Asheville SEO Playbook: Winning the Online Game with Ease

The SEO Essentials for Local Businesses

Why SEO Matters for Local Businesses

In this competitive digital age, businesses across various industries face the same fundamental challenge: connecting with customers in the online realm. The importance of SEO is universal, but it takes on unique nuances in different locales and industries. Here, we’ll explore why SEO is a critical factor for businesses in this area and how it compares to other regions and industries.

1. Discrepancies Between Asheville and Surrounding Areas

While Asheville shares some similarities with neighboring cities, it also boasts distinctive characteristics that set it apart. Unlike larger metropolitan areas, where the competition can be overwhelming, Asheville offers a cozier, more closely-knit local economy. On the flip side, it doesn’t experience the same level of online saturation as larger cities.

2. Thriving Industries

The industries that thrive in this region range from artisanal crafts and unique boutiques to farm-to-table dining experiences and emerging tech startups. In Asheville and its environs, there’s a palpable emphasis on authenticity, local sourcing, and community-driven enterprises. These qualities lend themselves well to SEO, as they resonate strongly with today’s discerning online consumers.

3. The Relevance of SEO

In Asheville and similar locales, your potential customers are increasingly turning to online search engines to discover local businesses and experiences. Whether it’s a quest for handcrafted treasures, an exploration of the culinary scene, or a search for innovative tech solutions, the journey begins with a digital inquiry.

Local businesses in this area can leverage SEO to gain a competitive edge. Unlike larger cities where the competition might be fierce, Asheville offers opportunities for businesses to stand out and claim their digital territory. By optimizing their online presence for local search intent, these businesses can ensure that they’re discovered by individuals seeking region-specific experiences and products.

4. The Unique Role of SEO

SEO serves as a leveling field for businesses in Asheville and similar regions. It’s a means to ensure that your offerings, no matter how unique, are prominently featured to those actively searching for them. SEO bridges the gap between your business and potential customers, guiding them directly to your doorstep-virtually or in person.

An example of how easily we can rank up in just three months for various keywords and pages for our own business:

Understanding Asheville’s SEO Environment

1. City-Specific Keyword Targeting

City-specific keywords are your SEO secret sauce in Asheville. These keywords include location-based terms like “Asheville,” “WNC” (Western North Carolina), and “Blue Ridge.” Incorporating these keywords strategically into your content, meta tags, and headers ensures that your business appears prominently in local search results.

Example: Suppose you own a farm-to-table restaurant in Asheville. Optimize your website content with phrases like “best farm-to-table dining in Asheville,” “Asheville’s top sustainable restaurant,” or “locally-sourced cuisine in WNC.” These keywords resonate with the local food scene and appeal to the community and tourists alike.

2. Embrace the Local Culture

Asheville’s culture thrives on authenticity, sustainability, and community engagement. Align your SEO strategy with these values. Create content that showcases your commitment to Asheville’s unique way of life, whether it’s through profiles of local artisans, stories about community initiatives, or features on the city’s history.

Example: If you operate a boutique selling handmade crafts, craft blog posts such as “Supporting Local Artisans in Asheville” or “The Artistry Behind Asheville’s Handcrafted Treasures.” This not only connects you with local keywords but also resonates with the city’s ethos.

3. Leverage Local Backlinks

Building a robust backlink profile is essential for SEO everywhere, but in Asheville, local backlinks hold special significance. Partner with other local businesses, join Asheville-based chambers of commerce, and actively engage in the community. This not only strengthens your online presence but also enhances your visibility among locals.

Example: If you’re a tech startup in Asheville, collaborate with other local startups and organizations. Guest post on their websites, and request them to link back to your content. This not only builds local backlinks but also fosters a sense of community.

Read our Asheville Digital Marketing post to find useful local backlink directories

Optimizing Your GMB Listing

1. Complete All Profile Sections: Leaving any section of your GMB profile incomplete is like missing a step in a recipe; the end result won’t be as satisfying. Ensure that you’ve filled out every field accurately. Provide detailed descriptions, including keywords relevant to your business and location.
2. High-Quality Photos and Videos: Visuals matter. Upload high-quality images and videos that showcase your products, services, and your establishment if you have one. High-resolution images not only make your listing more appealing but also improve your chances of appearing in Google’s Local Pack.
3. Respond to Reviews: Engage with your customers by responding to their reviews, both positive and negative. A polite, professional response to a negative review can demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews and testimonials, too.
4. Regularly Post Updates: Use the “Posts” feature to share news, promotions, and events happening at your business. These posts appear directly in your GMB listing and can attract more clicks and visits.
5. Accurate Business Information: Ensure that your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across all online platforms, including your website and social media profiles. Consistency builds trust with search engines and users.

Mobile Optimization

1. Why Mobile Optimization Matters

   Asheville residents and tourists alike rely on their smartphones to find local businesses and services. Whether they’re looking for a restaurant to dine at, a boutique to explore, or a tech service to solve their problems, mobile devices are their trusty companions. To meet their expectations, your website must be mobile-friendly.

