What is local SEO?

Local SEO (local search engine optimization) is the process of optimizing a business’s online presence to increase visibility in local search results. It helps businesses attract more customers from relevant local searches on Google and other search engines. Any business with a physical location or serving a specific geographic area can benefit from a strong local SEO strategy.

For example, if a user searches for “best coffee shop near me,” Google will prioritize businesses that are geographically close, have a strong online reputation, and have an optimized Google My Business SEO profile.

Why local SEO is important

Local SEO is crucial because a significant portion of searches are local. According to Google:

30% of all mobile searches are related to location.
78% of people who search for something nearby visit the business within a day.
28% of local searches result in a purchase.

Businesses that do not implement a local SEO strategy miss out on significant opportunities to attract customers. Investing in local search engine optimisation ensures your business appears at the top of search results when potential customers look for products or services you offer.

How local SEO works

Google uses two primary types of results for local searches:

Local pack results – A map featuring local businesses relevant to the user’s search.
Organic search results – Traditional blue link listings ranked based on SEO factors.

A successful local SEO optimization strategy aims to rank high in both the local pack and organic search results, increasing the chances of attracting local customers.

Best local SEO strategies for 2024/2025

1. Optimize your Google Business Profile

A Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is essential for appearing in Google’s local pack and Maps. Google prioritizes businesses with accurate and complete profiles.

Best practices:

Choose the correct business category.
Ensure NAP (name, address, phone number) consistency.
Upload high-quality photos regularly.
Collect and respond to customer reviews.
Keep business hours updated, including holiday hours.

2. Get more customer reviews

Reviews are a major local SEO ranking factor. Positive reviews improve credibility and increase the likelihood of ranking higher in Google local search.

How to get more reviews:

Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google.
Respond to all reviews, both positive and negative.
Share direct review links in emails and on social media.
Avoid offering incentives for reviews, as it violates Google’s policies.

3. Conduct local keyword research

Local SEO analysis starts with identifying the right keywords. Using the right local SEO tools, businesses can find high-traffic search terms related to their services and location.

Steps for keyword research:

Identify service-based keywords (e.g., “emergency plumber in Chicago”).
Check search volumes with local SEO software.
Analyze competitors’ top-ranking pages.
Optimize pages with location-specific terms.

4. Build local citations and backlinks

Citations mention your business’s NAP on directories and social media. Consistent citations help with local search optimization.

Where to list your business:

Yelp
Facebook
Apple Maps
Bing Places
Local industry directories

Backlinks from authoritative local websites improve local search engine rankings. Building relationships with local bloggers and news sites can help acquire valuable backlinks.

5. Optimize on-page SEO

A well-structured website improves SEO for local businesses.

Best practices:

Include location-based keywords in title tags and content.
Add structured data markup for local businesses.
Ensure fast page loading speeds and mobile responsiveness.
Internally link relevant pages to enhance website navigation.

How Rank Monitor helps with local SEO

Managing local SEO strategies can be overwhelming. Rank Monitor simplifies local business SEO by providing powerful local SEO solutions.

With Rank Monitor, you can:

Track local rankings with real-time local SEO analysis.
Monitor and optimize Google My Business SEO.
Identify local SEO ranking factors affecting your business.
Generate in-depth local SEO reports.
Automate keyword tracking with the best local SEO tools.

Whether you’re looking for local SEO services, local SEO software, or advanced local search marketing solutions, Rank Monitor helps businesses dominate local search results.

Let’s go Local, with SEO!

Local search SEO is no longer optional for businesses that want to attract local customers. Implementing a strong local SEO marketing strategy ensures increased visibility, higher website traffic, and improved conversions.

By leveraging tools like Rank Monitor, businesses can stay ahead of competitors and dominate Google local SEO rankings.