If you’re just getting started in SEO and your business operates out of a number of places, you may have wondered if targeting all of these places would hurt your SEO. The truth is it can hurt your SEO, but only if you don’t do it properly or if you undertake Black Hat techniques. In this article, our expert SEO team explains how you can successfully target multiple places on your website, without harming your SEO.
So, how do you target multiple cities without hurting your SEO? The key to not harming your SEO when targeting multiple cities is to only target areas in which you legitimately operate. You need to:
But first, let’s go into more detail about why local SEO is so important…
If you’re the kind of business that relies on local custom, local SEO is essential for being found online. Since everything is done online these days, having a solid online presence is more important than ever. It’s especially important for businesses that have to compete with large, well-known chains.
Not only will local SEO help to skyrocket your online presence, but it can also help to significantly increase conversions. 78% of location-based online searches result in an offline purchase, whether that’s at a shop, a clinic, a restaurant, a gym, or a university. Gaining this local traffic gives you the opportunity to sell yourself online and gain their custom in person.
Here are a few interesting statistics to help you understand the importance of local SEO:
So, now you know why local SEO is important, let’s move on to the how.
Local SEO services are fairly similar no matter how many locations you’re targeting. The key thing to remember is that you cannot target an area in which you don’t legitimately operate. This could result in your website being penalised for black hat SEO.
First things first, you need to prove that you legitimately operate in the areas that you’re targeting. You can do this by:
You can also create specific location pages for each area in which you operate. These pages should highlight your work in the area, the services that you offer, and include an address if you have an office. Likewise, a map pinpointing the location of the office would also be beneficial.
Having such pages also allows you to target specific location-based keywords. For example, say you run a physiotherapy business and operate in both Leeds and Sheffield. Location pages on your website allow you to easily target keywords such as Physiotherapist Sheffield as well as Physiotherapist Leeds. You could even target surrounding towns and villages that you service by mentioning them on these pages.
Claiming your Google Business Profile (GBP) is essential for local SEO. This is a free online directory that highlights your business close to the top of a search results page for relevant searches.
For example, if you have claimed your GBP, when someone searches for a construction company in Sheffield, you have a higher chance of appearing for that search as it would be clear that you operate in the area. If you have an office, you may also appear in the Maps directory for relevant searches as you’d have a specific address to list.
Website schema, whilst not a direct ranking factor, helps search engine crawlers to better understand landing pages. There are a number of schema properties that are required to ensure that the schema validates. These are:
A schema generator will help you to format this correctly. You can then test the code using a schema markup validator.
Geo coordinates are a part of local SEO schema markup, but they can also be used on images to really boost location signals. Where your images are related to or feature the area that you’re targeting, adding in geo coordinates gives Google and other search engines a stronger signal that you operate in the area and that your content should appear for relevant searches in that area.
One of the easiest ways to do this is by using an image-sharing service such as Flickr or Google Photos (using an Android device). Here you can upload a photo then add various elements such as titles, descriptions, alt text, and associate an image with a location by pinpointing it on a map.
As part of your SEO campaign with Wildcat Digital, we review your local SEO opportunities and put together a strategy to boost sales, leads and conversions in your local area. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our SEO services with a free consultation.
Content Strategist & Team Leader
Founder
Our founder, Will Hitchmough, worked at a number of high profile Sheffield Digital Agencies before founding Wildcat Digital in 2018. He brings an extensive knowledge of all things related to SEO, PPC and Paid Social, as well as an expert knowledge of digital strategy.
Digital Marketing can be a minefield for many businesses, with many agencies ready to take your money without knowing how to deliver results. I founded Wildcat Digital to deliver digital success to businesses with smaller budgets in a transparent way.
Content Strategist Team Lead
With a degree in Marketing and a background in more traditional, offline marketing, Chloe joined Wildcat in 2021 after deciding to move into the digital marketing industry. She joined us as a Content Specialist and quickly moved up the ranks, becoming a Content Strategist and later an SEO Team Leader.
Outside of work, Chloe is an avid creative. If she’s not knitting, you’ll likely find her behind a sewing machine or in the kitchen trying (and often failing!) to make sourdough.
SEO Account Director
Paul has a strong background in SEO, having previously founded and ran a successful eCommerce business, as well as running a personal blog that achieves an average of 17K users per month. Paul’s knowledge of SEO is extensive, with a strong emphasis on client handling and technical SEO.
Outside of work, Paul enjoys spending time with his family and staying active with weight lifting and combat sports.
Head of Operations
Nadea joined Wildcat in 2021 and has since overhauled the way we work. She has a background in various administrative, operations and HR roles, which gave her the experience and skills needed to lead and organise a growing business.
Outside of work, Nadea loves anything that keeps her active, but she especially enjoys hiking, camping and mountain biking.
Senior SEO Account Manager
With a background in sales, Molly is a natural Account Manager, brilliantly handling any issues that come her way. Having joined us as a Digital Marketing Executive, and working part-time through her final year of University, Molly is a shining example of how hard work pays off. She is now an SEO Account Manager with a particular interest in Content and Client Management.
In her spare time, Molly loves to get out in nature, hiking and exploring the Peak District. She also loves cooking and likes to unwind with a bit of yoga.