   Tips for Mobile Optimization

   1. Speed Matters: Mobile users expect speedy load times. Optimize your website for mobile speed by compressing images, leveraging browser caching, and minimizing HTTP requests. Google’s PageSpeed Insights can help identify areas for improvement.
   2. Responsive Design: Ensure your website design is responsive, meaning it adapts to different screen sizes seamlessly. Responsive design not only improves user experience but also aligns with Google’s mobile-first indexing.
   3. Mobile-Friendly Content: Craft your content with mobile users in mind. Use concise, scannable text, and break up content into digestible chunks. Ensure that buttons and navigation elements are large enough to tap easily on mobile screens.
   4. Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP): Consider implementing AMP for your content pages. AMP is a Google-backed project that enhances mobile load times by delivering lightweight, fast-loading versions of web pages.
   5. Local SEO on Mobile: Optimize your mobile website for local search by prominently displaying your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) on every page. Implement schema markup to provide search engines with structured data about your business.

Amplifying SEO with Social Media

1. The Synergy of Social Media and SEO

   Social media platforms are bustling hubs of activity, where people discuss, share, and discover. When you harness the power of social media effectively, you can extend your reach, engage with your audience, and strengthen your SEO game. Here’s how:

   1. Content Sharing: Share your high-quality, SEO-optimized content on social media platforms. When your content is shared, liked, and commented on, it sends positive signals to search engines, potentially boosting your rankings.
   2. Building Backlinks: Engaging on social media can lead to natural backlinks as other users reference and link to your content. This can contribute to your website’s authority, a key factor in SEO.
   3. Local Engagement: Engage with the local Asheville community on social media. Join local groups, participate in

Done For You Social Media Marketing

Designed to help businesses grow and build a high-end brand with professional design and strategic planning, we take care of everything from content creation to posting and engagement, ensuring that your social media presence is always top-notch.

Asheville’s Landmarks and SEO Synergy

1. Asheville is dotted with iconic landmarks that resonate deeply with both residents and visitors. To make your mark in the city’s SEO landscape, consider weaving these landmarks into your strategy:
   • Biltmore Estate: Asheville’s crown jewel, the Biltmore Estate, is a magnificent historic mansion nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Target keywords like “Biltmore Estate tours” or “visiting Biltmore” if your business is in the tourism sector or if your products resonate with the estate’s opulent history.
   • Blue Ridge Parkway: As one of America’s most scenic drives, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a natural wonder. Businesses offering outdoor gear, guided tours, or hiking experiences can optimize for keywords like “Blue Ridge Parkway adventures” to attract nature enthusiasts.
   • Downtown Asheville: If you’re situated in the heart of downtown, emphasize your proximity to key landmarks like the Grove Arcade, Pack Square, or the Basilica of Saint Lawrence. Use keywords like “boutiques near Grove Arcade” to capture the attention of shoppers exploring the city’s urban core.
   • Brewery District: Asheville’s craft beer scene is legendary. If you’re a brewery or a pub, leverage local keywords like “South Slope Asheville breweries” to tap into the city’s beer culture.
    
2. Embracing Asheville’s Events

   Asheville is a city that thrives on festivals, music, and community gatherings. Here’s how you can align your SEO with the city’s eventful spirit:

   • Music Festivals: If your business is related to music or entertainment, optimize for keywords tied to Asheville’s renowned music festivals like “Bele Chere” or “LEAF Festival.”
   • Art and Craft Shows: Asheville hosts numerous art and craft events throughout the year. Use keywords like “Asheville craft fair” or “River Arts District studio tours” to attract art enthusiasts.
   • Food and Drink Festivals: If you’re in the restaurant or food industry, target keywords associated with Asheville’s culinary events, such as “Asheville Food & Wine Festival.”
   • Outdoor Adventures: The city’s outdoor events like the “Asheville Marathon” draw adventure seekers. Craft content around these events with keywords like “trail running in Asheville.”
    
3. Asheville’s Neighborhood Flavor

   Asheville’s neighborhoods each have a distinct personality. Incorporate these into your SEO:

   • West Asheville: If your business resides in the trendy West Asheville area, use keywords like “West Asheville boutiques” or “restaurants in West Asheville” to cater to the hip and artistic community.
   • Biltmore Village: For businesses close to the Biltmore Village, optimize for keywords like “shopping near Biltmore Village” or “Biltmore Village dining.”
   • Montford: Montford’s historic charm can be a unique selling point. Keywords like “Montford historic inns” or “Montford neighborhood tours” can attract history enthusiasts.
    
4. The Power of Local Reviews

   Asheville residents take pride in their city and actively participate in local online communities. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews that mention Asheville-specific experiences. For example, a review that reads, “The best farm-to-table restaurant in Asheville” not only boosts your SEO but also resonates with locals and visitors looking for an authentic dining experience.

    
5. Collaborate with Local Influencers Asheville is home to a thriving community of bloggers, Instagrammers, and influencers who celebrate the city’s culture. Partner with them to create content that showcases your business through the lens of Asheville’s spirit. Their endorsements can boost your visibility in local searches and social media.

See if we can bring you more leads, sales, and grow your business by optimizing your digital strategy.

• Organic Traffic – Unlock leads via SEO
• Paid Traffic – Raise ROI by optimizing conversions
• Content Marketing – Stand out from your competitors with engaging content