What Is Local SEO?

Local SEO is the process of optimizing your website and online properties so you can be found in localized searches.

Whether you’re a local service-based business, you have a brick and mortar store, or even serve multiple areas (like a chain or franchise), this guide is for you!

We’ll walk you through local ranking factors, how to optimize your website to rank highly, how to show up in the map pack, and ultimately how to get more business from search engines!

By using the resources and strategies in this guide, you can ensure that your business will be found when your target customers search online.

What Does Local SEO Look Like?

When we talk about local SEO, we’re looking to rank in search results that are localized.

Let’s take a look at some of the places that you’ll want to show up.

Here’s what a typical search looks like on Google:

As you can see, it’s 100% ads above the fold. HAHAHA!

This is supposed to be a joke, but it holds truth. Google has been pushing more ads into local search results over time, so this is something you’ll want to keep an eye out for going forward.

OK, here’s what it looks like after the ads:

This is commonly referred to as the “Local 3 Pack” / “Snack Pack” / “Map Pack”- You can see a maps pack with 3 listings, and then you can see the normal organic results underneath.

But that’s not the only place that search is influenced by Local SEO.

Ranking In Maps

Searches often use Google Maps to find local businesses, the strategies in this guide will help you rank highly here as well:

Mobile Results

It affects mobile results:

Knowledge Graph

It affects knowledge graph:

Searches Without A Geo-Modifier

Even when you search without a geo-modifier, you can get localized results.

Notice in the screenshot below, I searched just the term “dentist” without putting a city or location, but Google knows where I am and displayed localized results!

So, local is everywhere and if you have brick and mortar business, or service area based business, then this guide will help ensure that you are showing up where you need to be.