Optimizing SEO | Marketwake

When was the last time you Googled your business? Do you know what pops up when somebody finds you through a “near me” search? Depending on how frequently you optimize your SEO, you may be surprised by what you find.

Successful businesses, large or small, all follow a specific set of local SEO tips to optimize their local search. Especially for small businesses, showing up consistently on the major search engines is critical. Larger businesses with national or international reach also depend on their local communities for a variety of resources. No matter which way you slice it, local listing management and SEO matter.

While the Internet has opened up the world to our fingertips, we still depend heavily on local search optimizations. To help your business thrive, follow these local SEO tips and optimize your local presence.

In this blog, you’ll learn how to:

Build a great, SEO-driven website.
Optimize your Google Business Profile.
Manage your business’s local listing.
Filter reviews to boost your reputation.
Show up more frequently on “near me” searches.

What is the Importance of Following Local SEO Tips?

Did you know that smartphone users accounted for over three-quarters of all retail site visits in the U.S. during 2024? Many of them used “near me” searches to discover shops that sold their favorite products. You’d say local data is important then, right?

In today’s technology-driven age, we use “near me” searches when we’re looking for restaurants, entertainment, job searches, home services, and business services. As a result, local search optimization is key for any business that wants to grow.

Beyond finding directions or phone numbers, this local data is published by hundreds of sites and data aggregators online and builds up knowledge about your brand. That’s why businesses of all sizes need to follow these local SEO tips.

What Are the Types of Local Listings?

Think of anywhere your business may show up for local searches – maps, directories, social media, review sites, etc. Here are some of the most common examples of local listings:

How Can Your Business Optimize Your Local SEO?

Showing up consistently on search rankings often starts with a well-rounded web presence. The following local SEO tips are perfect for both small and large businesses to follow.

1. Build an SEO-Driven Website

The first local SEO tip is to develop a great local web presence. To start, make sure that your website loads quickly, is easy to navigate, and the basic search optimization has been taken care of so that search engines can easily crawl it. Additionally, ensure that your local information is easily accessible. Why? Over half of smartphone users have discovered a new business through online searches. Be sure to include your address, phone number, and email address for customers to reach out to.

2. Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Google Business Profile is a division of Google that is responsible for publishing accurate local information. You probably use it weekly to find customers, restaurants, or the closest Starbucks. So, how can your business optimize it? The most important step is to make sure every field (name, services, products, etc.) is filled out and up-to-date. Be sure to also update your seasonal hours well in advance and prioritize customer feedback through FAQs in the Q&A section.

3. Manage Your Business’s Local Listings

Another big local SEO tip? NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistency can be the difference between your business showing up on the top search engines or being buried. Discrepancies can confuse Google, negatively impacting your overall ranking. It’s best to manually claim and verify all of your listings rather than relying on automation. This can help you regularly review your listings to ensure NAP consistency. Pro tip: At Marketwake we have a service that does this exact thing! Read about our local listings management service or contact us to learn more.

4. Filter Customer Reviews to Boost Your Reputation

Your business’s online reviews are a crucial ranking signal for Google, Bing, and other search engines. Not to mention, negative reviews can also decrease your reputation. Local reputation management is another key local SEO tip. Respond to all customer reviews (positive or negative) and encourage customers to leave feedback. A pro local SEO tip: Never incentivize reviews, as this is against Google’s policy.

5. Prioritize “Near Me” Searches

Do you want your business to be the first to show up when a potential customer uses a “near me” search? There are many ways to increase your chances. When producing content, such as blogs or press releases, try to use local modifiers. “Restaurant near me” and “Best restaurant in Atlanta” are a couple of examples. Also, be sure to focus on mobile optimization for local search, as more and more consumers are ditching desktop computers.

At Marketwake, our award-winning SEO team is here to help you maximize your reach. If you need help with your local search optimization, contact us to learn more about our local SEO services and how we’ve helped brands like Caliber Car Wash, OVME, and Signature Aviation with their local listings management.

FAQs

What is local listing management, and how does it relate to SEO?

Local listing management involves claiming, updating, and optimizing your business info across directories (like Google, Yelp, and Facebook). It ensures accuracy, builds trust, and improves rankings.

How often should I update my business information across directories?

Quarterly updates are ideal, but make changes immediately if there are updates (e.g., new phone number, hours).

What is NAP consistency, and why does it matter?

NAP consistency means your business name, address, and phone number are identical across all platforms. Google prioritizes businesses with consistent NAP in search rankings.

How does Google Business Profile optimization improve my local SEO?

Optimizing GBP ensures your business is easily discoverable in local searches and maps. It also allows you to highlight services, answer customer questions, and improve engagement.

Why are online reviews important for ranking in local results?

Reviews signal trust and quality to Google. More positive reviews = better rankings.

How do “near me” searches affect my business’s visibility?

“Near me” searches prioritize location proximity and relevance. Optimizing GBP, local keywords, and mobile usability increases your chances of appearing.

Can a larger, multi-location company use local SEO tips effectively?

Yes! Local SEO tips are critical for businesses of all sizes. Create individual GBP profiles for each location, and optimize separate location-specific landing pages.

What if I don’t have a physical storefront—can I still benefit from local SEO?

Yes, service area businesses (e.g., plumbers, delivery services) can optimize for local SEO by setting up a GBP with a service area and using geo-specific keywords.