Things to look for when finding a Local SEO service

Being found on Google has become so important for local businesses all over the globe in recent years. From London to Australia, businesses are competing hard on Google to be listed on the first page of the search engine. In a post-pandemic era, there is more emphasis on local marketing and a higher reliance on local goods and services than ever before. Therefore, finding a local SEO company has become ever more relevant for businesses of all sizes. We take you through a comprehensive list of things you need to look out for and avoid when choosing a local SEO company. Let’s find out how to pick the best local SEO company that fits with your business.

Why is Local SEO important?

According to search engine industry research, people searching for local places without the words "near me" have grown by 150%. There is a massive shift towards having location names in search queries such as postcodes, town names and county names. The primary reason for this shift is that people intuitively know the search results will be relevant to their locality. All of this down to their mobile phone, which makes it easy for the search engine to suggest local places with pinpoint accuracy. This is truly fascinating for businesses and internet users alike. Further research suggests that local search trends are certainly on the rise. Therefore, as a business, what must you do (and not do) to rank high in local search results? It starts by choosing the right local SEO company.

Where does Local SEO show up in search results?

Local SEO SERP (Search Engine Results Page) after entering your query which includes the following terms:

Town
City
Postcode
Near me
Or, the search query indicates you are looking for a local solution

Google and Bing will display a local search results page indicated by a local map listing appearing on page one.

Within the organic listings, your business will also become visible via local citation listings.

Benefits of hiring a Local SEO company

The community you live in knows the value of shopping local, and with the COVID-19 hurdles, UK giants like Barclays Bank, Google and PayPal are supporting local communities to thrive and support each other. One key benefit in working with a local company, be it an SEO company or other service, is that you do not have to worry about competing with the multinational corporate giants. There are 100s of potential customers looking to start a long-lasting relationship with a local business.

A local search engine optimisation company will build you an SEO strategy that will not only increase your ranking visibility to potential new clients on the web. The agency will also help you build trust with Google and manage all your business name address listing citation across the web. More importantly, it could be mutually beneficial for you and Google as Google’s algorithm loves local collaborations. There are other added benefits too:

Increased footfall if you have a store
Tradespeople can find work within specific locations
Increase and improve sales
Increase calls to your business
Boost website traffic
Get more leads from a wider audience
Makes you more visible (and known) in the locality
Gain loyal customers
Relatively easy competition as there are no corporate giants in your way
Build trust within the community

The rise of ‘near me’ searches

‘Micro-moments’, as Google calls them, are intent-based moments when a user resorts to their device to search for a certain need they have. These can include things or places the user need to know, go, do, or buy. Businesses that work with local SEO companies have a clear edge with these micro-moments in being successful in the long term. So, what do you need to do and, importantly, avoid finding the right local SEO company to support your business?

Going Local is the way forward

As with any successful business, a good local SEO company should demonstrate the right qualities of a successful business in their own right. Let’s take a look at what you need to do when considering a local SEO company to support your business. They are the essential characteristics of a good SEO guru, so go through all of them carefully before making a decision. A local SEO company need to:

1. Be realistic

An experienced SEO expert will not promise to get you on the first page of Google in the first meeting. They know that there will be a lot of work to do on your website before talking about the glittering results. Of course, having measurable objectives is a must, but never get mystified by alluring promises at the beginning. Be realistic, ranking locally could take between 4 to 6 months depending upon your online competition, ranking any sooner is just a bonus. A local SEO expert should keep a realistic target about the performance so that success can be measured and delivered sustainably. As the old saying goes, the walls can go up quickly, and they come down even faster! So, you need to have an SEO campaign that matches your business goals in a structured and planned manner.

2. Up-to-date with Google’s guidelines

Being up-to-date with algorithm changes will not only help you to reach new heights but also allows your business to avoid costly and redundant tactics. Your local SEO company should lead and stay abreast with the changes that take place in the search engine industry. There will always be discretion in the tactics being used, but the SEO experts should be able to explain to you the technical changes that have been implemented on your website and the changes in the recent algorithm.

