Six ways to use local SEO to get more customers in your area.

Did you know that 76% of people who conduct a local search on their smartphone visit a business within 24 hours, according to Google’s consumer insights? Whether you’re a restaurant owner, a boutique shop, or a local contractor, being visible online is essential for bringing in new customers.

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Local SEO is the key to connecting with nearby customers who are actively searching for businesses like yours. By focusing on your local online presence, you can drive foot traffic and build trust with your community. In this post, we’ll walk you through six actionable strategies to help you optimize your online presence and attract more local customers.

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1. Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile

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If you want to attract more customers in your area, your first step should be to claim and optimize your Google Business Profile (GBP). As one of the most critical tools for local SEO, GBP helps your business appear in Google’s local search results, Maps, and the coveted "local pack," the list of businesses that shows up at the top of search results.

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Step 1: Claim Your Google Business Profile

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Start by claiming your GBP through Google’s Business Profile Manager. If your business is already listed, verify ownership to gain control over the profile.

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Step 2: Optimize Every Detail

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Once you’ve claimed your profile, it’s time to fill out every section meticulously. You'll want to pay attention to:

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• Business Name and Category: Use your official business name and select the most relevant category for your services.
• Hours of Operation: Ensure your hours are accurate and up-to-date. Include special holiday hours when applicable.
• Business Description: Write a compelling description that highlights what makes your business unique and includes relevant local keywords.
• Photos and Videos: Add high-quality images of your storefront, products, and services to make your profile visually appealing.

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Step 3: Encourage and Respond to Reviews

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Customer reviews play a significant role in building trust and boosting your local rankings. Encourage your customers to leave reviews and respond to them promptly. Even when you receive negative reviews, you should respond to them so you can address any problems they faced. If all goes well, you may earn their business back and possibly gain an incredibly loyal customer.

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Pro Tip: Post Regular Updates on Your Google Business Profile

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Your Google Business Profile isn’t a "set it and forget it" tool. Keep it active by posting updates, promotions, or events regularly. These updates can help you engage with potential customers and show Google that your business is active and reliable. Posting updates to your GBP is one of the most underutilized tools... so make sure you put it to good use.

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2. Focus on Local Keywords

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Focusing on local keywords is a great way to improve your local SEO and attract more customers in your area. Local keywords are essentially the terms people use when searching for businesses near them. It's often combined with location-specific phrases like “near me” or city names.

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What Are Local Keywords?

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Local keywords are search terms that include geographic qualifiers, such as:

• “Seattle coffee shop”
• “best plumbers in Tacoma”
• “nearby restaurants open now”

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These keywords help search engines understand your business's location and match you with local search queries. According to HubSpot, 46% of all Google searches are seeking local information, making it crucial to target location-specific keywords. Additionally, WebFX reports there are over 1.5 billion "near me" searches per month, showcasing the growing importance of optimizing for local intent.

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How to Find Local Keywords

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1. Google Keyword Planner: Use this free tool to identify high-traffic local search terms relevant to your business.
2. Search Suggestions: Type in your services and location on Google, and note the autocomplete suggestions.
3. Competitor Analysis: Check what keywords similar businesses in your area are targeting using tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs.

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Where to Use Local Keywords

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Once you’ve identified your keywords, integrate them strategically across your online presence, including:

• Your Website: Include them in page titles, meta descriptions, headers, and throughout your body copy.
• Blog Posts: Write about local events, guides, or customer success stories in your area.
• Google Business Profile: Add keywords to your business description and posts.
• Social Media: Use local hashtags and geo-tags in your posts to target nearby customers.

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Pro Tip: Combine Keywords with a Niche

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For example, if you own a bakery, target terms like “vegan cupcakes in [City]” or “gluten-free desserts near me.” To further enhance your strategy, explore related keywords, such as seasonal specialties or event-based searches (e.g., “Valentine’s Day cupcakes in [City]”). This approach not only helps you stand out in competitive markets but also aligns your offerings with what local customers are actively seeking.

