As a local liquor store, driving in-store foot traffic is essential for increasing sales and growing your business. One effective way to achieve this is through SEO strategies that target your local audience. 

By optimizing your website and Google My Business profile, using locally targeted SEO keywords, creating location-specific landing pages, promoting in-store events on social media, engaging in locally focused Facebook Groups, and offering online ordering with in-store pickup, you can improve your visibility in local search results and attract more customers to your store. 

In this blog post, we will explore these SEO best practices in detail to help you drive in-store foot traffic and grow your local liquor store business.

To drive in-store foot traffic with SEO, a local liquor store can follow these strategies:

  1. Optimize your website for local search: The website should be optimized for local search, including location-based keywords in the website’s content, titles, meta descriptions, and URLs. Ensure the website is mobile-friendly and has accurate and up-to-date contact information, including your business address, phone number, email address, and hours of operation.
  1. One effective way to increase page rank for a local business in search directories is to create and optimize a Google My Business (GMB) listing. This will enable your liquor store to show up on Google Maps and in Google’s Local Pack, which appears at the top of search results for local queries. To begin the process, claim and optimize a Google My Business (GMB) listing: Your liquor store should claim and optimize your GMB profile, ensuring it is complete and accurate with the business name, address, phone number, and current hours of operation. Add quality photos, respond to reviews, and publish posts regularly to engage with your local audience and customers. Other local search directories you may want to consider include Bing Places for Business, Yelp, and Yellow Pages. Ensure that your business information is consistent across all directories, and actively monitor and respond to reviews and feedback to engage with your customers and improve your online reputation. This can ultimately lead to increased traffic and sales for your liquor store.
  1. Use locally targeted SEO keywords: Use relevant local SEO keywords such as “liquor store near me,” “craft beer,” or “wine selection,” or “liquor store [name of neighborhood or city]. Incorporate these keywords into the website’s content and meta descriptions, making it easier for potential customers to find the store in local search results. Also, utilize these keywords in your regularly updated website blog.
  1. Create location-specific landing pages: Your liquor store should create location-specific landing pages with content tailored to your specific location. These pages should include relevant keywords, images, and local information such as directions, parking, and nearby attractions.
  1. Use social media to promote in-store events: The liquor store can use social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to promote in-store events, such as tastings or special deals. These events can drive foot traffic to the store, and social media posts about the events can also help to improve the store’s visibility in local search results. In addition to posting on your own  accounts and pages, you can share promotions and information about tasting events in Facebook Groups in which your local target audience is active e.g. “Moms of New Jersey” or “Small Businesses of Austin.” You can also incorporate paid social media tactics such as Facebook Ads and Instagram Sponsored posts to boost awareness of your store and increase online or phone orders. Regularly engage your target audience to not only acquire new customers, but to drive customer loyalty and increase the number of orders, the amount of your average transaction, and your average LTV (lifetime value) per customer.
  1. Offer online ordering with in-store pickup: Offering online ordering with in-store pickup can attract customers who prefer the convenience of ordering online. Having an option for your customers to order online can also help to increase your in-store foot traffic, as customers will need to visit the store to pick up their orders. And, who knows? When they stop by to pick up their order, they might just see a bottle that catches their eye and add an impulse purchase or two to their cart! Ensure that the online ordering process is user-friendly, and that pickup instructions are clear and easy to follow. These days, people are impatient with limited time and bandwidth. If they can’t make their purchase with one or two quick clicks or taps of the phone, they’re likely going to give up and go elsewhere so make sure you provide an optimal UX (user experience).

Implementing the above SEO strategies for your local liquor store can make a significant impact on driving in-store foot traffic, acquiring new customers, and increasing sales. Optimizing your website and Google My Business profile, targeting local SEO keywords, creating location-specific landing pages, promoting in-store events on social media, and offering online ordering with an in-store pickup can attract more customers to your store and improve your visibility in local search results. As you implement these strategies, make sure you or your marketing agency meticulously tracks your results and adjust your approach as necessary to achieve the best outcomes for your business.

Are you searching for a marketing agency that consistently generates results for businesses like yours with SEO, organic social media, and high-converting ads? Reach out to ZEV Media (a Google-certified Partner) today for your free Discovery Call and let us help you grow your business!