Dominate Local Search to Boost Your Dealership’s Rankings
In today’s digital world, automotive dealerships must focus on local search rankings to bring in nearby customers. Google reports that 76% of people who search for something nearby on their smartphone visit a business within a day. For dealerships, this means showing up in local search results isn’t optional—it’s critical. Here are five practical ways to improve your local search rankings and attract more customers to your dealership.
1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the most important tools for local SEO. This free feature helps your dealership show up in Google’s local pack, Maps, and organic search results.
To get the most out of your GBP:
- Keep your name, address, and phone number (NAP) consistent across all platforms.
- Choose the right categories like “Car Dealer” or “Used Car Dealer.”
- Add high-quality images of your dealership, vehicles, and team.
- Post regular updates about promotions, events, or new inventory.
- Ask happy customers to leave reviews and respond to them.
BrightLocal research shows that businesses with more positive reviews rank higher in local searches. A steady flow of reviews can also build trust with potential customers.
2. Build and Manage Local Citations
Local citations are mentions of your dealership’s name, address, and phone number on other websites. These citations act as signals for search engines, helping to verify your business’s credibility and location.
To improve your local citations:
- Claim and update your listings on major directories like Yelp, Cars.com, and AutoTrader.
- Use tools like Moz Local or BrightLocal to find and fix inconsistent listings.
- Add your dealership to industry-specific directories for better visibility.
Consistent and accurate citations can significantly boost your local rankings.
3. Create Localized Content for Your Website
Content tailored to local audiences helps your dealership rank better in geographically targeted searches. Writing blogs or creating resources specific to your area demonstrates your understanding of local customer needs.
Content ideas include:
- Blogs about seasonal car maintenance tips (e.g., “Winter Maintenance Checklist for [City] Drivers”).
- Highlighting local events your dealership supports or sponsors.
- Sharing guides on state-specific vehicle requirements, like registration or inspections.
- Using location-specific keywords, such as “[City] Kia Dealer” or “Best Car Dealership Near [Neighborhood].”
Localized content not only improves your search visibility but also positions your dealership as a trusted community partner.
4. Improve On-Page SEO for Local Keywords
On-page SEO ensures your website is optimized to rank for local searches. For example, instead of generic phrases like “SUVs for Sale,” you can target specific, location-based keywords like “2024 SUVs for Sale in [City].”
Here’s how to improve your on-page SEO:
- Include your city or neighborhood in title tags, meta descriptions, and headers.
- Display your dealership’s NAP details on every page of your website.
- Create pages for specific inventory or services, such as “Certified Pre-Owned Trucks in [City].”
- Embed a Google Map on your contact or location page.
Research from HubSpot shows that optimizing for local keywords can drive more organic traffic, particularly for mobile users.
5. Strengthen Your Online Review Strategy
Online reviews not only influence customer decisions but also play a big role in local search rankings. Studies show that 93% of consumers read reviews before making a purchase, making review management essential for dealerships.
Here’s how to create an effective review strategy:
- Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, or Cars.com.
- Respond to all reviews—thank customers for positive feedback and address concerns in negative ones.
- Use automated email or SMS campaigns to request reviews after a purchase or service appointment.
- Actively resolve customer issues to maintain a positive reputation.
Consistently managing reviews can improve your search rankings and build customer trust.
Improving your dealership’s local search rankings requires effort and strategy. By optimizing your Google Business Profile, ensuring accurate local citations, creating content tailored to your area, fine-tuning on-page SEO, and managing reviews effectively, you’ll be well-positioned to capture the attention of local buyers.
Contact our team of experts today!
At Star Performance Marketing, we understand the unique needs of automotive dealerships and specialize in creating strategies that drive results. Contact us today to see how we can help your dealership rank higher, attract more customers, and grow your business.
