Written by Iftekhar Chowdhury. In collaboration with oDeskStudio
Imagine this: A client urgently needs to find a notary public for an important document that needs to be notarized. They pull out their phone and type, “notary near me”. In a few seconds, Google will show them a list of notaries in their area. But what if you’re not one of the results that pops up?
The reality is, if your notary business isn’t appearing at the top of local search results, you’re missing out on countless opportunities. Local SEO is the game-changer that will help you stand out in a sea of competitors and attract clients when they need your services the most.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how you can use Local SEO to boost your visibility, outrank competitors, and grow your notary business.
Local SEO is the practice of optimizing your online presence to show up in search results for location-specific queries. For example, when someone searches “notary public in [your city]” or “notary services near me”, Local SEO helps you rank higher for those searches.
It’s crucial for notaries because most of your clients are searching for a service provider in their area—someone who can help them quickly and easily. Without Local SEO, your business could be invisible to potential clients in need of notary services.
Imagine this scenario: You’re a trusted notary with years of experience, but if your website isn’t optimized for local search, clients won’t find you. Local SEO ensures your notary services are visible to people in your area when they search for notaries, which means you’re more likely to get the call—and the business.
One of the most powerful tools for local SEO is your Google Business Profile (GBP). It’s free, easy to set up, and crucial for appearing in local search results. Here’s how to optimize it for success:
Pro Tip: Include local keywords like “Notary Public in [City]” in your business description to boost your chances of ranking higher.
For notaries, targeting the right local keywords is key to ranking well in local search results. Here are a few keyword ideas to get you started:
Incorporate these keywords naturally into your website’s content, including:
By using local keywords, you increase the chances of ranking for the terms your potential clients are searching for.
Citations are online mentions of your business, including your NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number). These are important for Local SEO because they help Google verify the legitimacy of your business. You can get citations on:
Be sure to ensure consistency across all citations. If your NAP is different anywhere, it could confuse both Google and your potential clients.
Reviews are a critical part of Local SEO, especially for notaries. When clients see positive reviews, it builds trust and encourages them to choose you over a competitor. Here’s how to get more reviews:
Bonus Tip: Having multiple positive reviews across various platforms (Google, Yelp, etc.) can significantly improve your ranking.
More than half of all searches are done on mobile devices. That means if your website isn’t mobile-friendly, you could be missing out on valuable leads. Ensure that your site loads quickly, is easy to navigate, and looks great on both desktop and mobile devices.
Creating content that addresses local issues or needs can help you stand out. For example, you could write blog posts like:
By creating valuable local content, you not only help your clients, but you also improve your chances of ranking higher in local search results.
Backlinks are an important ranking factor for Local SEO. When local websites link to your notary website, it boosts your authority and helps you rank higher. Here’s how to get local backlinks:
The more quality local backlinks you have, the more likely you are to rank higher in search results.
Once you’ve implemented these Local SEO strategies, it’s time to track your progress. Use tools like:
By regularly checking these metrics, you can determine what’s working and where you need to improve.
If your name, address, and phone number aren’t consistent across all platforms, Google won’t trust your business. Double-check that your NAP is accurate and the same everywhere.
Don’t ignore negative reviews. Responding to them shows you care and can turn a dissatisfied client into a loyal one.
If your business hours change or you start offering new services, make sure to update your Google Business Profile. An outdated profile can turn clients away.
Local SEO is the key to getting your notary business in front of the right people. By optimizing your Google Business Profile, targeting local keywords, building citations, and getting more reviews, you can dominate local search results and attract more clients.
Now is the time to get started—local SEO will help you stand out and grow your business. Don’t let your competitors outshine you in search results. Optimize your notary business for local SEO, and watch your visibility—and your client list—skyrocket.
