The types of local SEO are:
- Google My Business (GMB) listing
- Local keywords
- Online reviews and ratings
- Local business citations
- Local content
- Local backlinks
- Mobile optimization
- Schema Markup for local businesses
- Social media presence
- Location pages
Local SEO is a specialized subset of SEO that targets traffic in specific cities or regions. Local SEO helps Google understand your business’ offerings and location. It helps your business show up in local searches when people look for services nearby. On The Map Marketing states 42% of millennials visit a business after a local search. 28% of nearby searches result in a purchase, as per Think With Google. You also need quality backlinks, the right keywords, and local directory listings.
YouTuber Matt Diggity says that local SEO is crucial for driving free traffic to businesses on Google and Bing. Implementing local SEO requires an initial investment in quality content and backlinks. Matt says organic traffic converts better than paid traffic because it matches local users’ searches. Unlike intrusive paid ads, local organic search results are more credible. They boost trust with engagement ,visibility, and credibility. It’s vital for attracting and converting local customers.
Local organic search results are also considered unbiased. Google says 46% of searches have local intent.28% of these result in a purchase. This high conversion rate shows how quickly local SEO can boost store visits and sales.
The difference between SEO and local SEO is primarily in their scope and target audience. SEO is a broad practice. It helps sites rank higher to attract visitors worldwide. In contrast, local SEO is geared towards attracting traffic from specific areas. A Loganix study found that local SEO can increase foot traffic to businesses by 50%.
We look at the 19 types of local SEO. We go over how they help with optimizing your business for search engines. We discuss the most crucial local visibility and present an alternative that may suit you better.
1. Google My Business (GMB) Listing
Google My Business is a profile management tool for Google Search and Maps. A GMB profile helps with visibility. Publer says 93% of consumers use Google Maps to find a business. Marketix agrees, presenting the number at 86%. Searching “pizza places in Portland” will show local pizza restaurants from the GMB directory. It’s crucial to have a complete and accurate GMB profile to boost local SEO.
GMB is beneficial for businesses that rely on in-person interactions for their operations. Listings with accurate and complete information receive 7x more clicks. Google also considers factors like review count and score in its ranking algorithm. SOCi states customers are 70% more likely to visit a business with a complete profile. They are also 50% more likely to consider purchasing from these businesses.
Ranking Academy's Luc Durand believes choosing the correct primary business category is crucial because it's the top-ranking factor. The GMB Everywhere Chrome extension can help research and choose the best category. Targeted keywords must follow Google's guidelines to avoid suspension. Luc suggests responding to positive reviews with relevant keywords to enhance visibility. He also recommends using tools to audit these reviews to gain customer insights.
2. Local Keywords
Local keywords attract searchers looking for products or services within a specific geographic area. These include city names, neighborhoods, or even phrases like “near me.” According to The Media Captain, searches for “shopping near me” have grown over 200% in the past two years. Over 50% of all “near me” searches result in an in-store visit. Incorporating these keywords into your website and online profiles improves local ranking. Use Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, and Ahrefs to find the right keywords. These tools help identify the keywords trending with a specific area.
Local SEO keywords are search terms or phrases targeted to reach a small audience. These phrases optimize a website to rank higher within a specific area. According to Google, 46% of all searches have a local intent. So, half thee search queries look for local information, products, or services. Rock Content reports 76% of people who look up solutions nearby will visit at least one of them within a day. And 28%of these people will buy something from the business they chose.
YouTuber Wes McDowell suggests adding relevant keywords to your business name. They’re also useful in your main landing page title, with getting high-quality Google reviews and responding using keywords can help even more. Although important, your physical location and consistent business citations aren’t as vital. Social media activity and geotagging images don't improve local SEO rankings.
3. Online Reviews and Ratings
Online reviews refer to the feedback and ratings left by customers on platforms like review websites, social media, and business directories. These reviews influence potential customers and provide social proof of a business’s credibility. A Moz study shows online reviews contribute 8.4% to local search rankings. According to Luisa Zhou, online reviews contribute 12% to the top local SEO factors for Google.
