Stuck in a local rut online? You’re not alone. Local SEO can fix that. This post will show you how to get noticed and attract more local customers.

Ready to own local search? Let’s go!

Quick Facts

• Local SEO gets businesses to show up in nearby searches, 30% of mobile searches are location based and 78% of local searchers visit within a day.
• Key ranking factors for local SEO are proximity, relevance and prominence, with Google’s 2016 Possum update giving businesses outside city limits a better chance to rank.
• Google Business Profile, local keyword research and high quality backlinks are key to owning local SEO.
• Asking and managing online reviews can have a big impact on local SEO, positive reviews increase visits by 70% and purchases by 50%.
• Tools like Google Business Profile Manager, Google Keyword Planner and Semrush’s Listing Manager can help you with your local SEO and track performance.

Table of Contents

• What Is Local SEO?
• Why Is Local SEO Important for Businesses?
• Key Ranking Factors for Local SEO
• How to Dominate Local SEO
• Optimizing Your Website for Local SEO
• Local SEO Tools
• How to Monitor and Track Local SEO
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Local SEO?

Local SEO is how you get your business to show up in local search results. It’s all about getting your business to pop up when people in your area are looking for what you offer. This type of SEO is about getting you seen in Google Maps and the local pack on search pages.

It’s not just about being online, but being seen by people near you who could be customers.

For local businesses this is a game changer. It helps you stand out in your community and grab the attention of people nearby. Local SEO uses your Google Business Profile, local keywords and online reviews to get you ranking higher in local search.

It’s a no brainer for any business that wants to attract more local customers and grow in their area.

Why Is Local SEO Important for Businesses?

Local SEO is a game changer for businesses. It gets them to show up in search results when people are looking for products or services nearby. Think about it: 30% of all mobile searches are location based.

That’s a lot of customers! Even better 78% of people who search for a business visit within a day. And 28% of those searches end in a sale. These numbers are why local SEO matters.

Businesses can’t ignore the local search. Google gets billions of local searches every month. That’s a huge pool of potential customers waiting to be tapped.

It gets you to show up in Google Maps results and the local pack. More eyes on your business, more foot traffic and more sales. For small businesses local SEO levels the playing field.

It lets them compete with bigger businesses in their area. It’s a smart way to grow without breaking the bank on ads.

Key Ranking Factors for Local SEO

Local SEO is based on three key factors: how close you are, how relevant you are and how well known you are. Want to learn more about these game changers? Keep reading!

Proximity

Proximity is a big factor in local SEO rankings. Google wants to show users nearby businesses that fit their search. If you’re close to the searcher you have a better chance of showing up in local results.

This is why a pizza shop in New York won’t show up for someone looking for pizza in Los Angeles. Google’s Possum update in 2016 changed things though. It gave businesses outside city limits a better chance to show up in local searches.

Your physical location is a big factor in local pack rankings. But don’t worry if you’re not in the middle of town. Thanks to the Possum update you can still rank well if you’re a bit farther out.

Just make sure your Google Business Profile has your correct address. This helps Google know where you are and show you to nearby customers.

Relevance

Relevance is a big factor in local SEO. Google looks at how well your business matches what people are searching for. This applies to both local pack and regular search results. Your content needs to hit the mark for local searchers.

Use the words and phrases they’ll type in when looking for your services. Make sure your website, Google Business Profile and online listings all match what locals are looking for.

To boost relevance focus on local keywords and themes. Use these throughout your site pages, meta tags and business descriptions. Don’t forget to add your city or region name where it fits naturally.

Also keep your business info consistent across the web. This helps search engines connect the dots and see you as more relevant to local queries.

Prominence

Prominence is key to local SEO. It’s how well known and trusted your business is in the area. Google looks at factors such as your online reviews, links to your website and mentions of your business across the web.

Positive reviews can improve your local rankings and increase customer trust. In fact having numerous positive reviews can have a big impact on your business. They can increase the chances of people visiting your business by 70% and make them 50% more likely to buy from you.

