Local SEO for small businesses
Maps, NAP, reviews, local promotion.
How people find you in their area
For a small business, Local SEO isn't "rank first everywhere."
It's about appearing correctly on maps, keeping consistent business details, and showing trust signals (reviews, activity, accuracy).
1) Google Business Profile: the core of Local SEO
Your Google profile is often the first interaction someone has with your business.
What must always be accurate:
- Business name (no keyword stuffing)
- Primary & secondary categories
- Opening hours
- Service description
- Photos that show what you actually do
- Location & website link
"Your Maps profile is your digital storefront — people see it before your website."
2) NAP consistency: same details everywhere
NAP = Name, Address, Phone.
They must be:
- identical across directories
- identical on Facebook, Instagram, TripAdvisor
- identical on your site
3) Reviews: the strongest local signal
Local SEO without reviews is nearly impossible.
Important points:
- Many small reviews > few long ones
- Always respond, briefly and politely
- Ask real customers — not "review campaigns"
- Consistency beats sudden spikes
4) Local pages & local keywords
Beyond your Google Business Profile, your site needs location-aware content.
Practically:
- "Service + Area" landing pages
- Copy referencing neighborhoods, local needs, landmarks
- Real photos from the actual location (not stock)
5) Local listings & business directories (citations)
Local SEO is reinforced when you appear in reliable platforms:
- Google Maps
- Facebook / Instagram
- TripAdvisor (only when it makes sense for your industry)
- Yelp, industry directories, local business listings
6) Local search behavior: mobile-first
People searching locally:
- search on mobile
- want immediate info (hours, location, phone)
- won't read long text
- who you are
- where you are
- what you do
- how to contact you
Bottom Line:
Local SEO = consistent details + real reviews + local presence.
Not 50 technical tricks — just reliable signals and a clean experience for users searching nearby.