Positive reviews also help build trust and credibility with potential customers. For example, TorontoPHO Restaurant encouraged customer reviews on platforms like Google and Yelp. Their approach resulted in more customers and jacked up their local SEO. But keep in mind that 68% of consumers don’t trust a high review rating unless there are many reviews.
4. Local Business Citations
Local business citations are mentions of a business’s name, address, and phone number online. Citations appear in local business directories, websites, apps, and social platforms. They provide essential information that helps people discover local businesses. As per WordStream, citation signals account for 7% of local search ranking factors. BrightLocal’s survey found that 63% would be deterred by incorrect info.
Businesses must ensure their citations are accurate and consistent. Inconsistent phone numbers or addresses across sites confuse search engines and negatively affect local search rankings. High-quality citations come from reputable sites like Yelp or Yellow Pages. And, 42% of local searches involve clicks on the Google Map Pack. Citations from these credible sites can affect local search rankings.
Stewart Vickers of SEO Jesus states that citations are a crucial foundation for building trust and authority for new websites. These citations are vital for getting your website indexed by Google. They improve rankings in local map packs and Google Business listings. Jesus SEO emphasizes that for around $200, you can get approximately 135 citations. This includes unique content tailored to your niche and location.
5. Local Content
Local content attracts and engages users from specific regions. This:
- boosts SEO,
- establishes your business as a local authority
- builds trust
- drives profitable customer action within the immediate market
- stimulates business growth
According to WebFX, 46% of all Google searches are for local information. Businesses improve local search visibility by tailoring content to their audience. An example of local content is writing blog posts that address local interests. For example, a bakery in Scottsdale might create posts about local baking events and link them to their business.
High-quality, locally relevant content significantly boosts local SEO rankings. SOCi reports that multi-location brands achieve a 33.4% local pack presence for competitive keywords. To improve your chances of appearing in local search results, include local keywords in website content, meta descriptions, and titles to help search engines find you.
6. Local Backlinks
Local backlinks boost rankings by signaling to Google that authoritative local sites consider your business important. Over 50% of qualified websites with no backlinks never appear on the first page of search results. An Ahrefs study shows that top-ranking pages gain ‘followed’ backlinks from new websites at a rate of 5% to 14.5% per month. Look for local sites or businesses that will link to your site to secure local backlinks.
Featuring high-quality and shareable content is another effective way to earn local backlinks. A local guide or calendar of events can also attract links from other local websites. Backlinko finds that high-quality inbound links, scoring 148, boost local organic rankings. Use anchor text keywords with a score of 128. They help search engines understand the context and relevance of the linked content.
Nathan Gotch explains that backlinks are essential for SEO because they form the core of Google’s PageRank algorithm. He adds that a single high-quality backlink carries more weight. Backlinko’s study of 11.8 million search results shows that backlinks improve organic search performance. Nathan also notes that strong SEO naturally attracts more backlinks. He recommends focusing on relevant backlinks when acquiring links from authoritative sources.
7. Mobile Optimization
Mobile optimization in SEO ensures effortless browsing across different devices. SerpWatch found that 87% of smartphone users engage with search engines at least once a day. So, your site must provide a good mobile experience. A responsive web design makes web pages fit different screen sizes. This makes content easy to read on smartphones and tablets without a lot of zooming or scrolling. 74% of users are more likely to revisit a website if it’s mobile-friendly.
Another important factor is speed optimization. Mobile users often have less patience for slow-loading pages. Google states 53% of mobile site visits are abandoned if the page takes longer than three seconds to load. Faster websites provide better user experiences and improve search engine rankings. Page Speed Insights can help identify areas for improvement.
8. Schema Markup for Local Businesses
Local business schema markup is structured data that helps search engines find key information on websites. Adding local business schema involves using JSON-LD to make content machine-readable. The markup language helps machines better understand text and images on websites. The data helps 46% of queries on search engines display useful results on local SERPs.
According to a report by KeyStar SEO Agency, only 30% of online pages use Schema for markup. A LinkedIn article by Ekechukwu notes that 40% of Google searches seek schema data. But 95% of local businesses do not use it, which shows a significant gap in local SEO practices. This presents a significant opportunity for businesses to stand out in search results.