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3. Build Local Citations and Listings

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Establishing your presence across multiple online platforms is a critical step in local SEO. Local citations and listings ensure your business information is consistent and accessible, helping you build trust with search engines and customers alike.

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What Are Local Citations?

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Local citations are mentions of your business’s Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) on websites, online directories, and social platforms. Examples include:

• Business directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and Bing Places.
• Local-specific directories, such as a Chamber of Commerce website.
• Social media profiles and mapping platforms like Apple Maps.

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Why Local Citations Matter

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• Improves Search Visibility: Consistent citations help search engines verify your business's location and legitimacy.
• Boosts Local Rankings: Accurate NAP information across trusted directories enhances your credibility and improves your chances of ranking higher in local search results.
• Drives Traffic: Listings on popular platforms like Yelp or TripAdvisor can bring in customers searching for your services.

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How to Build Local Citations

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1. Audit Existing Citations: Use tools like Moz Local or BrightLocal to identify where your business is listed and spot inconsistencies.
2. Ensure NAP Consistency: Double-check that your Name, Address, and Phone Number are identical across all platforms, including punctuation and formatting.
3. Submit to Relevant Directories:
   • General directories like Yelp, Google Maps, and Bing Places.
   • Industry-specific directories (e.g., Houzz for contractors, OpenTable for restaurants).
   • Local-focused directories, such as city tourism boards or local blogs.

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Pro Tip: Monitor and Update Your Citations

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As your business grows, ensure your information remains consistent. If you change your address, phone number, or hours of operation, update your listings promptly.

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The Impact of Inaccurate Citations

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According to BrightLocal, 80% of consumers lose trust in businesses when they encounter inconsistent or incorrect contact details online. Ensuring your citations are accurate and consistent is key to building trust and improving your local search rankings.

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4. Create Location-Specific Content

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Local content marketing can be a game-changer for attracting nearby customers. By focusing your efforts on creating valuable, localized content, you can build stronger connections with your audience and improve your visibility in search results.

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Why Localized Content Matters

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• Engages Local Audiences: Relevant content resonates with people in your community, making them more likely to interact with your business.
• Boosts Search Engine Rankings: Search engines prioritize websites that offer fresh, location-specific content.
• Builds Authority: Sharing insights about your area positions your business as a trusted local expert.

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Ideas for Location-Specific Content

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1. Local Guides: Create “Best of” lists or “How to Explore [City]” guides tailored to your business and target audience.
2. Community Spotlights: Feature stories about local events, partnerships, or notable individuals in your area.
3. Case Studies: Share success stories of customers or clients from your community.
4. FAQs: Answer common questions related to your services in the context of your local market (e.g., “How much does lawn care cost in [City]?”).
5. Seasonal Updates: Post about seasonal trends or events in your area, such as festivals or weather-specific tips.

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How to Optimize Local Content

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• Incorporate Local Keywords: Use phrases specific to your area, such as neighborhoods, landmarks, or city names.
• Use Geo-Tagged Media: Add photos and videos with location tags to reinforce your connection to the area.
• Link to Local Resources: Include outbound links to credible, local organizations or partners to establish relevance and trust.

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Pro Tip: Collaborate with Local Influencers

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Partnering with influencers or bloggers in your area can amplify your reach and establish your business as part of the local community. Collaborate through guest posts on their websites, sponsored social media content, or even co-hosted events to engage their audience. Highlight how their followers' interests align with your offerings to maximize impact, and use metrics like engagement rates or follower demographics to choose the right partners. These relationships not only help attract a broader local audience but also build credibility and trust within the community.

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5. Leverage Social Media for Local Engagement

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Social media is a powerful tool for boosting your local presence and engaging with your community. By combining targeted strategies with authentic interactions, you can turn platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Threads into a pipeline for local customers.

