Want more local customers? Here's what works now:
| Tactic | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Google Business Profile | Shows up in map results |
| Website Local Elements | Powers "near me" searches |
| Customer Reviews | Builds trust + rankings |
| Online Directories | Gets you found everywhere |
| Local Content | Ranks for area searches |
| Technical SEO | Makes Google happy |
| Social Media | Reaches nearby customers |
| Local Links | Boosts search rankings |
| Result Tracking | Shows what's working |
| SEO Tools | Makes the work easier |
Here's the thing:
Nearly half of Google searches are local. And when people search locally, 76% visit a business within 24 hours.
But there's a problem: Half of business owners find errors in their local listings. These mistakes cost you customers.
This guide shows you exactly how to:
- Set up your Google listing right
- Fix your website for local searches
- Get more customer reviews
- Show up in map results
- Track what works
No fluff. No theory. Just 10 proven tactics that bring in local customers right now.
Let's fix your local SEO.
1. Set Up Your Google Business Profile
84% of people who view business profiles aren't searching for specific companies - they're looking for businesses like yours. Here's how to make your Google Business Profile (GBP) work for you:
Quick Setup Steps:
| Step | What to Do | How to Do It |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Start at GBP | Hit "Manage Now" |
| 2 | Basic Info | Enter name + main category |
| 3 | Location | Drop your pin on Maps |
| 4 | Core Details | Add NAP, website, hours |
| 5 | Get Verified | Wait for PIN postcard |
Make Your Profile Pop:
Pick your categories carefully. You get 1 main category (shows in local results) and up to 9 backup options.
Write a solid description. You have 750 characters - use them to tell people what you do and where you are.
Photos Make Money:
- Add 100+ photos to boost calls by 520%
- Get 35% more website clicks
- Drive 42% more direction requests
Must-Have Elements:
| Element | Impact |
|---|---|
| Local Phone | Shows you're nearby |
| Full Address | Helps in "near me" searches |
| Current Hours | 76% visit within a day |
| Website | Gets 35% more clicks |
| Fresh Updates | Shows Google you're active |
Keep It Fresh: Check your profile monthly - half of all businesses spot mistakes that could cost them customers. Complete profiles get 7x more clicks and show up more in local searches (46% of Google queries).
Want to boost seasonal business? Switch your main category to match what customers need right now.
2. Fix Your Website's Local Elements
Want better local rankings? Here's what your website needs:
Put Your Business Info Everywhere
Your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) need to be on every page. And here's the KEY part: they must match your Google Business Profile exactly. Pop them in your footer or contact area.
| Website Part | What Goes There | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Header/Footer | NAP Details | Shows on all pages |
| Contact Page | Full Business Info | Proves your location |
| Schema Markup | Business Data | Helps search engines |
| Maps | Google Map | Makes navigation simple |
Build Strong Location Pages
Each physical location needs its own page with:
| Must-Have Items | What to Include |
|---|---|
| Hours | Regular + holiday times |
| Service Area | Specific neighborhoods |
| Parking | Available options |
| Directions | Easy-to-follow steps |
| Photos | Your actual location |
"Every location that qualifies for a Google Business Profile deserves its own website page." - Austin Lewis, HawkSEM's lead strategist
Get the Tech Right
| Tech Item | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| SSL Certificate | Makes your site secure |
| Mobile Design | Most people search on phones |
| Page Speed | Keeps people on your site |
| Sitemap.xml | Guides search engines |
| Robots.txt | Controls what gets crawled |
The Results Speak for Themselves
Top-ranking local businesses get:
- 612% more search visits
- 397% more customer actions
- 27.6% of organic clicks
Check your site monthly and fix NAP issues FAST. Wrong info = lost customers.
Quick Ways to Boost Rankings
| Fix This | Do This |
|---|---|
| Page Titles | City + What You Do |
| Meta Descriptions | Add Your Location |
| Image Alt Text | Local Keywords |
| URLs | Short + Location-Based |
| Internal Links | Connect Your Pages |
3. Get and Respond to Customer Reviews
Reviews drive your local rankings and influence buying decisions. Here's what matters:
| Review Impact | Percentage |
|---|---|
| People Who Read Reviews | 98% |
| Trust Reviews Like Personal Tips | 84% |
| Revenue Growth Per Extra Star | 5-9% |
| Look for Bad Reviews | 96% |
Want More Reviews? Here's How:
| Action | Steps |
|---|---|
| Send Direct Links | Email/SMS Google review links |
| Use QR Codes | Add to receipts and signs |
| Time It Right | Ask after good experiences |
| Follow Up | Send a reminder in 24-48 hours |
| Train Your Team | Show staff how to ask |
Fix Bad Reviews Fast
Here's something most businesses don't know: 33% of negative reviewers will switch to positive ones if you solve their problems. Another 34% just delete their bad reviews.