3. Knowledgeable geeks

The local SEO company you choose should have at least a few years of experience running successful SEO campaigns on behalf of other local businesses. The size of the SEO company is not the issue here as freelancers as well as small local SEO services are capable of delivering great results. The key to focus is whether they know what they are doing and whether you are getting value for money. Your online success needs to be measured in clear terms so that you and the SEO expert know where the campaign is heading.

4. Communication

This is true to any type of business. If the SEO expert is keeping you in the dark for an unreasonably long time, it might be a sign that the campaign is not heading in the direction it ought to. However, because you are working with an established SEO agency, they should have the option to send you success reports on a regular basis. That said, it’s good to agree at the outset how you want communication to be reported about your progress.

5. Consistent results

A local SEO agency with plenty of experience should be able to optimise your business in the local area from the beginning. With tight budgets and busy schedules, many local businesses have little time and money to spend on SEOs. An agency with plenty of experience understands your goals and produces consistent results throughout the campaign. However, because your focus is local, you may have to be patient until you reap the full benefits.

As a local SEO agency based in Leicester, Kangaroo UK can help your business reach new heights in Google and Bing search results. Get in touch today!

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How To Find The Unique Selling Point For Your Brand

18 May 2022

To create a successful brand, you need to identify its Unique Selling Point (USP). A Unique Selling Point, also known as a Unique Selling Proposition, is a feature or attribute of a product or service that differentiates your company from the competition and makes it stand out in the market. Here are a few well-known USP examples: "When it definitely, positively must be there overnight," - FedEx ( source ) “We’re number two. We try harder” - Avis ( source ) “A diamond is forever,” - DeBeers ( source ) “You get fresh, hot pizza delivered to your door in 30 minutes or less or it’s free.” - Domino’s Pizza ( source ) “The milk chocolate melts in your mouth, not in your hand,” - M&Ms ( source ) "Bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world. If you have a body, you are an athlete." - Nike ( source ) "Refresh the world. Make a difference," - Coca-Cola ( source ) "The platform commerce is built on," - Shopify ( source ) "Empowering the world to design," - Canva ( source ) To find your USP, you'll need to ask yourself some tough questions and do some research. Here are a few tips to get you started on identifying your unique selling points. 1. Find out what makes you a unique To find your USP, you need to first understand what makes you unique. First and foremost, begin by asking yourself more questions like what do you offer that nobody else does? What makes you think that you're better than everyone else? Once you've identified your key strengths, you can begin to craft a marketing message that highlights these qualities in your marketing and advertising materials. Make sure it is prominently displayed on your website or in any other type of advertising medium. Also, don't be hesitant to show your strength in marketing. People are more inclined to choose you over the competition if they are aware of what makes your brand special. 2. Think from your customer perspective If you want to create a truly successful brand, you need to think from your customer's point of view as well. After all, your customers are the people who ultimately determine whether or not your product or service is a success. By taking on the perspective of your customers, you can identify specific needs and desires that you can then target with your product offerings. For example, if your customer wants you to work on your quality, you should work on your quality to attract them even more. By thinking from your customer's perspective, you can find a unique selling point for your brand and create products or services that resonate with consumers. 3. Competitor analysis There is no doubt that conducting a thorough competitor analysis is essential when it comes to finding a unique selling point for your brand. This is because competitor analysis allows you to carefully evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the competition, identifying areas where you can set yourself apart and stand out in the market. It might involve developing innovative products or services, providing superior customer care, or leveraging cutting-edge technology that your competitors have not yet adopted. Ultimately, a deep understanding of your competitors will enable you to capitalise on their weaknesses and carve out a position as a leader in your industry. 4. Re-look your brand and services Even if you try your hardest, things don't always go your way, and you lose to your competitors every time. That indicates it's not your fault; instead, it's time to reconsider your brand and offering. The re-evaluation of your brand and service reveals the precise reason for your failure and provides you with a second chance to turn your failure into a huge success. So, the easiest way to uncover your unique selling point is to constantly re-examine your brand and offering. Every business has a USP, whether they realise it or not. If you want to find yours, then you should seek assistance from a professional branding agency like Kangaroo UK. Kangaroo UK can help you find your unique selling point and craft a marketing strategy that will make the most of it. We understand what makes a brand successful and can help you identify your key strengths. At Kangaroo UK, we pride ourselves on being your one-stop-shop for all things SEO and Amazon marketing. We have the experience and expertise to help you grow your business online, regardless of what industry you’re in. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to set yourself apart from the competition – contact us today .

