When customers need a roof repair, a chiropractor, or a pest control service, where do they go first? Google.
More specifically, they type in “best [service] near me”, and within seconds, local businesses appear in Google’s Local Pack.
If your business isn’t showing up, your competitors are getting your potential customers.
But Here’s the Good News:
With a strong local SEO strategy, small businesses can outrank competitors, generate more leads, and turn online searches into paying customers.
So, how does local search engine optimization work? Let’s break it down.
🔹 Understanding Local SEO: What It Is and Why It Matters
Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a set of strategies that help local businesses appear in search results for location-based queries.
For example:
✅ “best HVAC repair in Chicago”
✅ “financial consultant near me”
✅ “pest control services in Atlanta”
Why is Local SEO So Powerful?
🚀 46% of all Google searches are looking for local information
🚀 76% of people who search for a local business visit within 24 hours
🚀 28% of local searches result in a purchase
If your business isn’t optimized, you’re missing out on customers who are ready to buy.
🔹 How to Rank Higher in Local Searches
Now that you know why local SEO is important, let’s talk about how to improve your rankings.
✅ 1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is your #1 local SEO asset.
Quick Checklist for GBP Optimization:
🔹 Claim and verify your Google Business Profile
🔹 Use local SEO keywords in your business description
🔹 Upload high-quality photos of your business and services
🔹 Keep business hours up to date
🔹 Encourage customer reviews (and respond to them!)
Why it works: Google prioritizes active, well-optimized business profiles, increasing your chances of ranking in the Local Pack (top 3 results).
💡 Pro Tip: Businesses with more reviews rank higher in Google Maps.
✅ 2. Use Local SEO Keywords on Your Website
If customers search for “best local SEO services”, but your website doesn’t have that phrase, Google won’t rank your kalamazoo web design site.
High-Impact Local SEO Keywords:
🔹 Commercial Searches (customers looking to hire now)
- “Local SEO company” (5.4K searches/month)
- “Affordable local SEO services” (25.6K searches/month)
🔹 Informational Searches (customers doing research)
- “How does local SEO work?” (40 searches/month)
- “Local SEO strategy tips” (1K searches/month)
🔹 Transactional Searches (ready to purchase)
- Hire a local SEO expert (1.3K searches/month)
- “Best local SEO services near me” (260 searches/month)
💡 Pro Tip: Using city-based landing pages (e.g., “Chiropractic care in Miami”) can increase local search visibility.
✅ 3. Build Local Citations & Business Listings
Local business listings and citations help Google verify your business and improve rankings.
🔹 Best directories for local SEO:
✔ Google Business Profile
✔ Yelp
✔ Facebook Business
✔ Angie’s List
✔ Better Business Bureau
💡 Pro Tip: Keep your business name, address, and phone (NAP) consistent across ALL listings. Inconsistencies hurt rankings.
✅ 4. Get Customer Reviews (And Respond to Them!)
When people choose between two businesses, they almost always pick the one with better reviews.
🔹 Why reviews matter:
✔ Google favors businesses with strong reviews
✔ 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations
✔ A business with 5+ Google reviews gets 39% more clicks
💡 Pro Tip: Ask for reviews via email after a service is completed!
✅ 5. Use Local Link Building for Higher Authority
A local SEO strategy isn’t complete without backlinks.
Backlinks are links from other websites to your business website. They signal trust and authority to Google.
🔹 Best Local Link-Building Tactics:
✔ Get featured in local newspapers, blogs, and community websites
✔ Partner with local businesses for referrals & backlinks
✔ Sponsor local events or charities
💡 Pro Tip: Businesses with more local backlinks outrank competitors by 30% or more.
🔹 Common Local SEO Mistakes That Hurt Your Rankings
Even if you’re doing some SEO, a few common mistakes can hurt your rankings:
🚫 Not having a Google Business Profile
🚫 Using the wrong keywords (or no keywords at all)
🚫 Ignoring customer reviews
🚫 Not optimizing for mobile users
🚫 NAP inconsistencies across directories
If your business is guilty of any of these, don’t worry—it’s fixable!
🔹 The Role of a Local SEO Agency
If you’re a business owner, you’re already busy running your business.
That’s where a local SEO agency can help.
What a Local SEO Agency Does:
✔️ Optimizes your Google Business Profile
✔️ Finds the best local SEO keywords for your industry
✔️ Improves your website’s local search rankings
✔️ Manages business listings and citations
✔️ Builds local backlinks to increase authority
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a proven strategy, a trusted local SEO expert can handle everything for you.
🔹 Final Thoughts: Get More Customers with Local SEO
Local SEO isn’t just about rankings—it’s about getting real customers.
With the right local SEO strategy, your business can:
✅ Outrank competitors
✅ Get more calls, leads, and visits
✅ Turn online searches into paying customers
📈 Want expert help? A trusted local SEO agency like SushiCode.io can help grow your business faster! 🚀