| Do This | Don't Do This |
|---|---|
| Answer in 24 hours | Skip the review |
| Use their name | Get mad |
| Show empathy | Make up reasons |
| Fix the problem | Fight in comments |
| Move to private chat | Copy-paste replies |
"85% of customers stay loyal when businesses stay open and professional." - Research Study
Reviews Help Your SEO
Two main ways reviews boost your rankings:
| What Matters | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Total Reviews | More = better position |
| Your Responses | Shows active management |
| New Reviews | Keeps content fresh |
| Higher Ratings | Gets more clicks |
Tools That Help
The Bottom Line
- 71% buy more after reading responses
- 45% visit more after seeing owner replies
- 54% more money for businesses with more reviews
Think of each review response as a sales pitch to future customers. They're watching how you handle both praise and problems.
4. List Your Business in Online Directories
Citations affect 13% of local pack ranking factors. Here's what works now:
| Directory Type | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Google Business Profile | Shows in local pack results |
| Bing Places | Connects to Bing Maps |
| Yelp | 175M monthly visitors |
| Apple Maps | Reaches iOS users |
| BBB | Builds trust signals |
| Industry Sites | Targets niche audiences |
Want to get it right? Here's what to do:
| Step | Action | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Check Current Status | Run directory scan | Find missing/wrong listings |
| Fix NAP Data | Update name, address, phone | Keep info 100% same everywhere |
| Add Business Details | Hours, photos, description | Fill every possible field |
| Monitor Changes | Check monthly | Fix user edits quickly |
| Track Logins | Save access info | Keep spreadsheet of credentials |
Here's what happens when you do it right:
| Business Type | Outcome |
|---|---|
| RV Rental | More bookings after travel directory listings |
| Law Firm | Client calls increased within days |
| Hearing Center | 396% more search traffic |
"Focus on getting listings on big review platforms like Yelp, Foursquare, and industry sites first." - Edlyn Collanto, B2B Marketing Research Specialist at UpCity
Tools to make it easier:
| Tool | Main Use |
|---|---|
| Moz Local | Find citation opportunities |
| BrightLocal | Track listings |
| Yext | Manage 100+ directories |
| SEM Rush | Monitor multiple listings |
Do's and Don'ts:
| Do This | Don't Do This |
|---|---|
| Add high-res photos | Leave fields empty |
| Use keywords naturally | Stuff keywords |
| Check for duplicates | Create multiple listings |
| Update when things change | Set and forget |
Here's why this matters: 86% of users check local search to find businesses. Each correct listing sends trust signals to Google and helps customers find you.
5. Create Content About Your Local Area
Want better local rankings? Here's how to create content that connects with people in your area:
| Content Type | SEO Impact |
|---|---|
| Location Pages | Ranks for "[service] near me" searches |
| Local News | Shows up for area news searches |
| Area Guides | Ranks for neighborhood searches |
| Business Features | Gets links from local sites |
| Event Updates | Ranks for upcoming events |
Here's exactly how to do it:
1. Pick Your Topics
Look at what people in your area search for. Mix these types of content:
- Event coverage (festivals, markets)
- Area guides (best spots to eat, hidden gems)
- Business updates (new store openings)
- Community news (clean-ups, local projects)
- Seasonal posts (winter prep tips, holiday events)
2. Add Local Details
Make your content specific to your area:
- Name nearby landmarks
- Reference local streets
- Mention neighborhood spots
- Include area-specific tips
3. Track What Works
Keep an eye on these numbers:
| Metric | Goal |
|---|---|
| Local Search Rankings | Top 3 spots |
| Monthly Page Views | Over 500 |
| Average Time on Page | 2+ minutes |
| Social Media Shares | 50+ each post |
| Links from Local Sites | 5+ monthly |
"Start local projects and write about them. Something as simple as organizing a street clean-up can turn into great content." - Timothy Carter, SEO.co
The best part? Only 66% of small businesses do content marketing. That means there's space for YOU to stand out.
Focus on answering questions specific to your area. Write about local problems and solutions. That's how you'll get noticed in search results.