Branding Colours: Why They Are So Important

14 May 2022

Have you ever wondered why certain brands have become so popular? It's not only because of their catchy slogans or clever marketing tactics. It's also because of their colours. The colours that a firm uses in its branding can have a significant impact on its business. According to research, up to 85% of consumers say colour is the most important component in deciding which product to choose, and 92% believe the visual appeal is the most convincing marketing factor overall ( source ). They help create a visual identity for a company and can be used to communicate a wide range of messages. Choosing the right colour for your brand is critical. Let’s explore why: Make a lasting impression When it comes to branding and marketing, colour plays a crucial role in making a good first impression. Colour can influence not only how people perceive your brand - but also how they feel about it. That is why large corporations and well-known brands use striking colours to entice their target audiences, and it has worked. For example, Coca-Cola's red and McDonald's golden tint will be remembered forever. As a result, you should select a colour that leaves a lasting impression on your target audience Stand out among the competition Colour branding can help your company stand out from the crowd. It's also a huge plus if your competitors don't utilise any branding colours at all. For example, while marketing your brand across several media, you choose eye-catching colours. Your competition, on the other hand, did not utilise any brand colours in their marketing. That means you've already won because eye-catching colours are more likely to attract buyers than plain colours. They will distinguish your brand from the competition and offer it a distinct identity. Boost your confidence The colours you choose for your branding can give your company a huge boost in confidence. If colour branding can provide you with the best impression and make you stand out from the crowd, your audience will naturally gravitate toward your brand. It gives you greater confidence and motivates you to work more on your marketing. It evokes different emotions There is a vast spectrum of colours that inspire a wide range of emotions, as well as create a different point of view among the audience. The colour red often evokes energy and excitement, The blue colour is often evoked as more calming and trustworthy. Pink is associated with romance, softness, and playfulness. Yellow colour is associated with happiness, optimism, and intelligence. Green is evoking growth, abundance, and nature. The purple colour creates opulence, royalty, and luxury. White colour is often associated with purity, virtue, and simplicity. But before selecting a colour for your brand, you should be clear with your brand essence. That essence prompts you to choose the appropriate colour that matches your emotion and impresses your intended audience. Consumers love this colour branding Consumers are more likely to love your branding when you use colour effectively to communicate your message and create an emotional connection. They are pursuing a colourful brand rather than a plain one. Studies show that 60 - 90 per cent of people's initial impressions are based solely on colour ( source ). So, don't hesitate to use eye-catching and emotional connect colours on your brand. The right colours for your branding can have a significant impact on how customers perceive your company and products. That’s why it’s important to partner with an experienced branding agency like Kangaroo UK that can help you choose the perfect shades for your business. We offer a range of services that will ensure your brand looks its best and stands out from the competition. With our expertise, you can be sure that your target audience will take notice of your business – and what it has to offer. We also specialise in Amazon marketing ( take a look at our beginner's guide to Amazon marketing services ). Contact us today to learn more about our branding services and get started on creating a successful colour strategy for your company!

