If you rely on local customers, ranking high in local search results is crucial. But beyond the basics, there are under the radar tactics that can give you an edge, the kind your competitors don’t want you to discover.
In fact, local search is huge than you might expect, 46% of Google searches have local intent. They tend to act fast, with 88% of people who search for a local business on mobile visit or call within 24 hours.
Given these stakes, let’s look at the benefits and the secret strategies that will help you capture those opportunities.
Why Advanced Local SEO Matters
- Ranking in Google’s local pack (the map + top 3 results) puts your business front and centre. 42% of searchers click on local pack results, which is a huge chunk of customers you don’t want to miss.
- Local SEO targets people searching for services right now. If you show up when they’re looking, you’re likely to get the call or visit (often within the same day).
- A robust local presence, especially with great reviews, makes you more credible. 90 %+ of consumers read reviews before visiting a business, so a company that looks well loved online will win more customers.
Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile is the foundation of local SEO. Don’t just claim it – optimize it fully and keep it active. Choose the best category (Google weighs this heavily and fill out every section with accurate, complete info (address, hours, description, etc.).
Also, keep your profile fresh with regular posts, new photos, and prompt responses (including the Q&A section). This signals to Google that your business is active. Always ensure your information stays correct – if something changes, update it.
The payoff? A better chance of appearing in the coveted local pack. A Google search for “plumber seattle” shows the local pack (pink box) beneath the sponsored ads (purple box). The pack highlights three businesses with their ratings, hours, and map locations. It grabs attention before the regular search results. By optimizing your profile, you increase the likelihood that your business will show up in this prime spot.
Get Listed Everywhere (Consistency Matters)
Outrank competitors by building a wide, consistent online presence for your business. Make sure you’re listed on all major directories and map services (Yelp, Facebook, Bing, Apple Maps, etc.), plus any relevant industry-specific sites. The more places your business info appears, the more visibility and authority you build.
Just as important, keep your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) identical on every platform. Inconsistencies (even minor ones) can hurt – 62% of consumers say they’d avoid a business with incorrect contact info. Use the same spelling and format everywhere to avoid confusing customers or search engines.
A broad, consistent citation footprint helps people find you, and it signals to Google that your business is legitimate. For extra credit, try to get mentioned on local websites (like a city Chamber of Commerce list or a local news site) for even more credibility. Covering these bases will help you stand out in local search results.
Master the Art of Online Reviews
Online reviews are extremely powerful for local SEO (and customer trust). Google’s local algorithm factors in your review rating and volume. And when consumers compare businesses, a strong set of recent 5-star reviews often wins the day.
Make it a habit to ask happy customers for reviews. Send a friendly follow-up email or text with a direct link to your Google review page, or simply ask in person. A steady stream of positive feedback will boost your reputation and can improve your rankings.
Always respond to your reviews as well. Thank customers who leave praise, and politely address any negative feedback. This shows you care and can win over new customers who see your interactions – 88% of people are more likely to use a business that responds to its reviews.
By building a strong review profile (and engaging with it), you’ll improve both your visibility and your credibility. One local service company that boosted its Google reviews saw about 30% more customer calls, real growth from improved reviews.
Create Local Content for Your Community
Don’t forget about creating local content on your website. Write blog posts or pages about topics in your area (for instance, a bakery might share “5 Must-Try Desserts in [Your City]”).
This kind of content can attract local readers and signal to Google that your site is relevant to local searches. Over time, it may also earn backlinks from nearby websites that appreciate your insights, furthering your authority.
Conclusion
Winning at local SEO comes down to doing what your competitors overlook. By fully optimizing your Google profile, spreading consistent business info across the web, earning great reviews, and creating content tailored to your community, you’re stacking the deck in your favor.
These strategies don’t require huge budgets but just effort and consistency. Start implementing them one by one, and you’ll likely see more calls, more website hits, and more customers.
