If you’re a local service business, showing up in Google search results is crucial. When someone searches “plumber near me” or “best landscaper in [city]”, you want to be at the top. That’s where local SEO comes in.
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO is the practice of optimizing your online presence to attract more business from relevant local searches. It’s different from traditional SEO because it focuses on location-based queries.
The Three Pillars of Local SEO
1. Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is the foundation of local SEO. Make sure you:
- Claim and verify your listing
- Add complete and accurate business information
- Upload high-quality photos
- Respond to reviews promptly
- Post updates regularly
2. On-Page Optimization
Your website needs to be optimized for local search:
- Include your city and service area in title tags
- Create location-specific pages if you serve multiple areas
- Add your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) to every page
- Use schema markup to help Google understand your business
3. Reviews and Citations
Online reviews and business citations (mentions of your business on other sites) build trust and authority:
- Ask satisfied customers for Google reviews
- Respond to all reviews, positive and negative
- Get listed on relevant directories (Yelp, industry-specific sites)
- Ensure your NAP is consistent across all platforms
Getting Started
Local SEO takes time, but the results are worth it. Start with your Google Business Profile, then work on your website optimization. Need help? Contact us for a free local SEO audit.