The Beginner’s Guide to Local SEO: Get Found in Your City Before Your Competitors
Local SEO for Small Businesses: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Found Online
If your business relies on local customers, then local SEO isn’t optional, it’s essential. Ranking higher in Google Maps and local searches means more foot traffic, more calls, and more revenue. In this blog I’ll explain what Local SEO is and how it works. I’ll also provide steps to improve your local SEO and mistakes to avoid for in-house marketing. Finally, I’ll share links to services I offer if off-loading this task to an SEO expert is the best option for you.
What Is Local SEO?
Local SEO is the process of optimizing a business's online presence to improve its visibility in local search results, such as Google Maps and "near me" searches. It is a digital marketing strategy that helps businesses with a physical location or service area attract more customers by appearing prominently for geographically relevant searches. This is achieved by optimizing online assets like Google Business Profile, local listings, website content, and customer reviews.
What local SEO includes
Optimizing Google Business Profile:
Claiming and updating your profile is crucial for appearing in the local pack and Google Maps.
Building local citations:
Getting listed in local directories and other relevant online sources helps build authority.
Encouraging customer reviews:
Positive online reviews are a key ranking factor and build trust with potential customers.
Creating location-specific content:
This includes adding your city and address to your website and creating content, like blog posts, that is relevant to your local area.
Ensuring mobile-friendliness:
Since many local searches happen on mobile, a responsive website is essential.
Why local SEO is important
Increases visibility:
It helps your business get noticed by more customers in your specific region.
Drives foot traffic:
It can lead to more in-store visits, phone calls, and sales for businesses with a physical location.
Targets relevant customers:
It connects your business with people who are actively searching for products or services in your area.
How does Local SEO work?
Local SEO works by optimizing a business's online presence to attract more local customers through location-specific search results on engines like Google. It involves strategies like claiming and optimizing a Google Business Profile, building local citations, getting positive customer reviews, and optimizing website content with local keywords. This process helps a business rank both in the "local pack" (the map results) and organic "blue link" results for searches like "plumber near me" or "coffee shop in your city".
Steps to Improve Local SEO
Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Fill out every section.
Add high-quality photos.
Update hours, services, and contact info.
Collect and Showcase Reviews
Reviews influence local rankings.
Respond to every review to build trust.
Use Local Keywords
Example: “Orlando bakery” instead of just “bakery.”
Add city names to website titles, meta tags, and content.
Build Local Citations
List your business in online directories (Yelp, Yellow Pages, local chambers of commerce).
Common Local SEO Mistakes to Avoid
Inconsistent NAP (name, address, phone number).
Neglecting mobile optimization.
Ignoring negative reviews.
Lavanan Local SEO Services
When done right, local SEO can put your small business on the map, literally. If you want more customers to find you in your city, check out the services below and I’ll help you optimize your local SEO strategy so you outrank your competitors.
A company would need to update their website copy for a variety of reasons, ultimately aiming to improve their online presence and achieve business objectives.
By investing in website copywriting services, companies can effectively communicate their value, attract their target audience, drive conversions, and ultimately achieve their business goals in the digital landscape. Website Copywriting benefits include:
Marketing & Growth (increase website traffic, boost SEO, generate leads & sales, expand brand visibility)
Customer Engagement and Trust (establish authority, build customer trust, create a direct connection)
Content & Versatility (create content for other channels, educates & engages audience, offers long-term results
*priced per webpage
Add search engine optimized (SEO) titles and descriptions to existing webpages to improve presence in search engine results and attract more organic traffic.
*priced per page
A single blog will help to enhance online presence, attract potential customers, and build stronger relationships with your existing audience all while driving traffic to your company’s website. This Single Blog will share information and/or establish expertise and be a powerful tool for lead generation, brand awareness, and revenue growth.
Includes:
Search Engine Optimized (SEO) copy
SEO Page titles & descriptions
This blog package provides consistent search engine optimization (SEO) boosts by providing fresh content weekly which increases visibility and attracts more organic traffic. Regular posts also build authority and trust with an audience, establish a loyal community, and provide valuable information that converts traffic into customers. Additionally, frequent blogging generates content for social media, expands the brand's reach, and keeps the content evergreen and relevant to industry trends.
Includes:
SEO blog content
SEO titles and page descriptions
This blog package provides consistent search engine optimization (SEO) boosts by providing fresh content weekly which increases visibility and attracts more organic traffic. Regular posts also build authority and trust with an audience, establish a loyal community, and provide valuable information that converts traffic into customers. Additionally, frequent blogging generates content for social media, expands the brand's reach, and keeps the content evergreen and relevant to industry trends.
Includes:
SEO blog content
SEO titles and page descriptions