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6. Fix Technical SEO Issues
Here's what you need to fix on your local business site for better search rankings:
| Technical Fix | What to Do | What You'll Get |
|---|---|---|
| Core Web Vitals | Keep LCP ≤2.5s, INP ≤200ms, CLS ≤0.1s | Better mobile spots |
| HTTPS | Add SSL certificate | 82% fewer bounces |
| Site Speed | Shrink images, add caching | 7% more sales |
| Mobile | Make it work on phones | Higher local ranks |
| Schema | Add business code | Show up in search |
Let me break this down into bite-sized chunks:
1. Make Your Site FAST
A Michigan pet store did this and BAM:
- 40% more visitors showed up
- Sales jumped 30%
- Pages loaded in 2 seconds flat
How? They:
- Made images smaller
- Added caching
- Cut extra code
- Fixed slow database stuff
2. Add Local Business Code
Put this on every page:
{
"@type": "LocalBusiness",
"name": "[Your Business]",
"address": {
"streetAddress": "[Street]",
"addressLocality": "[City]",
"addressRegion": "[State]"
}
}
3. Fix the Basics
| Issue | How to Fix It |
|---|---|
| No XML Sitemap | Use Yoast SEO |
| Bad Robots.txt | Check Search Console |
| Dead Links | Monthly link scans |
| Copy-Paste Content | Use canonical tags |
Here's proof it works: A Seattle coffee shop fixed these and got 50% more orders online in just 30 days.
4. Watch Your Speed Scores
| What to Track | Goal | Where to Look |
|---|---|---|
| Load Speed | Under 2.5s | PageSpeed Insights |
| Response Time | Under 200ms | Search Console |
| Page Jump | Under 0.1s | Chrome DevTools |
Google looks at these numbers to pick which local businesses show up first.
5. Keep an Eye on Things
Check Search Console for:
- Pages Google can't see
- Phone problems
- Safety issues
- Search rankings
Fix stuff as you spot it. Small tweaks add up to big wins.
7. Use Social Media for Local Reach
Social media isn't just for cat videos. It's a powerful tool for local SEO. Here's how to make it work:
| Platform | What to Do | Results You'll Get |
|---|---|---|
| Add location stickers to stories | Map search visibility | |
| Fill out NAP details | Better local rankings | |
| TikTok | Use local hashtags | More local views |
| All Platforms | Share local content | Higher engagement |
Here's what you need to know:
Set Up Your Profiles
Your social profiles need these basics:
| Must-Have | Example | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Business Name | Match Google Business Profile | Helps search engines connect the dots |
| Address | Full street address + ZIP | Powers "near me" searches |
| Phone | Local area code | Makes it easy to call |
| Hours | Include holidays | Stops negative reviews |
| Website | Main domain | Sends traffic your way |
Create Local Content That Gets Results
| Content | Examples | SEO Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Events | Local festivals, meetups | Shows up in event searches |
| Photos | Storefront, neighborhood | Appears in image results |
| Reviews | Customer stories | Builds trust |
| News | Community updates | Gets local shares |
Pick the Right Hashtags
Mix these types (but don't overdo it):
| Type | Example | How Many |
|---|---|---|
| City | #SeattleCoffee | 2-3 |
| Area | #DowntownLA | 1-2 |
| Events | #NYCMarathon | 1-2 |
| Business | #ChicagoPizza | 2-3 |
Watch Your Numbers
Check monthly:
| Metric | Goal | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Local Followers | +5% growth | Shows reach |
| Engagement | 3-5% rate | Proves content works |
| Clicks | 1% of views | Drives traffic |
| Check-ins | 10+ weekly | Helps local SEO |
Fix These Common Issues
| Problem | Solution | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong Address | Update everywhere | 43% more finds |
| Missing Hours | Add them | Fewer complaints |
| No Local Tags | Add location | More views |
| Bad Links | Monthly checks | Better rankings |
Here's the bottom line: 43% of people find local businesses on social media first. Make your profiles count.
