With 46% of Google searches being localized, improving your local SEO can attract new customers and boost sales. The core moves are consistent NAP (name, address, phone number) data across every online property, targeted keyword research, competitor analysis, on-page optimization, and locally relevant link building.
What does keyword research look like for local SEO?
Keyword research helps identify which terms your ideal customers use and optimizes your website so it appears in geographically tailored search results.
Start by building a list of words related to your business. Plug them into a free keyword tool to view search volume, related terms, SERP analysis, and search trends.
Next, examine competitors and their domains for keyword ideas using a tool like Ubersuggest or by running competitive keyword research on Google.
How do you run competitor analysis for local search?
Competitor analysis helps you identify websites in your industry that are targeting keywords you want to rank for, so you can craft a winning approach for your own business.
Begin by knowing which keywords your competition ranks for and which search queries they compete with. A keyword research tool like Ahrefs or SEMRush makes this straightforward.
Run a Google or other search engine query to see the top competitors for each term and the strategy they use to rank.
Reviewing the SERP reveals gaps in competitors’ strategies that could let their rankings slip, and gives you room to adjust your own tactics ahead of the competition.
Which on-page elements matter most for local SEO?
On-page optimization tailors your website for search engines, including title tags, content, URLs, and internal links.
Traditional tactics such as keyword stuffing can still work, but the emphasis is shifting toward relevance. Google now uses a wider set of signals to match pages to the intent behind a query.
For local search, optimize your site for voice search, confirm NAP information is correct across every page, and display business hours so people can locate you based on location.
What link building tactics work best locally?
Local SEO treats links as a significant ranking and visibility lever. Links drive direct traffic to your website and help it appear higher on SERPs.
Traditional link building tactics still work, but targeting more tailored resource listings and blogs helps your business stand out in local searches.
Another route is finding regional sites with high page ranking or domain authority and pitching them through guest posts, partnerships, or sponsorships.
Giving a presentation about your business to the local chamber of commerce or business organization can earn contextual links that are highly relevant to locals.
FAQ
What is the single most important local SEO factor?
Your NAP (name, address and phone number) data. It should be consistent across all online properties.
Which tools help with keyword and competitor research?
Free keyword tools reveal search volume and related terms. Ubersuggest helps with competitive keyword research, while Ahrefs and SEMRush show which keywords competitors rank for and which search queries they compete with.
How do you build local links?
Target tailored resource listings and blogs, pitch regional sites with high page ranking or domain authority through guest posts, partnerships or sponsorships, and present to the local chamber of commerce or business organization to earn contextual links.
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