If you’re tuned in to SEO trends, chances are you aren’t hearing much about things like keywords and metadata, but we bet you’ve heard the buzz about local SEO. It’s the best technique for becoming a top search result these days, so we’re about to break it down – from the basics to your top to-dos.

What is local SEO?

What’s the main difference between regular old SEO and the local kind? Geography.

Local SEO helps you promote your business to people in your local area. It’s all about strategies to boost your visibility with searchers near you.

How do local searches work?

It all starts when a searcher submits a local query. We’re talking something like “best sushi near me” or “best sushi in Los Angeles”. According to Google, 46% of searches have a local intent, just like these. The power behind these searches is that users aren’t just looking for general info – they’re searching to find what they’re looking for close by and seal the deal ($).

Next, search engines offer the user a list of results. First on that list is the “local 3-pack” or the three businesses listed beneath the map. The information here is pulled from each business’ Google My Business (GMB) profile (more on that later).

Scroll a bit further and you’ll see that local directories (the Yelps, TripAdvisors, etc.) come next, and that’s a wrap on first page results.

Now, if you’re ready to start targeting local searchers (do it!), here’s where you should start:

Step 1. Localize your website.

Make sure your website includes your address, phone number, and valuable keywords about the areas you serve (cities, counties, regions, etc.). If you have multiple locations, develop a page for each and optimize it for its specific location.

Step 2. Get on Google My Business – and get on good.

If you want a shot of appearing on the local 3-pack, you need to have a GMB profile. But it’s not enough to just create a listing. Make sure your profile is always accurate and up-to-date. And then, of course, you need to make it something people want to click on. What makes you clickable? Reviews, reviews, reviews. Speaking of…

Step 3. Collect reviews.

Review collection and local SEO go hand in hand. Google wants to serve searchers the highest quality results, so it’s no wonder that they’ve made reviews a powerful ranking factor. What does Google look at? Quality, quantity, and recency, so make sure you’re always collecting high-quality reviews.

Mopro clients: Use Testimonial Collector to easily request customer reviews on Google and beyond.

Step 4. List your business on local directories.

Below GMB, first-page real estate is pretty much all local directory listings. Whether people are visiting these websites directly or coming across them in their Google search, you need to be there with all your current info: business name, address, phone number, website, etc. Consistent, accurate listings signal to Google that you’re a quality result – the more the better!

If you want to increase your visibility in local search results, check out Mopro’s Local SEO upgrade. Our tool adds you everywhere locals are searching for you, manages your listings, and ensures they’re up-to-date. Visit mopro.com/localseo or email hello@mopro.com to learn more.