Want more local customers? Here's your complete guide to ranking higher in local search results.
Quick Stats That Matter:
- 80% of mobile searches lead to a purchase
- 50% visit stores within 24 hours of searching
- 98% of people use the internet to find local businesses
Here's Your 15-Step Action Plan:
| Step | What to Do | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Google Business Profile | Set up and verify | Shows up in Maps |
| 2. NAP Check | Keep info consistent | Builds trust |
| 3. Local Keywords | Research area terms | Matches searches |
| 4. Location Pages | Create city pages | Shows service areas |
| 5. Meta Data | Add location info | Helps rankings |
| 6. Citations | List everywhere | Builds authority |
| 7. Reviews | Get customer feedback | Boosts credibility |
| 8. Schema Markup | Add local code | Helps Google understand |
| 9. Local Content | Write about your area | Shows expertise |
| 10. Mobile | Make site phone-friendly | Most searches are mobile |
| 11. Local Links | Get area backlinks | Builds local relevance |
| 12. Social | Stay active locally | Shows engagement |
| 13. Images | Add location data | Helps visibility |
| 14. Rankings | Track positions | Measure progress |
| 15. Analytics | Check what works | Improve results |
Tools You'll Need:
- Google Business Profile (free)
- Google Analytics (free)
- Citation checker ($39/month)
- Rank tracker ($62/month)
Follow these steps, and you'll see better local rankings in 2-3 months. The key? Keep your business info exact across all platforms and stay active in Google Business Profile.
Related video from YouTube
Local SEO Basics
Your local SEO success starts with two key elements: a Google Business Profile and consistent business information across the web. Here's what you need to know:
Getting Started Online
A Google Business Profile works like your digital storefront. Here's what to focus on:
| Setup Element | What to Include | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Business Name | Legal business name | Shows in Maps and Search |
| Main Category | Primary service/product | Matches search intent |
| Phone Number | Local area code | Connects with locals |
| Website Link | Homepage URL | Drives traffic to site |
| Photos | Storefront, products, team | Boosts clicks |
Here's something interesting: BrightLocal found that 5% of Google Business Profile views turn into sales. But there's a catch - your website MUST work well on phones.
Business Details Setup
Your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) needs to match EXACTLY across all platforms:
| Platform | Must-Have Details | Nice-to-Have Details |
|---|---|---|
| Google Business | NAP, Categories, Hours | Products, Posts, Q&A |
| Website | NAP, Contact Page | Service Areas, About |
| Directory Sites | NAP, Short Description | Photos, Payment Types |
| Social Media | NAP, Links | Hours, Services |
Pick your business categories like you're telling Google what you do. For example, a fence company might list:
- Fence Contractor
- Fence Supply Store
- Handyman
The numbers speak for themselves:
- 97% of people find local businesses online
- 76% of people who search on their phones visit stores within 24 hours
- 28% of local searches lead to purchases
"Google My Business listings are becoming the virtual storefront for most businesses, so it's important to keep them up to date." - Dallin Hatch, Womply
One last tip: Be specific about your service area. If you work in multiple cities, list them ALL in your profile. This helps Google show your business to people who can actually use your services.
