9 Local SEO Tips to rank higher on google search
Are you a business owner struggling to get seen in local search results? You’re not alone. This guide provides 9 actionable Local SEO Tips to help you outrank your competitors and get your business.
Over 45% of Google searches are for local information – that’s a huge chunk of potential customers! This highlights Local SEO’s critical role in discovering your business by people in your area. For more statistics, Bright Local has a great article on Local Search in 2024.
Local SEO is an important part of the online marketing strategy for any business, as it can determine how well your website performs in Google Search Result Pages (SERPs) based on a person’s current location
What is local SEO?
Local SEO is all about optimising your online presence to appear higher in search results when people near you search for related products or services.
Whether you have a physical storefront or run a service-based business in a specific area, local SEO is essential.
If you’re not optimising for local search, you’re likely missing out on customers ready to buy from you.
Your Google Business Profile is crucial for Local SEO
Claim Your Online Territory
Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is your free business listing on Google and a crucial part of your local SEO strategy.
It’s a free listing that shows up in Google Search and Maps when local customers are looking for businesses like yours. You list your Name, Address and Phone (also known as your NAP) plus add other things like a link to your website, and social media. operating hours, photos, and more.
To get your business on Google you need to create a Google Business account.
If you already have an existing Google Account, all you will need to do is add the business details and verify your location with a physical address or you may be required to upload photos of your storefront that show clearly what type of business it is.
From there, you can use your account to do many more things that will aid in your Local SEO. This brings us to…
Make Frequent Posts on your Google Business Profile Account
Think of your GBP posts as mini updates to keep your customers informed and engaged. Share news, special offers, upcoming events, new products, or even just behind-the-scenes glimpses of your business. promote seasonal products, announce new services, share customer testimonials, or highlight community involvement.
For example, share upcoming events happening in Nowra that your business is participating in, or promote special offers tied to local holidays.
Consistency is key here. Regular posts show Google that your business is active and engaged, which can help your local ranking. Plus, it gives potential customers a reason to check back and see what’s new.
You can create a variety of different posts, including :
Respond To Reviews to Build Trust with Customers
Reviews are gold! Encourage your happy customers to leave reviews on your GBP. And, just as importantly, respond to all reviews, good or bad.
It is important to monitor your Google Business Profile listing and respond to reviews. This will help keep customers happy, which is not only good for business but will also improve your ranking!
A positive response to a negative review can show potential customers that you care about your reputation and are willing to address concerns. It builds trust and credibility. Even if the feedback received is harsh, don’t react negatively.
Online reviews are crucial for building trust and credibility.
Did you know that consumers read an average of 10 online reviews before feeling able to trust a business? This highlights the importance of encouraging your happy customers to leave reviews and responding thoughtfully to all feedback, both positive and negative.
Positive reviews not only build trust but can also expand your reach. More than half of consumers (58%) are willing to travel up to 20 miles to a business with positive reviews, according to ReviewTrackers. This shows the potential of online reviews to attract customers from a wider area.
Citations to Build Your Digital Presence
Citations are mentions of your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) on other websites. Think of them as online breadcrumbs that help Google confirm your business information. Focus on getting listed in reputable directories and industry-specific sites.
Once again, consistency is key here – make sure your NAP is the same across all platforms. This helps Google trust your information and makes it easier for customers to find you.
Citations may also be links from related articles that mention your company or products within your region because this will help with relevance for people searching for information about companies like yours that offer products and services similar to your own.
Artificial or “ghost” citations should be avoided, as these do not add value to your business.
Articles and blog posts are also excellent ways for businesses to get external citations and backlinks, which can also increase your chances of ranking.
Create a Review Page on your website
A dedicated review page on your website is a great way to showcase positive customer feedback and build trust. Include a mix of written testimonials and video reviews if possible. Online reviews carry a lot of weight with potential customers.
In fact, 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations, according to ReviewTrackers. This underscores the importance of actively managing your online reputation and ensuring you have a steady stream of positive reviews.
Use Keywords
Sprinkle relevant local keywords throughout your website content, including your meta title and description, page titles, and blog posts.
Think about what your customers would search for to find you. For example, if you’re a bakery in Nowra, use keywords like “bakery Nowra,” “custom cakes Nowra,” or “best pastries Nowra.” But remember, keep it natural – don’t stuff keywords into your content just for the sake of it.
Provide more Nowra-specific keyword examples. For example: “Think about what your customers in Nowra would search for. ‘Best coffee Nowra,’ ‘plumber Nowra South,’ or ‘hairdresser Nowra CBD’ are all good examples.”
Create Local Links and connect with your community
Link building is still an important part of SEO. Focus on acquiring high-quality links from other reputable websites in your local area. This could include links from local newspapers, blogs, community organisations, local meetups and events, or industry associations such as your local chamber of commerce.
Have a blog and share your expertise
A blog is a fantastic way to showcase your expertise and connect with local customers.
Optimise your Website for Mobile to Reach Local Customers on the Go
In today’s mobile-first world, your website must be mobile-friendly!
Most local searches happen on mobile devices, so a seamless mobile experience is essential.
Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test to check your site and make any necessary adjustments. This is especially important for local residents who are often searching for businesses on their phones while on the go.
By implementing these 9 Local SEO Tips, you’ll be well on your way to showing up more local search results and attracting a steady stream of local customers.
If you have any further questions or you want help with improving your website’s Local SEO, I can assist with my WordPress VIP Intensive or 1:1 Training.
I hope you found this local SEO post helpful
Until next time


