If your business relies on local customers, showing up in local search results isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Whether you run a café, salon, law firm, or dog grooming service, your potential customers are already searching for businesses like yours. The question is: are they finding you?
What Is SEO, Exactly?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization, which simply means making your website easier to find on Google and other search engines. When someone types in a search like “coffee shop near me” or “best accountant in Denver,” SEO helps your business show up in those results. Local SEO takes it a step further by focusing specifically on searches happening in your area, so you can connect with nearby customers who are ready to buy.
Here are the most effective Local SEO strategies that help small businesses get found, drive foot traffic, and grow.
1. Set Up and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile is the single most important tool for Local SEO. It’s what shows up when people search for your business or for services “near me.” If it’s incomplete or outdated, you’re missing out.
What to do:
- Claim and verify your listing
- Fill out all business details (address, phone, hours, website, services)
- Choose accurate categories that reflect what you do
- Add high-quality photos of your space, team, and products
- Ask happy customers to leave reviews
This is your digital storefront. Keep it sharp and up to date.
2. Use Location-Based Keywords
Your website should speak your customer’s language, and that includes where they are.
How to add local keywords:
- Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to find search terms people in your area use
- Include your city or neighborhood in titles, meta descriptions, and page content
- Write copy like “plumber in Tampa” or “best florist in downtown Portland”
- Don’t ignore long-tail keywords like “affordable dog groomer in Austin”
Being specific makes it easier to get found by the right people.
3. Build Local Citations
Citations are online mentions of your business name, address, and phone number. The more consistent and accurate these are across the web, the better your local search rankings.
Where to build citations:
- Major directories like Yelp, Bing Places, Yellow Pages, TripAdvisor
- Industry-specific sites (e.g., OpenTable for restaurants, Houzz for home services)
- Local business directories and chambers of commerce websites
Pro tip: Always use the exact same NAP (Name, Address, Phone) format.
4. Write Content for a Local Audience
Search engines prioritize websites that are relevant and useful to local users. That means your content should reflect your community.
Local content ideas:
- Blog posts about local events or community news
- Area-specific service pages (e.g., “Landscaping in Boulder, CO”)
- Testimonials from local clients
- Guides like “Best family-friendly spots in Charlotte” or “How to choose a wedding venue in San Diego”
This builds trust and improves your chances of showing up in local results.
5. Collect and Showcase Customer Reviews
Reviews do two big things: they improve your search rankings and build trust with new customers. Google favors businesses with consistent, high-quality reviews.
How to encourage reviews:
- Send a follow-up email or text after a job or purchase
- Make it easy with direct links to your Google profile
- Respond to every review—yes, even the not-so-great ones
- Highlight 5-star reviews on your website and social media
Reviews are social proof. Make the most of them.
6. Make Your Website Mobile-Friendly
Most local searches happen on phones. If your site doesn’t work well on mobile, people won’t stick around, and you’ll fall in search rankings.
Mobile must-haves:
- Responsive design that adjusts to all screen sizes
- Fast load times (compress images and avoid bloated code)
- Clear contact info right on the homepage
- Click-to-call and map buttons for quick access
Make it effortless for someone to find you—and reach you—on the go.
7. Build Local Backlinks
Links from other trusted local websites can boost your credibility and visibility in search engines.
How to get them:
- Partner with other local businesses and request a backlink
- Sponsor a local event or non-profit and ask to be listed on their site
- Submit guest posts to local blogs or publications
- Create useful content that people in your area want to share
The more local connections you build online, the more authority your site gains.
Final Word: Local SEO = Local Growth
Local SEO isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have for small businesses that want to grow. It helps the right people find you, trust you, and choose you.
Need help getting your Local SEO in shape?
At LaudableUX, we help small businesses show up, stand out, and win more local customers with smart SEO strategies that work. Contact us today and see how we can help you.