9. Social Media Presence
Social media SEO optimizes your profiles to attract potential customers through search. Visibility on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter helps businesses connect with their community and build trust. According to Synup, 76% of local businesses use social media to increase foot traffic.
Social media is often used as a search engine, especially by younger generations. Meta says, 83% of Instagram users discover new brands while using the platform. Customers who engage with a business on social media spend 40% more on that brand’s products and services. According to Gitnux, social media recommendations drive 88% of consumer purchases.
10. Location Pages
Location pages are web pages optimized to target specific geographic areas. These pages help search engines index and rank websites. Optimized location pages also increase a business’s chances of being featured in Google’s Local Pack. MARA reports that 68% prefer Google’s Local 3-Pack for finding local businesses.
It’s crucial to have accurate and detailed location pages to attract potential customers.A significant 72% of brand engagement takes place here, as reported by SoCi. So, for every ten customer interactions, seven of them happen on local pages. A Yelp study reveals that 83% of users hire or buy from businesses they find on Yelp. This shows how well local pages turn interested buyers into customers.
SEO expert Chris Palmer advises analyzing top competitors' pages for word count, headers, and keyword density. These benchmarks guide the creation of a winning location page. Then, replicate the page for other locations by swapping location-specific keywords. Chris also recommends adding location-relevant FAQs using schema markup to boost visibility. After launching, check the page's performance and re-optimize as needed for better SERP results.
11. Google Maps Integration
Adding your business to Google Maps means entering details like your address, phone number, and hours of operation. This information helps search engines show your business in local search results. According to SemRush, people are 2.7 times more likely to find your business reputable if they see your GBP on Google Maps. This is because Google Maps also provides details about the services you provide. Cube Creative notes that over 5% of GBP views convert. But, complete GBP listings are 7 times more likely to get clicks than incomplete ones.
Businesses also benefit from detailed customer insights like store visits and other engagement insights. Google Maps provides data on these.. ReviewTrackers reports that 63.6% of consumers check Google reviews before visiting a business. 72% of consumers who perform a local search visit a store within 5 miles. You can further boost organic traffic by giving customers better directions and locations.
12. Voice Search Optimization
Voice search optimization helps websites rank higher when users make verbal queries using digital assistants. According to Invoca, 58.6% of US residents have tried voice search at least once. And 21% of people incorporate voice search into their weekly routine. Businesses must prioritize voice search optimization due to its continued growth. You will need key strategies to optimize for voice search.
One important step is targeting question-based keywords. Conversational keywords are also important because voice searches mimic real-life conversations. Online businesses who optimize for these natural phrases improve search rankings. WebFX says brands that used voice search grew e-commerce revenue by 30% in 2024.
13. Image and Video Optimization
Sites with optimized images and videos allow search engines to understand what they represent. Relevant, high-quality images boost user engagement and time on a page. This signals search engines that the content is valuable.
Ledgeview Partners states visitors stay 88% longer on web pages that include videos. According to Toast, businesses with photos on their Google My Business profiles receive 35% more clicks on their websites. Articles with images get 94% more views. And local search results with images increase consumer contact by 60%. Finally, 88% of users want to see more videos from brands they follow. Properly sized and compressed images improve the mobile experience. This is vital for local SEO since many local searches are on mobile devices.
14. Google Posts
Google Posts are updates that appear on a business’s Google Business Profile (GBP). These types of posts provide timely content to local buyers. They help businesses engage with customers via their Google Search and Maps profiles. Cube Creative says an optimized Google Business Profile can get 80 to 300 clicks a month.
Businesses that use GMB posts are twice as likely to be on the first page of Google’s local search results. Google Posts are valuable for promoting timely offers and events. According to a study by Sterling Sky, offer posts on GMB receive an average of 3.06 clicks per post. The ability to add a call to action button further enhances engagement.
Business owner Israel Saucedo advises focusing on quality over quantity in Google posts to avoid spammy content. He recommends writing engaging posts that encourage customer interaction and keep visitors on the profile longer. Israel suggests that emojis, images, and links to relevant pages can enhance engagement. He advocates for posting one solid update each week to support SEO and improve Google rankings.
