9 Local SEO Tips to rank higher on google search

By Lara Pritchard • 18 August 2022

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.

Who’s Eligible?
Most businesses that interact with customers in person are eligible. This includes storefronts, restaurants, home-based businesses that serve a specific area, and service-area businesses (like plumbers or electricians).
Even if you don’t have a physical storefront, you might still qualify – Google has specific guidelines, so it’s worth checking them out to see if your business is eligible. Check out Google Eligibility and Ownership Guidelines >>
It’s free to create and manage, so there’s no reason not to take advantage of it!
Create your Google Business Profile
Start by choosing the most accurate business category
If you’re a cafe in Nowra, make sure it’s categorised as ‘Cafe’ and not just ‘Restaurant.’
Write a compelling description using local keywords. For example: “We’re a family-owned cafe in the heart of Nowra, serving delicious coffee and homemade treats.”
Upload high-quality photos that showcase your business in the best light.
You can also add videos and events that take place at your store for a better experience for customers who are searching locally.
Add your Google Business Profile Attributes
Use Google Business Profile attributes to highlight key aspects of your business that are relevant to Nowra customers, such as wheelchair accessibility, outdoor seating, or pet-friendly policies.

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 :

A post about the business in general, which may include company history or information on products/services.
Exclusive offers for your customers will incentivise them to visit your establishment and come back again. This could be things like discounts on certain days of the week (i.e., happy hour at a bar) or free coupons.
If you want to offer discounts like this be sure to have some additional posts with details so Google’s algorithm knows about it.
Upcoming events and promotions that will get people in the door
Announcements about new products or services
Use High-Quality Images: Make your posts visually appealing with professional-looking photos or graphics.

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.

Key Australian Directories: Consider listing your business on Sensis, True Local, Yelp, and other relevant Australian business directories.
List on Local Directories: Emphasise the importance of listing in Nowra-specific directories. For example: “List your business on local Nowra directories, as well as broader Australian directories.”
Niche Citations: Look for directories that cater to your specific industry.

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.

Link to Your GBP Review Page: Make it easy for customers to leave reviews on your GBP by including a prominent link on your website.

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.”

Target long-tail keywords that are more specific to your business and location, such as “gluten-free bakery Nowra” or “birthday cakes Nowra delivery.”

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.

Guest Blogging: Offer to write guest posts for relevant local blogs or websites.
Sponsorships: Sponsor local events or teams and ask for a link back to your website.

Have a blog and share your expertise

A blog is a fantastic way to showcase your expertise and connect with local customers.

Local Content Ideas: Write about topics relevant to your business and your expertise. Share tips, answer common questions, highlight your attendance or use of your services at local events, or feature collaborations with other local businesses.

This not only helps your Local SEO but also positions you as a trusted resource in your community.

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.

Fast Loading Speed: Mobile users are often impatient. Make sure your website loads quickly on mobile devices.
Easy Navigation: Ensure your website is easy to navigate on a smaller screen.

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

SEO