8. Build Links from Local Sources
Getting local links in 2024 comes down to a few key strategies:
| Link Source | How to Get It | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Local News | Send press releases about events | 15-25% response |
| Business Directories | Submit listings with full NAP | 90-100% acceptance |
| Community Sites | Join and post updates | 40-60% link rate |
| Local Blogs | Write guest posts | 30-40% acceptance |
| Chamber Sites | Get memberships | 95-100% success |
Here's what works FAST:
| Action | Time to Get Link | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor Youth Teams | 1-2 weeks | $500-1000 |
| Join Business Groups | 24-48 hours | $200-400/year |
| List in City Guides | 1-3 days | Free-$50 |
| Help Local Charities | 1-4 weeks | Time/Services |
| Write for Local Media | 2-4 weeks | Free |
Fix these issues to boost your results:
| Issue | Fix | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong NAP | Update all listings | Better rankings |
| Dead Links | Check monthly | More link juice |
| Missing Photos | Add business images | Higher clicks |
| No Local Content | Write area guides | More backlinks |
Keep track of what matters:
| Metric | Good Target | Check |
|---|---|---|
| New Links | 3-5 monthly | Weekly |
| Link Quality | DR 20+ | Monthly |
| Local Relevance | Same city/area | Always |
| Link Text | Business name | Each time |
Your best bets for high-quality links:
| Type | Examples | Why They Work |
|---|---|---|
| Universities | .edu domains | High trust |
| City Sites | .gov domains | Authority boost |
| Local Media | News sites | Real traffic |
| Business Groups | Chamber sites | Local relevance |
Here's the thing: Links from sites your local customers actually visit matter MORE than random directories. A single link from your local newspaper beats 10 generic listings.
Want a shortcut? Check your top local competitors' links:
| Competitor Research | Tools to Use | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Link Sources | Ahrefs/Moz | Local websites |
| Link Types | SEMrush | Editorial links |
| Link Patterns | Majestic | Contact info |
| Missing Links | SpyFu | Easy wins |
Bottom line: Focus on building REAL relationships in your community. Those links mean more than any directory listing ever will.
9. Track Your Local Search Results
Here's what you need to track in your Google Business Profile (GBP) each month:
| Metric | What to Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Searches | Your business name searches | Shows if people know you |
| Discovery Searches | Product/service searches | Shows if you pop up |
| Total Views | Search + Maps views | Shows overall reach |
| Customer Actions | Calls, directions, clicks | Shows buying interest |
| Website Visits | Traffic from GBP | Shows conversion chances |
Want to track your rankings? Here are the top tools:
| Tool | Price | Main Feature |
|---|---|---|
| SEMrush Local | $20/month | Map rank heatmap |
| BrightLocal | $39/month | Citation tracking |
| SE Ranking | $62/month | Position tracking |
| Whitespark | $17/month | Weekly tracking |
| AccuRanker | $129/month | Daily updates |
These numbers matter MOST:
| Metric | Target | How Often to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Profile Views | 1,000+ monthly | Weekly |
| Customer Actions | 50+ monthly | Weekly |
| Search Rankings | Top 3 local pack | Daily |
| New Reviews | 2-3 monthly | Weekly |
| Citation Match | 95%+ accuracy | Monthly |
Check these in Google Analytics 4:
| Data | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| Local Traffic | Who visits from your area |
| Search Terms | How local keywords work |
| Page Views | If content connects |
| Bounce Rate | If visitors stick around |
| Time on Site | If content helps |
Quick Tip: Save your GBP data monthly as a .csv file. Look at what's up, what's down, and why.
Set alerts for:
- Big ranking drops
- Review changes
- Competitor updates
- New local competition
- Citation issues
Here's the bottom line: Focus on calls, directions, and website visits. These show when people want to buy - and that's what counts.
10. Use Extra Local SEO Tools
Here's what the top local SEO tools do:
| Tool Type | Best For | Price/Month |
|---|---|---|
| Listing Management | Fix business info across directories | $20 |
| Review Management | Monitor + reply to reviews | $40 |
| Map Rank Tracker | Check Google Maps rankings | $30 |
| Keyword Magic Tool | Find local search terms | Free |
| Position Tracking | Watch search rankings | $62 |
Google's free tools you NEED:
| Tool | Main Use | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Business Profile | Manage Google listing | Posts + photos |
| Analytics 4 | Track website traffic | Local reports |
| Search Console | Check search data | Performance data |
| Reviews Widget | Show reviews on site | Auto-updates |
| Review Link Generator | Get more reviews | QR codes |
Here's what to use based on your goals:
| If You Need To | Use This | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fix listings | Semrush Listing Management | Fixes 200+ directories |
| Get more reviews | Review Management | Sends review requests |
| Track rankings | Map Rank Tracker | Shows map position |
| Find keywords | Keyword Magic Tool | Shows search volume |
| Check progress | Position Tracking | Daily rank updates |
"We recommend running ads on Google local maps for super relevant keywords", says Rambod Yadegar, President of HawkSEM.
