Rank higher in local search results

According to recent studies and industry reports, the following factors are most important for ranking higher in local search results:

• Google Business Profile Optimization: Having a complete and accurate Google Business Profile is critical, with 36% of SEO professionals considering it the top ranking factor for local pack results.
• On page SEO elements: 36% of SEO professionals view on page elements as the most important factor for local organic search rankings.
• Link signals: Inbound links remain vital for ranking organically in local results.
• Reviews: Online reviews impact local rankings for 90% of brands.
• NAP consistency: Having consistent name, address, and phone number (NAP) information across online directories and citations is crucial.

Local Search Behavior Statistics

• 46% of all Google searches have local intent.
• 42% of local searches result in clicks on Google Map Pack results.
• 88% of people use Google Maps to find local businesses.
• 78% of local mobile searches result in an offline purchase.
• 28% of local searches lead to a purchase within 24 hours.

Impact of Local SEO

• Businesses in the Google 3 pack receive 126% more traffic and 93% more actions (calls, website clicks, driving directions) than businesses ranked 4 to 10.
• 80% of local searches convert.
• Businesses with complete Google Business Profiles are 2.7 times more likely to be considered reputable.
• 40% of local SEO campaigns achieve a 500% or better ROI.
• Improving a business rating from 3.5 to 3.7 stars can increase conversion rates by nearly 120%.

Mobile and “Near Me” Searches

• 57% of local searches are performed on mobile devices.
• Mobile search results have an 85% higher click through rate compared to desktop.
• “Near me” mobile searches including phrases like “can I buy” or “to buy” have increased by over 500% in the last two years.

These statistics highlight the importance of optimizing for local search and maintaining a strong online presence to rank higher in local results and attract more customers.

Local SEO That Works: How to Get Your Business Ranked and Keep It There

Look, here’s the deal. You’re not showing up where you need to in local search results, and it’s costing you money, customers, and probably your patience.

Frank Masotti at Local SEO Optimization helps local businesses crush their local SEO game by focusing on real strategies that work, whether you’re in healthcare, food service, real estate, or any other industry.

Most people’s “SEO strategies” are basically digital yoga they stretch around and hope for the best, but nothing ever actually moves.

Let’s go with stuff that does.

Why Local SEO Isn’t Optional Anymore

The days of people flipping through the Yellow Pages are gone.

Now, people search Google or Bing for businesses nearby, and the ones that know how to rank high are the ones winning.

So if you’re not showing up in the local pack (those top three map results) or on Google Maps, it’s time to fix it.

Without strong local SEO, you’re toast.

Get Ranked with Local SEO Tactics That Matter

1. Fix Up Your Google Business Profile

This is ground zero for local rankings.

Your Google Business Profile is basically your business’s online billboard.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Be Spot On with Your Info: Ensure every word in your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) is consistent. No typos, no odd abbreviations.
• Show Off with Photos and Posts: Active profiles win. Keep new photos coming and share updates. Google likes activity.
• Get Reviews & Respond: Reviews are pure gold, and responding builds trust with both customers and Google.

2. Get Your Website to Pull Its Weight

Your website’s setup can make or break your local search results.

Let’s go:

• Add Local Keywords Everywhere: Start dropping in keywords that include your city or neighbourhood on pages, headers, and descriptions.
• Dedicated Pages for Multiple Locations: If you’ve got more than one spot, make pages for each.
• Speed & Mobile Readiness: If your website loads slower than a three toed sloth on a cold day, you’re losing leads. Google loves fast, mobile friendly sites.

Need more tips on this? Check out these best local SEO strategies.

3. Consistency with Local Citations

Ever searched your own business and found the wrong address on some random directory?

That’s costing you.

Here’s what you do:

• Get Your NAP Consistent Across the Board: Make sure it’s exactly the same everywhere. Everywhere.
• Go Beyond Google & Bing: Yelp, Facebook, industry specific directories get your info on them all, but keep it consistent.

The NAP consistency guide breaks down how to do this right.

4. Earn Local Links That Matter

You can’t buy your way to the top, but good links get you there faster.

• Sponsor Events or Partner Locally: Local events, fundraisers, or charities usually link back to sponsors.
• Ask Local Influencers: Think local bloggers or reviewers, but make it real and useful.
• Get Into Business Directories: Most Chambers of Commerce list local businesses these links are clutch for local SEO.

Read this to master link building for local businesses.

5. Reviews and Reputation

People trust Google reviews like their best friend’s advice.

Google trusts reviews too, so stack them up.

• Make It Easy to Leave Reviews: Send out links in follow ups or post review prompts on social media.
• Respond Fast: Every time someone leaves a review, respond. Thank the good ones, fix the bad ones.
• Handle Bad Reviews Right: Never delete or ignore. Own it, fix it, and move forward.

For more on review strategy, check out reviews and reputation management.

The Tools to Help You Crush It

Look, you don’t need to break the bank here, but you do need a few basics:

• Google Business Profile Manager
• Bing Places (yep, people still use Bing)
• Local SEO Checklist Generator Get it here
• Citation Management Tool
• Local Keyword Research Tool Target your customers like a pro.

These tools help simplify things, especially if you’re running multiple locations or keeping up with a busy storefront.

FAQs

How long will this take?

For most, you’re looking at a 3 to 6 month grind to see real results. Local SEO is slow cooked, not microwaved.

Does Google Business Profile matter that much?

Absolutely. Without it, you’re invisible. Optimize it here.

Can I DIY my local SEO?

You can, but only if you’re serious about doing the work consistently. If time is short, hire it out to someone like us.

Why aren’t I ranking after a month?

If someone promises you results in a month, run. Local SEO takes time to build authority, consistency, and Google’s trust.