. Some customers prefer doing business with people they know.  If they do not know you, they may not be willing to do business with you. Keeping a blog makes you approachable, personal, and establishes your expertise.

Get Seen

In terms of your local audience, it is critical to not only establish yourself, but once you gain authority, you must maintain yourself as a subject matter expert in the field of accounting. Offer to guest author for other local businesses by posting on their blogs. Offering tax workshops for prospects during tax time is a great way to add value.  Be sure to advertise them both online and in your local newspapers. This will make sure your accounting website is seen online.  It also creates great local search engine opportunity.

The Importance of Directories

In order to truly dominate the local search listings for modern accountant practice websites you should submit your firm to your area’s local directories. This also opens up multiple possibilities for inbound linking. The more listings you have, the higher your ranking will be on your local search listings.

Customer review sites are also important.  They are a great opportunity for visibility. Your clients can rate your firm’s services.  Make sure your business is listed to take advantage of this opportunity. Today’s internet-savvy consumer is greatly influenced by online customer reviews, particularly in a local setting.

Social Media offers Tremendous Opportunity

Social media is free, and its influence is significant. Your firm should start a Facebook page, a Twitter account, and a Google plus page.  If you already have one, be sure to use it regularly. Make sure that all your social media accounts link back to your firm’s web site. This gives your customers the chance to be a fan of your firm and to write reviews for your services.  The social media links to your firm’s website carry great authority in terms of the search engines. It is also an important opportunity to post valuable information about your firm which is visible to prospects as well.

The local competitive landscape for CPAs is difficult.  Even so, using a few basic internet strategies can help you gain a strong competitive edge. It also doesn’t hurt to stay in touch with emerging technologies, such as social media opportunities, as well.

They also read:

Comments on this entry are closed.

Previous post:

Next post:

White Hat SEO Basics | SEO Strategy