For businesses with multiple locations:
| Location Count | Best Tool | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1-5 | Moz Local | $14/location |
| 6-20 | Yext | Custom pricing |
| 21+ | UberAll | Custom pricing |
| 50+ | Synup | Custom pricing |
Here's what the numbers tell us:
| Stat | Impact |
|---|---|
| 46% trust reviews like recommendations | Focus on review tools |
| 18% buy within 24 hours of local search | Track map rankings |
| 50% search for business info | Keep listings accurate |
Start with Google's free tools. Add paid options ONLY when you need them. Fix your listings first, then focus on reviews, and track rankings last. Pick tools that fit your budget and goals - you can always add more later.
Next Steps
Here's a month-by-month plan to boost your local SEO:
| Week | Task | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Set up Google tools + fix listings | 3-4 hours |
| Week 2 | Update website content + NAP | 4-5 hours |
| Week 3 | Get 5-10 customer reviews | 2-3 hours |
| Week 4 | Create local content + track results | 4-5 hours |
Let's break this down into bite-sized tasks:
| Day | Action | What You'll Get |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1-3 | Set up Google Business Profile | Map pack visibility |
| Day 4-7 | Fix NAP in main directories | Better local presence |
| Day 8-14 | Add location pages | Better rankings |
| Day 15-21 | Get customer reviews | More social proof |
| Day 22-30 | Create local content | Higher local rankings |
Here's where to spend your time:
| Task | Time | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Google Business Profile | 2 hours | TOP priority |
| NAP consistency | 3 hours | Big wins |
| Review management | 2 hours/week | Strong results |
| Local content | 3 hours/week | Good gains |
| Directory listings | 4 hours | Solid base |
Keep an eye on these numbers:
| Metric | Good | Better |
|---|---|---|
| Map pack spot | Top 5 | Top 3 |
| New reviews | 2-3 | 5+ |
| Review score | 4.0+ | 4.5+ |
| Local rankings | Page 2 | Page 1 |
Start with these tools:
| Tool | Job | Setup Time |
|---|---|---|
| Google Analytics | See traffic | 30 mins |
| Search Console | Check rankings | 15 mins |
| Business Profile | Manage listing | 60 mins |
| Review Widget | Display reviews | 20 mins |
The numbers don't lie:
| Stat | Why You Should Care |
|---|---|
| 76% visit stores same day | Maps = money |
| 83% want fast loading | Speed matters |
| 46% trust reviews | Reviews = sales |
Take it step by step. Check your progress weekly. Change what's not working. And most importantly: do ONE thing at a time. You'll get better results than trying to do everything at once.
FAQs
What are the local pack ranking factors for 2024?
Here's what impacts your local pack rankings right now:
| Ranking Factor | Impact on Local Pack |
|---|---|
| Location | Shows results based on where searchers are |
| NAP Citations | Matches business info across the web |
| Google Business Profile | Must be complete and current |
| Review Signals | Looks at review count, stars, and text |
| Check-ins | Tracks actual visits to your location |
What is the local SEO strategy for 2024?
Focus on these core elements:
| Strategy Component | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Content | Pages that load fast and help users |
| EEAT Signals | Show what makes you an expert |
| Mobile Focus | Target people searching nearby |
| Reviews | Get and respond to customer feedback |
| Local Links | Build links from area websites |
What are the local SEO ranking factors?
Links matter - here's how:
| Factor Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Backlinks | How many sites link to you |
| Link Quality | Authority of linking sites |
| Link Context | Links from local sources |
| Anchor Text | Words used in the links |
How to rank for local SEO?
Here's what works:
| Tactic | Implementation |
|---|---|
| Title Tags | Add your city name |
| Business Profile | Fill out every Google Business section |
| Reviews | Aim for 5+ new reviews each month |
| Citations | Get listed in top directories |
| Social Proof | Share local success stories |
"Paid ads are just one example of local search marketing being used, but most users ignore paid ads and skip to the first organic search result anyway." - Neil Patel, Digital Marketing Expert
The numbers tell the story:
| Stat | Impact |
|---|---|
| 82% | People searching "near me" |
| 97% | Users looking for local businesses online |
| 50% | Local searches that lead to visits |
| 84% | People who trust online reviews |
