30-Second Summary
What you'll learn from this article
- Google Business Profile is the foundation of local SEO
- NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistency is critically important
- Local keywords should be used in titles and content
- Citations build local authority
- Reviews affect both rankings and conversions
Local SEO helps businesses appear in local search results. For businesses serving specific geographic areas, local SEO can drive significant foot traffic and calls. This guide covers strategies from Google Business Profile to local citations.
Google Business Profile Optimization
Your Google Business Profile is the foundation of local SEO. Complete all sections, add photos regularly, respond to reviews, and use Google Posts. Accurate NAP (Name, Address, Phone) information is critical.
Local Keywords and On-Page SEO
Include city and neighborhood names in title tags, meta descriptions, and content. Create location-specific landing pages for multi-location businesses. Schema markup helps search engines understand your location.
Building Local Citations
Citations are mentions of your business on other websites. Submit to directories like Yelp, Foursquare, and industry-specific sites. Ensure NAP consistency across all citations.
Review Management Strategy
Reviews impact both rankings and conversions. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews. Respond to all reviews professionally, especially negative ones. Quantity, quality, and recency all matter.
Local SEO is an ongoing effort. Monitor your rankings, keep information accurate, and continuously earn reviews and citations.