15 Steps to Better Local Rankings
Your website needs specific changes to rank in local searches. Here's what works:
Website Changes
| Change Type | What to Do | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Local Pages | Build pages for each location | Shows Google where you operate |
| URL Structure | Put city names in URLs (example.com/san-diego) | Makes location clear to search engines |
| Schema Markup | Add LocalBusiness schema | Helps Google understand your business |
| Mobile Setup | Optimize for phones | 76% of people visit stores within 24 hours of searching |
Managing Online Listings
Your business listings need to match EXACTLY across the web:
| Platform | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Google Maps | Set up and verify your business | Shows up in 84% of local searches |
| Directories | Keep name, address, phone identical | Builds search engine trust |
| Review Sites | Get customer reviews | 98% of people check local reviews |
| Social Media | Post updates every week | Shows Google you're active |
Writing Local Content
Create content that speaks to your area:
| Content Type | What to Write | Why Write It |
|---|---|---|
| Area Guides | "Best Restaurants in [City]" | Shows you know the area |
| News Posts | Local event coverage | Connects with the community |
| Service Pages | "[Service] in [City]" | Targets local searches |
| FAQ Pages | Local costs, permits | Answers what people ask |
Technical Setup
Make these changes to boost local rankings:
| Task | What to Do | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Speed | Get pages loading under 3 seconds | Keeps visitors on site |
| Local Schema | Add hours, prices | Gets rich results in search |
| XML Sitemap | List all location pages | Helps Google find pages |
| Meta Data | Include city names in titles | Gets more clicks |
Tracking Progress
Check these numbers:
| Metric | Tool | What to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | Search Console | Local keyword positions |
| Traffic | Analytics | Local visitor count |
| Reviews | Business Profile | New reviews and stars |
| Citations | Citation checker | Business info matching |
"Google Maps listings are now the digital storefront for most businesses. Keep them updated." - Dallin Hatch, Womply
Here's the bottom line: 46% of Google searches want local results. Follow these steps to grab that traffic and turn it into sales.
sbb-itb-2e9e799
Tools You Need
Here's what you need to track and improve your local rankings:
| Tool Type | Top Pick | What It Does | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-in-One | Semrush Local | Maps tracking, listings, reviews | $20/location |
| Citations | BrightLocal | Build/fix business listings | $39 |
| Rank Tracking | SE Ranking | Track local keyword positions | $62 |
| Free Option | Google Business Profile | Manage Google presence | $0 |
| Website Builder | Localo | Build SEO-ready local sites | $29/location |
Want to know EXACTLY how to use these tools? Here's your step-by-step plan:
| Step | Tool | Action | Time to Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Check Setup | Google Business Profile | Verify listing, add photos | 1-2 days |
| 2. Fix Citations | BrightLocal | Audit + fix wrong info | 2-4 weeks |
| 3. Track Rankings | Semrush Local | Set up map tracking | Immediate data |
| 4. Monitor Reviews | Review Management | Set alerts for new reviews | Real-time |
| 5. Watch Traffic | Google Analytics | Track local visitors | 30 days of data |
Here's what your tools MUST have:
- Listing management for 150+ directories
- Review monitoring on main platforms
- Map rank tracking for service areas
- Local keyword research tools
- Citation building and cleanup
Make your life easier with these shortcuts:
- Set up email alerts for reviews
- Schedule monthly ranking reports
- Use bulk citation updates
- Keep an eye on competitor map positions
"Google Maps listings are now the digital storefront for most businesses. Keep them updated." - Dallin Hatch, Womply
Start with these free tools:
- Google Business Profile
- Google Analytics 4
- Google Search Console
- Google Review Link Generator
Bottom line: Begin with Google's free tools. Add paid options when you need more features to track your progress.
