It boosts horsey shoppers’ chances of finding their local retailer.
A new internet search service which helps equestrian consumers find their local tackshop is drumming up footfall in bricks-and-mortar stores.
So says retail solutions specialist Citrus-Lime which has just launched Local SEO to strengthen stores’ online visibility within their nearby equestrian communities.
The search engine optimisation tool helps businesses rank at the top of search results, on Google Maps and in ‘near me’ queries - giving them a better chance of being seen by local customers.
When browsers go online to look for products or services, Google serves up results based on location and relevance, says Citrus-Lime. So, to boost footfall, a retailer must be properly optimised for local searches.
Local SEO factors in equestrian market specifics such as seasonal buying trends, product searches and local equestrian communities too.
“Equestrian retail is a deeply personal and local experience,” says James Steel, director at Citrus-Lime. “Local SEO helps independent stores appear right where their customers are searching, whether that’s online or on the move.”
In recent years, he adds, online retailers like Amazon have continued to gain market share, leaving smaller independents facing increasing pressure to compete.
Local SEO helps close the gap on national chains by levelling the digital playing field with tools like Google Local Pack - the section of Google search results that appears at the top of the page, says Citrus-Lime.