To boost prominence focus on getting more positive reviews and responding to them. Also try to get your business featured on local news sites or blogs. The more online mentions your business gets the better your local SEO will perform.

Remember becoming well known takes time and effort. But with the right strategies you can improve your visibility in local search results and attract more customers to your business.

How to Dominate Local SEO

Ready to boost your local SEO? Here are the strategies to do so. These workhorses will get you ranking higher and more local attention.

Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Google Business Profile is a must have for local businesses. It’s free and gets you listed in Google Maps and local search results.

1. Create or claim your profile: Sign up for a free account and verify your business ownership.
2. Fill out all fields: Add your business name, address, phone number, website and hours.
3. Choose the right category: Pick the most relevant category for your business type.
4. Add high quality images: Upload clear images of your storefront, products and team.
5. Write a description: A short keyword rich summary of your business.
6. List your services/products: Include details and prices if possible.
7. Answer questions: Use the Q&A feature to answer customer questions.
8. Post updates: Share news, offers and events to keep your profile fresh.
9. Ask for reviews: Ask happy customers to review your profile.
10. Add service area: If you go to customers specify the areas you serve.
11. Include business hours: Keep these up to date especially during holidays.
12. Add booking button: Let customers book appointments directly from your profile.
13. Check insights: Use the dashboard to see views, clicks and customer actions.

Local Keyword Research

Local keyword research is key to your business to get noticed in local searches. By finding the right terms you can get more customers looking for your products or services nearby.

• Use Google Autocomplete to find local search terms
• Try Google Keyword Planner to get local keyword volume data
• Look for keywords with local intent like “near me” or city names
• Check if search results show map packs to confirm local search intent
• Focus on service based keywords relevant to your business
• Analyze your competitors’ websites for local keyword ideas
• Include long tail keywords that are less competitive but more specific
• Consider seasonal trends that may impact local search behavior
• Use social media to find local trending topics and phrases
• Don’t forget voice search queries which are often more conversational
• Check local forums and community sites for common questions
• Think about how locals might describe your business or services
• Use tools like Answer the Public to find question based local keywords
• Look at your own website analytics for local search terms that drive traffic
• Consider location specific slang or nicknames in your keyword research

Localize Your Website Content

Localizing your website content is key to getting nearby customers. Here’s how to make your site more appealing to local searchers:

1. Include your city and state in page titles, headers and meta descriptions.
2. Create separate pages for each location if you have multiple branches.
3. Mention local landmarks, events or news in your blog posts.
4. Use area codes in phone numbers and local addresses on your contact page.
5. Embed a Google Map of your business location on your site.
6. Write content about local issues or problems.
7. Show photos of your business in the local area.
8. Mention nearby cities or suburbs you serve.
9. Use local slang or colloquialisms when applicable.
10. Show community involvement or sponsorships.
11. Create a FAQ page for common local questions.
12. Offer local only deals or promotions.
13. Share customer testimonials or reviews from people in your area.
14. List local professional associations or chambers you’re a part of.

Get High Quality Backlinks

Backlinks are the foundation of local SEO success. They tell search engines your business is trusted and relevant and will boost your rankings in local search results.

• Use tools like Semrush or Ahrefs to find local link opportunities
• Get links from local news sites, blogs and business directories
• Sponsor local events or charities to get backlinks
• Create content that local sites want to link to
• Ask partners, suppliers or clients to link to your site
• Guest post on local blogs in your industry
• Reclaim unlinked mentions of your business online
• Build relationships with other local businesses for link exchanges
• Use broken link building to replace dead links on local sites
• Create location specific resource pages to attract links
• Leverage local business associations for link opportunities
• Offer to write testimonials for vendors in exchange for links
• Use Google Alerts to find new local link prospects

Get Listed in Directories

Local directories are a powerful way to get visibility for your business. Get listed in these online platforms and it will boost your local SEO.

