Ever searched for a coffee shop or a plumber near you and picked the one that popped up first? That’s local SEO in action. If your business isn’t showing up when people search for what you offer in your area, you’re leaving money on the table.
Here’s the deal—46% of all Google searches are for local businesses. And 76% of people who search for something nearby visit a business that same day. If you’re not showing up, your competitors are.
But don’t worry—fixing this is easier than you think. Let’s break down how to optimize your website for local SEO so you can attract more customers without spending a fortune on ads.
If you do only one thing from this list, make it this: Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile (GBP).
Your GBP (formerly Google My Business) is what makes you show up on Google Maps and in the Local Pack (those top three businesses that show up when someone searches for a service nearby).
Why this works: Your Google Business Profile is what makes your business visible when people search locally. If it’s optimized, you’re way more likely to show up in Google’s Local Pack.
If you want Google to know where you are and what you do, you’ve got to say it—on your website.
Pro Tip: Use free tools like Google Keyword Planner to find high-traffic local search terms.
If your business serves multiple locations, don’t just list all the cities on one page. Instead, create a separate page for each location.
Why this works: Google ranks individual location pages higher than generic service pages.
Google trusts businesses that are mentioned consistently across the web. These mentions (called citations) help you rank better in local searches.
Why this works: The more Google sees your business info online, the more legit you look. Just make sure your NAP info is exactly the same on every listing.
Fact: 60% of local searches happen on mobile phones.
If someone finds your site but has to zoom in to read text, pinch to scroll, or wait forever for it to load, they’ll bounce fast.
Why this matters: Google ranks fast, mobile-friendly websites higher in search results.
If two businesses offer the same service, but one has tons of great reviews and the other has none, which one would you choose? Exactly.
Why this works: Reviews build trust and help you rank higher in search results.
Okay, this one is a little technical—but it’s worth it. Schema markup is code that helps Google understand your business details faster.
Why this works: Schema markup helps Google understand what your business does, which improves your rankings.
If you want to dominate local search, create content for your community.
Why this works: Google loves helpful, local content—and so do customers.
You don’t need a massive marketing budget to get more local customers. You just need to tell Google who you are, where you are, and what you do—clearly and consistently.
Follow these steps, and you’ll rank higher in search results, drive more traffic, and get more customers—without spending a dime on ads.
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