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Why Social Media Matters for Local SEO

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• Increases Visibility: Social media activity can drive traffic to your website and improve search engine rankings indirectly.
• Builds Community: Sharing local stories, events, and promotions keeps your business top of mind with nearby customers.
• Enables Geo-Targeting: Platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow you to create ads targeting specific geographic areas.

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Strategies for Local Social Media Success

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1. Geo-Tag Posts and Stories:
   • Add location tags to all your posts and stories to ensure they appear in local searches.
   • Use hashtags like #YourCity or #NearMe to boost discoverability.
2. Run Localized Ads:
   • Create geo-targeted ad campaigns to reach customers in your area.
   • Highlight promotions, events, or seasonal offers to attract immediate attention.
3. Highlight Community Involvement:
   • Share posts about events you sponsor, local partnerships, or charity drives.
   • Feature user-generated content from local customers who share photos or reviews of your business.
4. Engage with Local Audiences:
   • Respond promptly to comments and messages.
   • Participate in community discussions or groups relevant to your industry.
5. Collaborate with Local Influencers:
   • Partner with influencers who have a strong presence in your area.
   • Invite them to try your products or services and share their experiences online.

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Pro Tip: Use Social Media Insights

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Most platforms provide analytics tools to track engagement and reach. Use these insights to refine your strategy, doubling down on posts that resonate with your audience. For example, if certain posts generate high engagement, consider creating similar content or running paid ads to amplify their reach. Analyze demographics and locations to better tailor your messaging and focus on areas where you see the most traction.

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6. Optimize Your Website for Local SEO

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Your website is the cornerstone of your online presence. Ensuring it’s optimized for local SEO can make all the difference in attracting nearby customers.

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Why Website Optimization Matters

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• Improves Search Rankings: Google prioritizes websites that are mobile-friendly, fast, and locally relevant.
• Enhances User Experience: A well-optimized website ensures customers in your area find what they need quickly.
• Increases Conversion Rates: Clear calls-to-action and locally tailored content help turn visitors into customers.

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Steps to Optimize Your Website

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1. Create a Dedicated Location Page:
   • Include your address, contact details, and hours of operation.
   • Embed a Google Map for easy navigation.
   • Add localized testimonials or success stories to boost credibility.
2. Use Schema Markup:
   • Add local business schema to help search engines understand your business better.
   • Highlight key information like your location, phone number, and business hours.
3. Incorporate Local Keywords:
   • Ensure your target local keywords appear in page titles, meta descriptions, headers, and body content.
   • Write blogs or articles addressing local questions or events.
4. Optimize for Mobile:
   • Over 60% of local searches come from mobile devices (Think with Google). Make sure your site is responsive and loads quickly on all screen sizes.
5. Include Strong Calls-to-Action (CTAs):
   • Use buttons or banners encouraging visitors to contact you, book an appointment, or visit your store.
6. Ensure Fast Loading Times:
   • Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to identify areas for improvement. According to Google, 53% of mobile users will leave a site that takes longer than 3 seconds to load (Think with Google).
   • Compress images and leverage browser caching to improve performance.

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Pro Tip: Add Local Reviews and Testimonials

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Showcase reviews from local customers directly on your website to build trust and social proof. Highlighting positive feedback from nearby customers can boost credibility and help potential customers relate to the experiences of their peers. Consider using review widgets or custom design elements to make these testimonials more visually engaging and easy to find.

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Next Steps

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By applying these six actionable strategies, your business can strengthen its online presence, connect with local customers, and drive more traffic through your doors. Claiming and optimizing your Google Business Profile, using local keywords, maintaining consistent citations, and creating location-specific content are just some of the ways to achieve this. Pair these efforts with effective social media engagement and a well-optimized website to ensure long-term success in your local market.

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If you’re ready to take your local SEO to the next level, contact us today to learn how we can create a custom strategy tailored to your business.

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