15. Website SEO
Website SEO improves a site’s visibility and ranking in SERPs. This includes technical SEO, which ensures that search spiders can crawl the site. Data shows that 68% of online experiences begin with a search engine. Visual Objects reports that only 63% of small businesses invest in SEO, despite its long-term benefits. Markitors found that 61% of B2B marketers rate SEO and organic traffic as their best sources for leads. Search Engine Land says 72% of SEO pros think data analysis is key for technical SEO.
Businesses that focus on website SEO drive more organic traffic to their sites. One important aspect of this is keyword integration. Relevant keywords in URLs, headings, and content helps a site rank higher in search results and improve the experience for users.
YouTuber Jaume Ros advises starting with high-converting bottom-of-the-funnel pages, targeting less competitive keywords. He suggests using programmatic SEO and offering free tools similar to Ahrefs and Semrush to attract traffic. For content, Ros plans to use AI tools to quickly generate posts on less competitive or trendy SEO topics. To build authority, he recommends focusing on citations, a product launch, and affiliate programs.
16. User Behavior
Google uses metrics like click-through rates and session duration to understand user behavior. A high click-through rate shows that users find the website relevant and engaging. On the other hand, a high bounce rate suggests users aren’t finding what they need and are closing the site quickly. Thus, a business with a low bounce rate and high session duration might rank higher in local searches. Capturly notes that the average bounce rate in the SaaS industry for 2023 was 64.46%. This behavioral data helps search engines decide how to rank sites in search results.
Research by Sevell+Sevell states that the average time users spend on a website is about 45 seconds. According to Sweor, users form an opinion about a website in just 50 milliseconds, which is 0.05 seconds. This emphasizes the value of creating favorable first impressions from website visitors.
17. Personalization
Personalization refers to the process of tailoring a user’s online experience based on their preferences, behaviors, and demographics. Personalization improves local relevance by giving users info specific to their location. An Evergage study shows that 92% of marketers think customers want personalized experiences. An Intelliverse report states that 45% of online shoppers prefer sites with personalized recommendations. And the same data shows that 56% are more likely to use a website that is tailored to the users’ preferences.
Personalized product recommendations can also drive more sales. A study by Barilliance found that product recommendations drive up to 31% of eCommerce revenues. This is because personalized recommendations better match a user’s interests and needs. Shopify says 49% of shoppers buy extra items because of personalized suggestions.
18. Local Partnerships
Local partnerships also boost SEO. Companies tap into new networks and gain valuable backlinks by collaborating with local businesses. Partnerships allow businesses to share resources and strengthen community ties. This collaboration cut 20% of costs by sharing resources and marketing.
Businesses also attract local customers and boost credibility by teaming up for events. A local restaurant might team up with a nearby hotel to help promote each other. This collaboration helps both businesses rank higher in local searches.
50% of businesses report that collaboration with local partners boosts productivity and efficiency. Forbes says businesses with partnerships grow revenue 5% faster than those without. Lastly, Search Engine Journal says that 75% of businesses with local partners experience market share growth.
19. Accessibility and Contact Information
Web accessibility refers to designing websites that individuals with disabilities can access. This means including features like screen readers and keyboard navigation. Search engines value accessible websites. So, local businesses must prioritize user needs to improve website navigation and local SEO. ThemeIsle says 56% of people with disabilities choose online stores based on accessibility.
Over 50% of customers say that easy-to-find contact info boosts their trust in a company. Mobal says 56% of businesses miss chances of engagement because they lack contact info on their GMB profiles.
Which Types of Local SEO are Most Important for Online Visibility?
How does Local SEO Differ for Service Businesses?
Local SEO differs for service businesses by focusing on service area rather than physical address. Brick-and-mortar stores optimize for customers within a specific radius. They emphasize location-based keywords and proximity. According to Sagapixel, 76% of consumers who perform a local search visit a store within 5 miles within a day.
Service businesses, like plumbers or cleaners, target a wider geographic area where they operate. They focus on attracting local clients by showcasing their services and expertise. This business model benefits from Google My Business optimization. Service businesses need clear service area definitions and strategic keyword use to reach customers.