Fixing Common Problems
Here's what breaks local SEO and how to fix it:
| Problem | Impact | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Suspended GBP Listing | No Maps visibility | Submit business proof to Google |
| Wrong Business Info | 84% fewer searches | Fix NAP in all directories |
| Low Profile Views | Under 1,260 views/month | Add photos and posts |
| Missing Categories | Lower rankings | Pick specific categories |
| Duplicate Listings | Mixed search signals | Contact Google to remove |
| Ex-Employee Reviews | Lower ratings | Flag with employment proof |
| Lost GBP Access | Can't make updates | Show business docs |
Main Local SEO Problems
Google's data shows two big issues that kill rankings:
1. Empty Business Profiles
Your profile gets 1,260 views but only 59 actions. Why? You're missing:
- Hours
- Service areas
- Photos
- Categories
2. Wrong Business Info
76% of people visit stores within 24 hours of a mobile search. But wrong info costs you customers:
- Old phone numbers
- Wrong addresses
- Bad website links
- Missing hours
How to Fix Issues
Here's your action plan:
| Task | Tool | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| NAP Check | Google Business Profile | 1-2 days |
| Photo Update | GBP Dashboard | 24 hours |
| Category Fix | GBP Settings | 1 hour |
| Remove Doubles | Google Support | 1-2 weeks |
| Add Info | Directory Manager | 3-4 days |
What works:
- Add new photos weekly (35% more clicks)
- Reply to reviews in 24 hours
- Post 2-3 updates monthly
- Fix directory listings
"More clicks on your links = higher My Business rankings" - Pacific54
If Google suspended you:
1. Check if you:
- Used a home address
- Listed virtual offices
- Have multiple locations
- Stuffed keywords
2. Show Google:
- Business license
- Utility bills
- Store photos
- Tax papers
46% of Google searches want local results. Each fix helps more people find you.
Wrap-Up
Here's what you need to know about local SEO results and timing:
| Timeline | What to Do | What You'll Get |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Set up GBP, check business info | Shows up in local search |
| Week 2-3 | Fix website, add local pages | People find your site |
| Week 4 | Get listed in directories | Ranks better locally |
| Month 2 | Create local content, get reviews | More people engage |
| Month 3+ | Check numbers, make changes | More customers come in |
Track These Numbers
Keep an eye on:
- How many people see you in search
- Clicks to your website
- Phone calls you get
- People asking for directions
- New reviews
Use These Tools
| Tool | Track This | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Google Analytics | Local visitors | Shows if people find you |
| GBP Dashboard | What people do | Tells you if they're interested |
| Search Console | Search rankings | Shows where you show up |
| GeoRanker | Map rankings | Checks local visibility |
| Semrush Local | Competition | Finds new opportunities |
What Success Looks Like
You'll know it's working when you see:
- More spots in Google's map pack
- More clicks from search
- Better reviews
- More people asking for directions
- More local leads coming in
"46% of all Google searches are people looking for local stuff" - Search Engine Roundtable
Here's a big one: 76% of people who search on their phones visit a store that same day. Keep checking your numbers against these goals to see if you're on track.
Remember these key stats:
| What People Do | The Numbers |
|---|---|
| Want local info | 46% of searches |
| Visit stores within 24h | 76% of mobile searches |
| Trust online reviews | 84% of people |
| See local pack | 29% of results |
| Buy after searching | 28% of searches |
FAQs
How to Check SEO Locally?
Here's what you need to track your local SEO:
| Tool Type | What It Does | Why You Need It |
|---|---|---|
| Google Business Profile | Shows business info on Google | Controls local search appearance |
| Google Analytics 4 | Tracks website visitors | Shows local traffic sources |
| Google Search Console | Monitors search rankings | Spots ranking problems |
| Semrush Listing Management | Manages business listings | Keeps info consistent |
| Semrush Review Management | Tracks online reviews | Helps with reputation |
| Semrush Map Rank Tracker | Checks map rankings | Shows local positions |
Want to check your rankings? Here's how:
- Open an incognito browser window
- Set your location
- Search your business keywords
- Look at your position in:
- Maps
- Local pack
- Regular results
Here's something most people miss: Your rankings change based on where someone searches from. That's why you need to check from different spots in your service area.
| What to Track | How Often | Tools to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Map rankings | Weekly | Local Falcon, Places Scout |
| Reviews | Daily | GBP, Semrush Review Management |
| Local visibility | Monthly | Semrush Position Tracking |
| Website traffic | Weekly | Google Analytics 4 |
| Search rankings | Weekly | Google Search Console |
"About 1 in 3 queries that people type into a standard Google search bar are about places" - Google
Do these checks right now:
- Search your business on Google Maps
- Type "[your service] near me" in incognito mode
- Compare your contact info across listings
- Check if your reviews appear in search
