Local SEO Strategies: Driving Customers to Your Store or App – How location-based optimisation benefits your business

In today’s digital-first marketplace, simply having an online presence is no longer enough. Customers are not just searching for businesses, they are searching for businesses near them. Whether it is a beauty salon, a real estate firm, a restaurant, or an e-commerce brand with a mobile app, location-based searches now drive a significant percentage of foot traffic and digital engagement. This is where Local SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) becomes a game-changer for businesses that want to dominate their area and attract loyal, nearby customers.

At Designekta Studios, we understand that visibility is everything in business. Combining creative design with strategic optimisation ensures your brand is not only seen but also trusted. Local SEO helps you connect with customers exactly when they are looking for your products or services, and it often results in quicker conversions compared to broad digital marketing campaigns.

Why Local SEO Matters

Research shows that 46% of all Google searches are looking for local information. Even more compelling, 76% of people who search for something nearby visit a related business within 24 hours. For service-based companies, this often translates to more walk-ins, more phone calls, and more inquiries. For app-based businesses, it means more downloads and consistent engagement from users who are close to your service area.

Without local SEO, you risk losing this traffic to competitors who have optimised their presence. With it, you can:

Appear in Google Maps searches when customers look for nearby businesses
Build credibility with consistent online reviews and testimonials
Increase walk-in traffic and app downloads by targeting the right audience at the right time
Create stronger, more authentic connections with customers who are geographically closest to your business
Establish your brand as a trusted local authority in your industry

Core Local SEO Strategies for Business Growth

1. Optimise Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is often the first impression potential customers have of your brand. A complete profile with accurate name, address, phone number (NAP), opening hours, photos, and reviews boosts your visibility in both search results and Google Maps.

Pro Tip: Regularly update your profile with promotions, events, or new product launches. This keeps your business active in Google’s algorithm and makes you stand out to potential customers.

2. Use Location-Based Keywords

Generic keywords like “best salon” or “affordable office furniture” are too broad and highly competitive. Instead, optimise your website, blog, and app content with geo-targeted keywords such as “best salon in Thika” or “office furniture suppliers in Nairobi CBD.”

Designekta Studios ensures that your keywords are strategically placed in titles, headings, meta descriptions, and website copy so customers near you can easily find your brand.

3. Create Locally Relevant Content

Content tailored to your audience’s location resonates more deeply than generic information. Blogs, articles, and social media updates that highlight your community involvement, local trends, or city-specific insights help build authority and trust. For example:

“Top Beauty Trends in Nairobi 2025”
“Best Investment Opportunities in Murang’a Real Estate”
“Guide to Choosing Affordable Office Furniture in Kenya”

By producing content that speaks directly to your local market, you not only improve your search rankings but also demonstrate your expertise within the community.

4. Mobile Optimisation is Non-Negotiable

Most local searches happen on mobile devices. If your site or app is slow, unresponsive, or hard to navigate, you risk losing potential customers. Mobile-first design ensures that:

Pages load quickly
Navigation is intuitive
Users can seamlessly connect from your app to your store

At Designekta Studios, we ensure that all websites and apps we design are mobile-friendly, keeping your customers engaged on the go.

5. Encourage and Manage Online Reviews

Positive reviews act as digital word-of-mouth. They build credibility, increase your ranking in Google’s “Local Pack,” and encourage new customers to trust your business.

Always encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews and respond thoughtfully to all feedback. Even a negative review can be turned into a positive brand interaction if managed professionally.

6. Leverage Local Backlinks

Collaborating with local bloggers, news sites, influencers, or community organisations helps you secure backlinks. These backlinks signal to search engines that your business is relevant within your region and also introduce your brand to new audiences.

7. Use Geo-Fencing and Location-Based Ads

For app-based businesses, geo-fencing can create personalised and timely engagement. Sending targeted promotions, discounts, or notifications to users within a certain radius encourages immediate action and strengthens customer loyalty.

The Business Benefits of Local SEO

When properly implemented, local SEO offers measurable results that directly impact your bottom line. Among the most valuable benefits are:

Increased Store Visits: Customers searching “near me” are usually ready to buy, making them high-quality leads
More App Engagement: Mobile users searching locally are highly likely to download and engage with your app for convenience
Higher Conversion Rates: Local searches typically have higher purchase intent compared to broad, generic queries
Stronger Brand Identity: By positioning your business as a trusted local authority, you become the go-to choice in your community
Improved ROI: Unlike expensive ads, local SEO strategies are cost-effective and deliver long-term visibility

Why Work with Designekta Studios?

At Designekta Studios, we do not just design websites, apps, and office spaces. We create holistic business experiences that bring together design, strategy, and innovation. Our local SEO services are designed to ensure your online presence drives real results for your physical store or app.

Here is what we do for you:

Optimise your site, app, and Google Business Profile for maximum reach
Build campaigns tailored to your unique location and target market
Analyse performance insights and adjust strategies for continuous growth

Local SEO is not just a marketing tactic. It is a long-term growth strategy that ensures your business thrives both online and offline.

Final Thoughts

If your customers are local, your SEO should be local too. By adopting local SEO strategies, you are not only driving traffic but also attracting the right customers straight to your business or app.

The future of business growth lies in visibility, trust, and connection. Let Designekta Studios help you become the top local choice in your industry. Together, we can build a brand that customers in your community not only find but also trust and choose.