There are several ways to maximize the web presence of your credit union website. Researching and utilizing optimized keywords and key phrases is a no-brainer. On-page SEO improves individual page rankings. Linking to internal pages simplifies navigation for better user experience, and you can reinforce your credit union website’s credibility with links to external pages or websites.

Local SEO, also known as local search marketing, is a sure-fire method of gaining members where your branches are located. Research shows that 80% of local searches convert into a sale when a user clicks through to your credit union website. In this blog, you’ll learn simple actions you can take to improve your credit union website rankings using local search.

 

Optimize Your Google My Business Listings

The first place to start increasing your search rankings is through the search engines themselves. Google My Business makes your credit union website searchable through Google Search, Google Maps, and Local Finder. Once you’ve created a listing for each location and verified your financial institution, you’ll get the most out of your Google My Business account by optimizing it.

Be sure all information is complete and accurate for each location. Add photos or videos, business hours, address, phone number, website, and other data that will help members. Finally, encourage members to leave reviews on your listings. Regardless of whether the comment is positive or negative, responding to each one is good customer service.

 

Check Your NAP for Accuracy and Consistency

For members to find you online, they must know your name, address, and/or phone number — also known as your NAP. Your NAP should be accurate and used consistently wherever your credit union or credit union appears online. NAP inconsistencies can cause search engines to distrust your data, thus lowering your search rankings. Also, search results could point member to the wrong credit union website if your listing contains incorrect information.

 

Design Your Credit Union Website to be Mobile Friendly

An important credit union website design feature is to be responsive for banking on the go. Most members searching for your credit union website on a mobile device are looking for directions, contact information, or reviews. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, user experience will suffer. A responsive credit union website is easier for your members to use. Furthermore, Google ranks mobile-optimized sites higher.

 

Mention Your Location

Location, location, location — members want to find a financial institution that is convenient and nearby. With local search, you should include your geographic area in your credit union website’s homepage title, meta description, and content. This lessens confusion, especially if your credit union has the same or a similar name to another financial institution. You wouldn’t want a search engine to list a credit union across the country before yours or a member to click through to the wrong financial institution when they search for your website.

 

Final Words

Search engine optimization goes beyond merely inserting keywords throughout your credit union website, but don’t let SEO intimidate you. Optimizing local search makes boosting your search engine rankings easy. In addition to the tips we’ve shared, CUWebsite Services’ web development team can assist you with inserting the necessary code in your credit union website to improve local search. Don’t risk losing members because they can’t find you online!