How to Get More Customers With Local SEO

How to Get More Customers With Local SEO

Rank Higher on Google and Attract More Local Customers!

Why Local SEO is a Game-Changer for Small Businesses

Imagine a customer searching “best coffee shop near me” or “emergency plumber in [your city]”—if your business isn’t ranking on Google, you’re losing customers to competitors.

76% of people who search for a business nearby visit it within a day. (Source: Google)

You don’t need a huge budget to rank higher—you just need Local SEO.

This guide will show you how to optimize your business for local searches and bring in more customers.

Want to make sure your business is fully optimized? Download our FREE Local SEO Checklist to start improving your visibility today!

1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP) 

Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is the #1 Local SEO tool for showing up in Google Search & Google Maps.

Businesses with complete Google Business Profiles get 7x more clicks than those without. (Source: BrightLocal)

How to Optimize It:

  • Claim your profile at Google Business Profile.
  • Fill out ALL details (business name, hours, phone, website, services).
  • Upload high-quality images of your business & products.
  • Get consistent customer reviews (Google favors businesses with more reviews)

 

🔥 Pro Tip: Respond to every review—Google rewards engagement!

2. Use Local Keywords (What Are People Searching For?) 

Think about what customers type into Google when searching for your business. These are Local Keywords.

How to Find Local Keywords:

  • Use Google’s autocomplete (start typing your service and see suggested searches).
  • Check Google’s “People Also Ask” and related searches.
  • Include location-based phrases (e.g., “best bakery in [city],” “affordable electrician near me”).

Where to Use Them:

  • Website Titles & Headings (“Top-rated Spa in Chase City”)
  • Meta Descriptions (“Visit our family-owned restaurant in South Hill, VA.”)
  • Service & About Pages (“We proudly serve customers in [city, state].”)

46% of all Google searches are for local businesses. (Source: HubSpot)

🔥 Pro Tip: Use Google Search Console to track which keywords bring traffic to your site.

3. Get More Reviews (They Directly Impact Rankings!) 

Google ranks businesses with high ratings & frequent reviews higher in search results.

How to Get More Reviews:

  • Ask satisfied customers in person or via email to leave a review.
  • Share your Google Review link in emails and social media.
  • Offer a small incentive (discount, freebie) for honest reviews.

82% of consumers read online reviews before choosing a local business. (Source: BrightLocal)

4. Optimize Your Website for Local SEO 

Your website needs to be fast, mobile-friendly, and properly structured for Local SEO success.

Key Fixes for Local SEO:

  • ALT Tags: Add descriptions to images of products, services, and locations (e.g., “Cozy coffee shop in downtown Chase City.”).
  • Internal Links & Descriptions: Link to related pages with clear descriptions (e.g., “Check out our full menu here.” instead of “Click here.”).
  • Image Size & Speed: Compress large images to speed up your site (faster pages rank higher).
  • NAP Consistency: Make sure your Name, Address, and Phone (NAP) are identical across your website, Google, and social media.

 

57% of internet users won’t recommend a business with a slow or poorly optimized website. (Source: Neil Patel)

 

🔥 Pro Tip: Use Google PageSpeed Insights to check if your site loads fast enough.

5. Earn Local Backlinks & Citations (Boost Your Credibility!) 

Google trusts businesses that are mentioned on other reputable websites.

How to Get Local Backlinks & Citations:

  • Get listed in local directories (Yelp, TripAdvisor, Chamber of Commerce).
  • Ask local blogs, news sites, or influencers to feature your business.
  • Partner with other local businesses to exchange links.

Websites with high-quality backlinks rank significantly higher on Google. (Source: Moz)

🔥 Pro Tip: If you sponsor local events or charities, ask them to link to your website!

Don’t want to miss a step? Grab our FREE Local SEO Checklist—it’s a simple, actionable guide to help you implement everything we covered!

Next Steps: Start Improving Your Local SEO Today!

Want to rank higher on Google? Here’s what to do next:


Step 1: Claim & optimize your Google Business Profile.
Step 2: Use local keywords on your website & Google listing.
Step 3: Get consistent customer reviews (and respond to them!).
Step 4: Make sure your website is fast, mobile-friendly & optimized.
Step 5: Earn local backlinks & citations to build credibility.

Need expert help? YORK Digital Services can optimize your Local SEO to get you found by more customers!

Let’s Boost Your Local SEO – Contact Us Today! →

Sources:
Google, 76% of People Who Search for a Business Nearby Visit It Within a Day
BrightLocal, Businesses With Complete Google Business Profiles Get 7x More Clicks
HubSpot, 46% of Google Searches Are Local
BrightLocal, 82% of Consumers Read Online Reviews Before Choosing a Business
Neil Patel, 57% of Users Won’t Recommend a Slow Website
Moz, Websites With High-Quality Backlinks Rank Higher

 

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