• Submit your business info to popular directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and BBB.
• Get listed in industry specific directories for your business niche.
• Make sure your Name, Address and Phone number (NAP) is consistent across all listings.
• Add your business to Google Maps and claim your Google Business Profile.
• List your company on social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn.
• Find and fix existing incorrect listings of your business online.
• Add high quality photos and a detailed description of your services in each listing.
• Ask happy customers to review your business on these directories.
• Update your listings with new information, offers or changes in business hours.
• Use local keywords in your directory descriptions to increase visibility.
• Monitor and respond quickly to customer reviews and questions on these platforms.
• Consider paid listings on some directories for more exposure and features.

Get and Manage Reviews

Reviews online impact your local SEO big time. They boost your rankings and build credibility with customers.

• Ask happy customers for reviews immediately after a positive interaction
• Use QR codes in-store or on receipts to direct customers to review sites
• Respond to all reviews, positive or negative, quickly and professionally
• Set up alerts to notify you of new reviews across platforms
• Use review management tool to manage and respond to reviews in one place
• Showcase positive reviews on your website and social media
• Resolve negative reviews privately when possible to address concerns
• Train staff on reviews and how to ask for them nicely
• Offer incentives to leave reviews but never pay for fake ones
• Add review snippets to your local SEO content to increase credibility
• Review competitor reviews to find areas to improve your business
• Use reviews to improve your products or services
• Create a review policy for staff to follow on customer feedback

Optimizing Your Website for Local SEO

Your website is your digital storefront. Make it shine for local searches by tweaking key elements. Focus on your site’s structure and content to grab those coveted top spots in local results.

Refine On-Page SEO Elements

On-page SEO elements are key to boosting your local search rankings. Let’s explore some ways to fine-tune these elements for better local SEO performance.

• Use location-specific keywords in your title tags. For example, “Best Pizza in Chicago | Joe’s Pizzeria”
• Craft meta descriptions that include your city and main services.
• Add your full address to your website’s footer. This helps search engines understand your physical location
• Create location-specific pages for each area you serve. Include unique content about that area and your services there
• Optimize your images with alt text that includes local keywords. This helps search engines understand what your images are about
• Use header tags (H1, H2, H3) to structure your content and include local keywords where it makes sense
• Include internal links to your location-specific pages from your homepage and other relevant pages
• Add “LocalBusiness” schema markup to your website. This tells search engines key info about your business like address, hours, and services
• Make sure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) is consistent across all pages of your website
• Create a clear and easy-to-use site structure. This helps both users and search engines navigate your site

Optimize for Voice Search

More folks now ask their phones or smart speakers for info instead of typing. To win at this game, you need to think like your customers talk.

Use natural language in your content. Focus on questions people might ask out loud, like “Where’s the nearest pizza place?” or “What time does the hardware store close?” Make sure your website loads fast and works well on mobile devices, too.

Google loves speedy sites that play nice with phones.

Don’t forget about featured snippets. These are the quick answers Google shows at the top of search results. They’re gold for voice search because digital assistants often read them out loud.

To grab these spots, answer common questions clearly and briefly on your site. Use headers, bullet points, and short paragraphs to make your content easy to scan and understand. By tweaking your approach, you’ll help more people find your business through voice search.

Local SEO Tools

Want to level up your local SEO? Check out these tools. They’ll help you rise to the top and get more eyes on your business.

Google Business Profile Manager

Google Business Profile Manager is a must have for local businesses. You can update your hours, add photos and respond to reviews with this free platform.

The best part? It’s easy and will get you more local visibility.

Here’s a fun fact: businesses with complete profiles get more action. They’re 70% more likely to get visits and 50% more likely to get sales. That’s huge! So if you want more customers at your door, make sure your profile is filled out and verified.

Google Keyword Planner

Google Keyword Planner is a free tool that’s a powerhouse for local SEO. It helps you find the words people search for businesses like yours. You can see how often people search for those words and how much it might cost to advertise for them.

This tool is perfect for small business owners who want to level up their local search without breaking the bank.

