What Local SEO Is & Why Your Business Desperately Needs It
Want More Local Customers? You NEED Local SEO!
If you own a local business, you’ve probably wondered, “How do I show up when people search for what I offer?” The answer? Local SEO. Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is what helps your business show up in search engine searches when potential customers are looking for services near them. If you’re not using local SEO, you’re missing out on hundreds, even thousands of potential customers who are searching for businesses like yours right now.
Here’s why it’s a game-changer and how you can start ranking higher today:
1. Local SEO Puts You on the Map (Literally!)
Ever searched for something like “best hair salon near me” or “coffee shop in [your city]”? The businesses that pop up at the top didn’t get there by accident—they’re using local SEO.
How It Works:
· Search engines use your location to show relevant businesses nearby.
· Businesses with optimized Google Business Profiles (GBP) get priority.
· Reviews, website quality, and local backlinks help determine rankings.
Pro Tip: If your business isn’t showing up in local searches, your competitors are stealing your customers. Fix it with local SEO!
2. Your Google Business Profile = Free Advertising
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the most powerful (and free!) tools for ranking in local searches. Google pulls info from your profile to show in search results and Google Maps.
How to Optimize It:
· Claim & verify your Google Business Profile
· Add high-quality photos of your storefront, products, and services
· Keep your business hours, phone number, and website link updated
· Use keywords in your description (e.g., “organic coffee shop in Austin”)
· Encourage happy customers to leave reviews
Pro Tip: Businesses with recent reviews and regular updates rank higher in local search results!
3. Local Keywords Help Customers Find You
Local SEO isn’t just about showing up—it’s about showing up for the right searches. If you’re a restaurant in Little Rock, you don’t just want to rank for “restaurant” (too broad); you want to rank for “best restaurant in Little Rock” or “best hamburger in Little Rock, Arkansas.”
How to Fix It:
· Use location-based keywords on your website (e.g., in page titles, meta descriptions, and content).
· Write blog posts that target local topics (e.g., “Why we were named Best Burger spot in Little Rock, Arkansas”).
· Add your city and service area to your website footer.
Pro Tip: Search engines love localized content, so create pages or blog posts specific to your area!
4. Online Reviews Can Make or Break Your Ranking
Search engines see customer reviews as proof that your business is legit. More positive reviews = higher rankings and more trust from potential customers.
How to Get More Reviews:
· Ask happy customers to leave a review on Google, Facebook, or Yelp.
· Make it easy! Send a direct link to your review page.
· Respond to every review (Search engines reward engagement!)
· Handle negative reviews professionally and show you care.
Pro Tip: A business with dozens of positive reviews will always rank higher than one with zero reviews.
5. Local Backlinks Build Your Business’s Credibility
Backlinks (links from other websites to yours) are one of every search engine’s top ranking factors. The more quality backlinks you have, the more authority your site has in the eyes of every search engine.
How to Get Local Backlinks:
· Get listed in local directories (Yelp, Chamber of Commerce, etc.)
· Partner with local bloggers or businesses for guest posts.
· Sponsor local events or charities and ask for a link back to your site.
Pro Tip: Search engines prioritize locally relevant backlinks, so focus on partnerships within your community!
Ready to Get More Customers with Local SEO? If your local business or service isn’t ranking in local searches, you’re losing customers to your competition. The good news? Local SEO can fix that fast.
Get a SEO Website Audit for $111 and let’s pinpoint the issues on your website that are getting your website lost in search engine searches.
Or book a 15 minute discovery call with me!
Stop being invisible online. Let’s make search engines love your business!