PPC Team Leader
Libby joined Wildcat in 2021 as our first PPC hire. With a degree in Digital Media Production, a Master’s in Digital Media Management and previous experience in Social Media Management, Libby hit the ground running and has since climbed the ranks to Senior PPC Account Manager and has a particular interest in the eCommerce sector.
Outside of work, Libby likes gaming, and cooking and likes to keep active by lifting weights.
SEO Account Manager
Jasmine joined Wildcat in 2022 with a strong background in SEO and Account Management. At the time, she was finishing up a Level 4 Apprenticeship in Digital Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and has since worked her way up to SEO Account Manager. Jasmine excels at content writing and promotion, and particularly enjoys finding creative ways to join the dots on multi-channel campaigns.
In her spare time, Jasmine volunteers at a charity, helping combat loneliness & social isolation experienced by older neighbours. Outside of Wildcat, she owns a catering company, Savery Grazing, creating delicious grazing tables & platters for a range of events. She also loves skiing and exploring the Peak District.
Senior PPC Executive
Prior to joining Wildcat, Braden founded and ran his own Social Media Management agency where he gained valuable skills in growing brands’ online presence, which has since proven invaluable in his role at Wildcat.
Outside of work, Braden is a big football fan, regularly travelling to Pride Park to support Derby County. He also enjoys watching and playing snooker, hiking in the Peak District, and attending air and car shows.
Senior SEO Executive
After spending ten years managing businesses, restaurants, cafes and event spaces across Sheffield, Jon decided to change careers and joined Wildcat as an SEO Executive in 2022. He especially enjoys the client management side of the job, helping them to understand digital marketing and ways in which they can build their business’s presence online.
Outside of work, Jon likes to keep fit with running, badminton and football, and also loves music.
Senior SEO Executive
Rachel joined us as a graduate, having recently graduated from Sheffield University with a degree in English Literature. Since joining, Rachel has proven herself to be a Content Queen, and particularly enjoys getting stuck into projects that allow her to explore her creative side.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys a wide range of hobbies, including rugby, singing, reading, and spending time with her family and three labradors.
Team Lead & Technical SEO Account Manager
With a degree in Computer Science and SEO experience dating back to 2017, Dariusz has a wide range of SEO skills and knowledge. His specialist knowledge of Technical SEO has firmly landed him the title of Wildcat’s Technical Wizard, and he has recently taken on the responsibility of Team Leader for the Panthers Team.
In his spare time, Dariusz loves hiking, experimenting and trying new coffees and loves learning new things. He is currently learning more about CRO and AI and how this could benefit our clients.
Senior SEO Account Manager
With a degree in Film and TV production, and a varied career history, Jamie made the move to marketing with a Masters degree in Digital Media Management. He has since worked in SEO at Agencies across Sheffield, before joining Wildcat and working his way up to SEO Account Manager. Jamie has a particular interest in backlinks and Digital PR and has recently gained a client a valuable backlink from Forbes!
In his spare time, Jamie is an avid foodie and loves trying new restaurants and cuisines. He also loves to travel and spent a year travelling to Australia after university.
SEO Executive
Andy joined Wildcat in 2023 after starting his digital marketing career in-house for a local Sheffield company. Since joining, he has developed a strong interest in Technical SEO and has strong skills in Account Management.
Outside of work, Andy loves music and plays in a couple of bands. He also enjoys rock climbing, cycling, photography and good food.
Client Success Coordinator
Siena joined us in 2023 with a background in sales and digital marketing. She leads on client relationships across the company, ensuring that our customers are happy throughout their journey with us, from their initial consultation through to onboarding and beyond.
Outside of work, Siena enjoys travelling and getting stuck into the local culture. She likes to make the most of her experiences and particularly enjoys watching sunrises and sunsets from beautiful locations around the world.
Senior SEO Executive
Thea has a wealth of experience in SEO, having previously worked for other Digital Marketing Agencies in Sheffield. She has a particular interest and skills in Technical SEO, but is more than willing to get stuck in and give anything a go.
Outside of work, Thea spends most of her time with her children, but also loves reading, photography and gardening.
PPC Executive
Before joining Wildcat, Tom worked across different industries, building skills in sales and customer service. He later developed a passion for digital marketing whilst working on personal marketing projects and freelance ventures, and gained numerous certifications in PPC and Social Media.
Outside of work, Tom enjoys staying active by going to the gym and hiking. He also loves travelling and motorbiking.
Head of Growth
Rich joined us in May 2024 to head up our growth team. With years of experience helping other agencies to grow, Rich joins us at an exciting time as Wildcat is working on a five-year plan to become one of the biggest agencies in the UK.
Outside of work, Rich is a father to three children, which keeps him very busy! He’s also recently started running again to keep fit and loves a bit of DIY.
SEO Executive
Kezia joined us in July 2024 after completing a CIM Certificate in Digital Marketing and gaining experience in Content SEO at another Sheffield agency.
In her spare time, Kezia loves to get outdoors, bouldering, hiking and travelling.
SEO Executive
Amy joined Wildcat in 2024 with a background in journalism, having worked as a News Editor and Editor-in-Chief at The Sheffield Tab. She is naturally interested in Content SEO and research, so will no doubt prove to be a content power-house.
In her spare time, Amy loves watching crime shows, listening to music and hanging out with her dog, Eddie!
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