With Keyword Planner you can find service-based keywords that fit your business like a glove. Say you own a pizza joint in Chicago. You might find gems like “best deep dish pizza in Chicago” or “late night pizza delivery near me.” These keywords can help you optimize your website and ads to catch more hungry customers.

It’s like having a secret map to what your neighbors are searching for online.

Semrush’s Listing Management

Semrush’s Listing Management tool helps businesses level up their local SEO. It lets you control your business info across 70+ online directories with one click. This handy tool keeps your name, address and phone number consistent everywhere.

Plus it tracks your listings and finds any errors that might be hurting your rankings.

Want to save time and hassle? Semrush’s tool is your new BFF. It automates the tedious task of updating your business details on multiple sites. You can add photos, business hours and other key info to get more local customers.

The best part? You’ll see how your listings compare to competitors so you have an edge in local search.

How to Monitor and Track Local SEO

Tracking your local SEO is key to success. You can use Google Search Console to see how your site ranks for local search. Want to learn more about leveling up your local SEO? Keep reading!

Track Rankings in Google Maps

Google Maps rankings are make or break for local business. To keep an eye on your spot use tools like Grid My Business. This handy tool will show you where you rank in the local pack.

It’s a quick win.

Watching your Maps ranking is key to getting more customers. A higher spot means more eyes on your business. Plus it helps you catch any drops. If you see a dip you can fix it fast.

Keep an eye on your ranking to stay ahead.

Position Tracking Tools

Position tracking tools are essential for local SEO. They help you see how your business ranks for specific keywords in specific areas.

• SEMrush’s Position Tracking tool shows daily rank changes for your target keywords
• Set up tracking for different locations to track local rankings
• Compare your rankings to top competitors in each area
• Track both organic and local pack rankings in one place
• Get alerts when your rankings change
• Use the tool to spot trends and adjust
• Track mobile rankings separately from desktop
• Track “near me” and other local intent queries
• See which pages on your site rank for each keyword
• Use the data to find new keyword opportunities in your area

Conclusion

Local SEO is highly effective for businesses aiming to attract nearby customers. By following the strategies we’ve discussed, you can boost your online presence and stand out in local searches.

Consistency is key. Keep your business information up-to-date across all platforms. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews. With these tips and tools, you’ll be well-positioned to excel in local SEO and draw more customers to your doorstep.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the big deal about local SEO?

Local SEO is your ticket to the top of Google’s search results page. It’s how you get your business to pop up when folks nearby are looking for what you offer. Think of it as your digital megaphone, shouting “Hey, we’re right here!” to potential customers in your area.

2. How can I jazz up my Google Business Profile?

Your Google Business Profile is like your shop’s front window on the internet. Keep it sparkling clean with up-to-date info, eye-catching photos, and a dash of personality. Don’t forget to sprinkle in some local keywords and encourage happy customers to leave glowing reviews.

3. What’s the secret sauce for nailing local keywords?

Local keywords are the bread and butter of your SEO strategy. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to sniff out what people in your area are searching for. Mix in some long-tail keywords for extra flavor. Remember, it’s not just about search volume, but also about matching search intent.

4. How do I make my website a local search superstar?

On-page SEO is your website’s superhero cape. Optimize your landing pages with local keywords, add schema markup, and make sure your NAP (name, address, phone number) is consistent across all pages. Don’t forget to create localized content that speaks directly to your target audience.

5. Why should I care about local citations?

Local citations are like digital breadcrumbs leading customers to your door. Get your business listed in local directories and make sure your NAP is spot-on everywhere. Aim for citations on reputable sites relevant to your industry and location.

6. How can I outshine my local competitors in search results?

To leave your competitors in the dust, you need a solid local SEO strategy. Use SEO tools for competitor analysis, focus on getting more positive reviews, and build local backlinks. Keep an eye on your Google Search Console data and adjust your tactics accordingly. Remember, the local pack is prime real estate in the SERPs, so aim for that top spot!