Common Local SEO Mistakes to Avoid

• 58% of businesses don’t have local SEO in their strategy. This is a major mistake, as local SEO is crucial for attracting nearby customers.
• 50% of business owners have seen incorrect information on their local listings. Inconsistent or inaccurate business information across online platforms can harm local search rankings.
• Only 33% of websites pass the Core Web Vitals threshold. Poor website performance and slow loading speeds negatively impact local SEO.
• Over 67% of domains using Hreflang have issues. Improper implementation of hreflang tags can lead to problems with multilingual or multi regional websites.
• 80.4% of sites have missing alt attributes. Failing to add alt text to images is a common SEO mistake that can hurt accessibility and image search visibility.
• 72.3% of sites have slow pages. Slow site speed is a major local SEO mistake that can lead to poor user experience and lower rankings.
• 68.5% of sites have page and SERP titles that do not match. Inconsistent or poorly optimized title tags can negatively impact click through rates from search results.
• 59.5% of sites have missing H1 tags. Proper heading structure, including H1 tags, is important for on page SEO.
• 51.3% of sites have multiple H1 tags. Using multiple H1 tags on a single page can confuse search engines and dilute the page’s focus.
• 46% of Google searches are local, yet many businesses fail to optimize for local keywords and queries.
• 28% of local searches result in a purchase within 24 hours. Failing to optimize for local search means missing out on these high intent customers.
• Only about 40% of businesses have adopted an automated approach to local listing management. Manual management of listings across multiple platforms can lead to inconsistencies and errors.

Common Local SEO Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to local SEO, the potential for rookie mistakes is high, especially for beginners who dive in without a game plan. Here’s the deal: one wrong move in local SEO can keep your business hidden from local searchers, even if they’re just around the corner. If you don’t want to risk those mistakes, Frank Masotti at Local SEO Optimization can help you sort things out.

But, for those who want to give it a go themselves, here are the biggest local SEO mistakes to avoid and the steps to make sure you don’t repeat them.

1. Ignoring Your Google Business Profile (GBP)

Setting up a Google Business Profile (GBP, formerly known as GMB or Google My Business) is your first move in local SEO. Without it, you’re missing out on the chance to appear on Google Maps and local search results.

Common Mistakes with GBP:

• Not verifying your profile it won’t show up until you do.
• Inconsistent info make sure your name, address, and phone number (NAP) match exactly across the web.
• Neglecting updates if you move or change your business hours, you need to update it. If you don’t, expect customer confusion and negative reviews.

PRO TIP: To ensure your GBP is optimized, use this Google Business Profile Optimization Checker.

2. Failing to Use Local Keywords Correctly

Just because a keyword is popular doesn’t mean it’s going to help with local searches. If your focus is local customers, local keywords are your bread and butter.

Common Mistakes with Local Keywords:

• Ignoring location based keywords “plumber near me” or “plumber in [your city]” will perform better than just “plumber.”
• Overstuffing keywords Google’s smarter than that. Keep keywords natural within content.

Need help finding the right keywords? Try out the Local Keyword Research Tool to discover location specific keywords that work.

3. Inconsistent Citations Across Platforms

A citation is simply a mention of your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) across the web. When citations are inconsistent, it confuses search engines, making it harder to rank.

Citation Mistakes:

• Mismatched NAP details on different sites.
• Overlooking listings on directories like Yelp, Bing Places, and TripAdvisor.
• Not verifying your listings if they’re wrong, fix them ASAP.

For easy citation checks and verifications, consider using the Local Citations Checker and Verifier.

4. Poor Quality Local Backlinks

Backlinks from relevant local websites help boost your credibility with Google. But not all backlinks are created equal.

Common Mistakes:

• Buying backlinks from spammy sites this can tank your rankings.

• Ignoring local partnerships local chambers of commerce or neighbouring businesses can be valuable partners.

5. Not Creating Localized Content

Writing local focused content shows Google you’re serious about your area. But many businesses overlook this, leaving potential customers (and Google) without a clear sense of your relevance.

Localized Content Mistakes:

• Too generic content that doesn’t appeal to local needs.

• Lack of blog posts or guides that address local issues.

  Need ideas? Learn how to create effective local SEO content.

6. Ignoring Customer Reviews

Reviews are gold in local SEO. Good reviews boost your ranking and build trust, while negative reviews need addressing fast. But skipping reviews altogether? That’s a missed opportunity.

Review Mistakes:

• Not asking for reviews from happy customers.

• Ignoring negative feedback addressing issues shows you care.

  Curious about how long it takes for reviews to impact rankings? Check out this FAQ.

7. Skipping the Mobile Friendly Check

If your site isn’t mobile friendly, you’re in for a rough time in local SEO. Google prioritises mobile sites, and many local customers search directly from their phones.

Common Mobile Mistakes:

• Clunky navigation, hard to click buttons, tiny fonts, or unresponsive images.
• Slow loading times make sure your site loads in under 3 seconds.

Want to see if your site’s mobile friendly? Use the Mobile Friendly Checker to make sure everything’s in top shape.

FAQs: Common Local SEO Questions

1. Can I do SEO myself, or should I hire someone?
DIY SEO is possible, but it’s easy to make mistakes. If you want results without risking your rankings, consider hiring a local SEO expert.

2. Do I need SEO on every page?
Yes, every page should be optimised for SEO, especially if you want to rank for different local keywords. Read more about page by page SEO here.

3. How do I find the best keywords for my local SEO?
Focus on keywords that match your services and location. Check out the local keyword FAQ to get started.

To sum it up: If you’re just getting started with local SEO, these mistakes can make or break your online visibility. But if you’re ready to avoid them entirely, Frank Masotti and his team at Local SEO Optimization are pros at taking your local SEO to the next level.