What is Local SEO and How Does it Help My Business?
Whether you run a fitness centre, a bustling salon, or a service-based business that operates across town, local SEO is your secret weapon to getting found online. With over 80% of consumers searching for local businesses weekly, showing up in those searches can make a big difference to your visibility—and your bottom line.
Here’s how to get started with Local SEO and start climbing to the top of Google’s search results.
What Is Local SEO?
Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is all about making your business more visible to people in your geographic area. If someone searches for “plumber near me” or “best tacos in [Your City],” you want to show up on that first page.
Optimizing your digital presence helps you attract more foot traffic, generate more phone calls, and build trust with potential customers through reviews and online visibility.
Benefits of Local SEO
If you’ve ever wondered why your competitors are showing up on Google while your business is stuck on page two (or worse), it probably comes down to local SEO. But here’s the good news: with just a few focused steps, you can start seeing real-world results. Some benefits include:
More in-store visits: Ranking locally means more people walking through your doors.
Increased calls and leads: A well-optimized Google Business Profile can boost your visibility on Google Maps and drive more calls and clicks.
Higher trust and credibility: Online reviews influence buying decisions, so a steady stream of reviews—especially with responses—helps build your reputation.
6 Steps to Rank on Page One of Google
1. Claim and complete your Google Business Profile
Go to https://business.google.com, sign up for free, and verify your address.
Fill out every section: website, phone number, business hours, social links, and more.
Congrats, 1 of 6 steps done!
2. Research your keywords
Use tools like Wordtracker to figure out what people are searching for.
Try phrases like “above ground pool installation near me.” The more specific and location-based, the better!
Pro tip: make a long list! The longer the better!
3. Update your website with those keywords
Create content that matches what people are searching for. Use your keywords in:
Page titles
Meta descriptions
Headers (H1, H2, etc.)
URLs
Body text
Make sure these pages are published (not drafts) and can be easily found through your menu/navigation or homepage.
4. Get listed in online directories
Make sure your business info is consistent across sites like Yelp, BBB, YellowPages, and others. These “citations” help Google verify your business’s legitimacy.
Need help? Reach out to us—we’ve got you.
5. Collect and respond to reviews
Encourage happy customers to leave reviews, and always reply—even to the bad ones. Google values active engagement, and keywords in reviews help too.
6. Use our free local SEO audit tool
Not sure how you’re doing? See below.
Ready to Be Found?
Local SEO might feel overwhelming at first, but with the right steps, it can become one of the most powerful tools in your marketing toolbox. Start small—optimize your Google Business Profile, update your website, and ask for a few reviews. Then build from there.
Remember, showing up on the first page of Google isn’t just about algorithms—it’s about connecting with your community, building trust, and making it easy for people to choose you.
And if you ever need a hand? We’re here to help. At A&O, we don’t just talk strategy—we roll up our sleeves and work with you to get results.
Let’s get you found!
Who is A&O?
A&O (Apples & Oranges) is a digital marketing agency dedicated to helping small and medium-sized businesses grow—both online and locally. Whether you’re running a brick-and-mortar shop, a service-based business, or a Shopify store, we craft data-driven strategies that boost visibility, increase leads, and turn clicks into customers.
We specialize in local SEO, online advertising, email and SMS marketing, social media management, and website development. From optimizing your Google Business Profile to building high-converting web pages, we deliver customized solutions that align with your goals and your community.
At A&O, we don’t believe in cookie-cutter marketing. We take the time to understand your business, your audience, and your local market—so everything we do helps you stand out where it matters most.
📍 Want to grow your local presence? Contact us today!