Master Local SEO
Complete strategies to dominate local search results, attract more customers from your area, and grow your local business online.
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO is the practice of optimizing your online presence to attract more business from relevant local searches. When people search for "pizza near me" or "plumber in Portland", local SEO determines whether your business appears in those results.
Unlike traditional SEO that targets national keywords, local SEO focuses on geographic-specific searches and appears in Google's Local Pack (the map + 3 businesses), Google Maps, and local organic results.
Why Local SEO Matters
- 46% of all Google searches are looking for local information
- 76% of people who search on their phone visit a business within 24 hours
- 28% of local searches result in a purchase
- 50% of mobile users who conduct local searches visit stores within one day
If you serve customers in a specific geographic area—whether you're a restaurant, retail store, service provider, or professional practice—local SEO is essential for connecting with ready-to-buy customers in your area.
Core Local SEO Strategies
Guides coming soon!
Google's Local Ranking Factors
Google uses three primary factors to rank local businesses:
Relevance
How well your business matches what the searcher is looking for. Accurate business information and category selection are critical.
Distance
How far your business is from the searcher or the location term in their search. Proximity is key for local rankings.
Prominence
How well-known and credible your business is. Reviews, links, citations, and online authority all contribute to prominence.
Quick Local SEO Wins
✅ Claim Google Business Profile
Your #1 priority. Claim, verify, and fully optimize your profile with photos, hours, services, and posts.
✅ Build NAP Consistency
Ensure your Name, Address, Phone number are exactly the same on your website, Google, and all directories.
✅ Get More Reviews
Ask happy customers for Google reviews. Respond to all reviews (positive and negative). Review quantity and quality impact rankings.
✅ Add Location Pages
Create dedicated pages for each service area you serve. Include local keywords, area-specific content, and unique value.
Your Local SEO Checklist
Complete all sections, add photos, post weekly
Website, Google, directories match exactly
Yelp, Facebook, Bing Places, industry directories
Dedicated pages for each service area
Regular requests, all reviews answered
Area guides, local news, community involvement