Beyond the Bottom Line: Insights from Viktor Zarakov

The key is using the right search terms. Local SEO keywords are like a treasure map that helps people find your business nearby. These are specific words and phrases people use when looking for businesses close to them. For example, if you run a Russian restaurant in New York City, keywords might include "best borscht in Brooklyn," "Russian food delivery near me," or "cheap pelmeni Manhattan." Why Are They Important? - More Customers: People searching for local businesses are more likely to make a purchase. - Better Ranking: Using these keywords helps your website show up higher in search results. - Build Trust: It shows you're part of the community. How to Find Your Local Keywords? - Think Like a Customer: What would you search for if you needed your product or service? - Use Keyword Tools: There are online tools that can help you find popular local keywords. - Check Your Competitors: See what keywords they're using. How to Use Local SEO Keywords?

Two Kinds of Keywords: 1. Short-Tail Keywords: These are like single words or short phrases. Imagine typing "matryoshka," "samovar," or "borscht" into a search box. Lots of people use these words, so they're super popular, but also really competitive. 2. Long-Tail Keywords: These are like short sentences. Think of typing "traditional Russian nesting dolls," "best electric samovar for tea," or "authentic borscht recipe." Not as many people use these, so they're less competitive and more specific to what you want. Which is Better? It depends on what you're trying to do! - Short-Tail Keywords can bring a lot of people to your site, but it's harder to make them buy something because there are so many choices. - Long-Tail Keywords bring fewer people, but they're more likely to be interested in what you're selling. Best Strategy.....BOTH  types! Why you ask? - Short-Tail Keywords help lots of people find your

A keyword cannibalization happens when different pages on your website try to be the best match for the same search term. It’s like if two friends are arguing over who gets the last slice of pirozhki! Why is It a Problem? - Confuses Search Engines: Search engines get mixed up about which page is the best for a search. - Less Website Traffic: If search engines are confused, fewer people will visit your site. - Wasted Effort: You’re putting in work on pages that are competing with each other. How to Avoid a Keyword Fight? - Choose a Keyword Champ: Pick one page to be the best for a specific keyword. For example, have one page for "best borscht recipe." - Be Specific: Use different keywords for each page. Instead of using "Russian dumplings" on two pages, try "pelmeni recipe" and "vareniki with potatoes." - Create Links: Connect your pages with links so search engines understand how they fit together. - Check Regularly: Look over your site to make s