Local SEO isn't complicated. But most local businesses get it wrong because they focus on the wrong things. Here's what actually matters for ranking in your local market.
Google Business Profile is Everything
Your GBP listing is the most important local ranking factor. Period. If you do nothing else, optimize this.
- Complete every single field
- Add photos weekly (businesses with photos get 42% more direction requests)
- Post updates regularly
- Respond to every review within 24 hours
- Add products/services with descriptions
Reviews Drive Rankings
More reviews = higher rankings. It's that simple. Google trusts businesses that customers trust.
The system: Ask every happy customer for a review. Make it easy with a direct link. Respond to every review, positive or negative. Aim for 5+ new reviews per month.
NAP Consistency
Your Name, Address, and Phone number must be identical everywhere online. Your website, GBP, Yelp, Facebook, industry directories. Inconsistencies confuse Google and hurt rankings.
Audit your listings. Fix any variations. Use a tool like BrightLocal or do it manually.
On-Page Basics
Your website needs location-specific optimization:
- City + service in title tags ("Plumber in Austin TX")
- Location pages if you serve multiple areas
- Schema markup for local business
- Embedded Google Map on contact page
- NAP in footer of every page
Local Link Building
Links from local sources matter more than random websites. Get listed in local business directories, chamber of commerce, local news sites, and sponsor local events.
Quality over quantity. Ten relevant local links beat 100 random ones.