How is Local SEO measured?
Local SEO is measured by:
Business owners can measure their success thru website traffic by impressions in search, new users to the site, and number of sessions. The Reddit community also warns company owners not to rely on the amount of revenue as a metric to measure their local SEO optimization campaign.
You can track the number of keywords you're ranking as a metric to gauge the effectiveness of your local SEO strategy. Another community user notes that it's important to track the keywords ranking every month and compare the positions to see how it's growing.
What are the Best Tools for Local SEO?
A Reddit user suggests using free Google options to understand your site's traffic and performance. After that, you can try free trials of Semrush or Ahrefs to find out which tool suits your SEO needs.
Another user recommends using SEMrush. The tool's comprehensive features and user- friendly interface make it a great choice for small business owners. They also add that Ahrefs is another top-tier option. It's detailed backlink analysis and advanced settings makes it ideal for in-depth SEO work.
How to do Local SEO for beginners?
Here is how to do local SEO for beginners:
A community user recommends optimizing your Google My Business listing with accurate details about your business. They also suggest doing local research keywords to grasp what potential customers are using to discover similar businesses.
You also need to push out relevant high-quality and valuable content to your target audience. Steer away from keyword stuffing or buying backlinks to avoid damaging your rankings. Also keep up-to-date with the latest trends and algorithm updates so you can adapt and change your strategy as needed.
How Long Does Local SEO Take?
Local SEO takes 1 to 6 weeks to show results and up to 12 months to see increased traffic and establish presence. But initial improvements are visible within four to 8 weeks of optimization. This timeframe depends on niche competitiveness, optimization quality, and website condition. For instance, optimizing a business's Google My Business listing can lead to increased site traffic and phone calls in a few weeks. Local Web Strategies says it takes 4 to 6 weeks to reach Google's first page with good optimization.
YouTube Channel Casey's SEO states that the time it takes for local SEO to show results depends on several factors. This includes your business's age, domain authority, and Google reviews. Older businesses with optimized websites and numerous reviews may rank quickly. But new businesses with newly created websites and profiles will take longer. According to Casey, it takes 3-6 months to see SEO results but this varies by niche and local competition. Businesses need consistent posting and extensive optimization in competitive industries. They can use Google Ads to expedite ranking but this incurs additional costs.
A verified professional on reddit states that there would be hardly any positive results after 1-2 months of SEO optimization. Another user notes that a new site with a new content can be indexed in the first week in top 100. They also say that clients often have misconceptions about their SEO goals. It is advised to have clients specify the desired outcomes of local SEO optimization.
Conclusion: Is Local SEO Worth it?
Yes, local SEO can be worth it for businesses targeting a specific geographic area. Local search optimization is crucial since almost 50% of Google searches are location-based. Local SEO takes time and effort, but its ROI is high. So, it’s a worthwhile strategy for businesses of all sizes. Local SEO is profitable because of its ability to deliver targeted, high-quality traffic.
Search Engine Land reports a 300% increase in website traffic and a 50% rise in leads from local SEO. SEO agencies usually have profit margins ranging from 10% to 20%, with 50% being exceptional. SEO agencies often need to hire freelancers to meet client demands.
But not every business owner knows how to do local SEO. This is a tremendous business opportunity for you to fill this gap. Build a website for a local market or niche and rank it using local SEO strategies and Google's organic traffic. Rent it out to small businesses that can't perform their local SEO. This way, you leverage Google and monopolize your market's online space.
Not every business owner knows how to perform local SEO, creating a significant business opportunity for those who can fill this gap. Think of lead generation sites as digital billboards—online real estate that you control. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can build a website, rank it on Google, and generate leads. Then, you can rent the site to local businesses that struggle with SEO. This allows you to dominate the online market space, and local businesses are willing to pay between $500 and $3,000 per month for quality leads.
Local lead generation is also a scalable business that allows you to replicate local SEO strategies to ensure profitability. Since you own the site and control the leads, you can rent out multiple websites with minimal investment. With over 400 niches to choose from, this method offers tremendous potential for success. When set up properly, your lead generation site can operate for months with little to no maintenance.