Why Your Logo Is The Most Important Branding Tool

14 May 2022

A company's logo is one of the most important branding tools that it has. A logo is more than just a graphical mark; it is the embodiment of your brand. To create a successful logo, it is important to consider the company's target audience and what qualities the logo should represent. Additionally, a professional designer should be hired to create the logo, as they will have the expertise necessary to produce a high-quality design that will reflect positively on the company. Because it's what customers see first and memorably represents your company. A recent study found that Consumers recognise brands by their logos in 75% of cases ( source ). If you're considering rebranding your company or designing a new logo, you should know why your logo is an important marketing tool for your brand. Here are a few reasons that justify why the logo is the best marketing tool ever 1.Creates the best first impression A good logo is one of the most important tools in your branding arsenal because it creates an instant first impression and, ideally, a lasting best impression. It's the public face of your company that appears on your website, letterhead, business cards, social media accounts, and marketing materials. And it should communicate what your company does and represent the values that are important to you. A strong logo can help you attract new customers and keep existing ones coming back. According to a recent study, the first good brand impression will be created within 90 seconds because of its logo. It can also increase the perceived value of your products or services (source ). With so much riding on your logo, it is important to put thought and care into its design. When done right, your logo can be a powerful asset in building a successful brand. 2. Visually represents your brand Your logo is the visual representation of everything your company stands for. It's the first thing people see when they come across your brand, and it's what they'll remember long after they've forgotten your company name. That's why it's so important to make sure that your logo is well-designed and that it accurately reflects your brand identity. If your logo is poorly designed, it will reflect poorly on your brand and make it difficult for people to remember you. On the other hand, if your logo is strong and memorable, it will help people to quickly identify your brand and recall your company name. 3. It will work across all platforms A well-designed logo can help you to build instant recognition for your business, and it will work across all platforms, from your website to your social media accounts to printed marketing materials and product packaging. When designing your logo, it is important to keep elements such as colour and typography in mind. The colours you use should reflect the values of your brand, and the typography should be easily legible. Furthermore, your logo should be scalable, so that it can be used in a variety of different contexts. With a well-designed logo, you can ensure that your brand will be seen and remembered by customers for years to come because 70% of consumers believe that brands with CEOs that are active on social media are better connected to them. ( source ). As a result, it will work on all social media sites. 4. Makes your brand standalone from the competition Your logo should be unique and immediately recognisable, and it should convey the core values of your brand. In addition to appearing on your website and marketing materials, your logo should also be featured prominently on any physical products or packaging you produce. By ensuring that your logo is highly visible, you can help to ensure that your brand is top-of-mind for potential customers. The 'look and feel of a logo can decide the brand's possibility of success,' according to up to 75% of respondents (source ). With a strong and distinctive logo, you can give your brand the competitive edge it needs to succeed. 5. It builds trust with potential customers A well-designed logo helps to build trust with potential customers and conveys a sense of professionalism and competence. But more than that, a logo also needs to be versatile and adaptable. And perhaps most importantly, a logo must be memorable. After all, if potential customers can’t remember your brand name, they’re not likely to do business with you. One source showed that 85% of customers said they would stick with a firm whose logo and brand they appreciate( source ). By investing in a high-quality logo design, you can ensure that your brand will make a lasting impression on potential customers and it can play a vital role in building brand awareness and helping your business to achieve its long-term goals. A well-designed logo is more than just an image or a pretty picture. It’s the identity of your brand and it can take your business to the next level. That’s why it’s so important to partner with a professional branding service like Kangaroo UK that will help you create a logo that represents your company in the best way possible. We have years of experience in creating stunning logos and providing valuable assistance throughout the branding process. We help in crafting successful brand identities and marketing plans, and we’re always up-to-date on the latest techniques. We also have a wide range of experience in SEO and PPC consulting, as well as Amazon marketing, so no matter what kind of brand you’re trying to build, we can assist you. Let us help you create a memorable and lasting impression with your target audience! Contact us today.