10 Ways To Use Local SEO for Service Based Business Growth

Local search is a big deal for small businesses. Nearly half (46%) of all Google searches are people looking for local information. That means if your business isn’t optimized for local search, you could be missing out on folks who are actively searching for your service offerings. In other words, local SEO for service based business visibility is a must if you want to grow your brand.

Search engines use local content, social media profiles, and online reviews to deliver the most relevant local results. It’s the best way to make sure your services are right there when folks in the neighborhood are ready to enlist your business services. But unlike the old days, you can’t simply throw your listing in the phone book and wait for a call. You need to take proactive steps to rise to the top.

Let’s look at ten ways to use local SEO for service based business growth.

1. Optimize Your Google My Business Profile

Google My Business (GMB) is a free tool for managing your business’s presence on Google Search and Maps. As far as local visibility goes, you really need to make sure you are listed. It’s an essential way to improve your local search rankings and visibility, directly impacting local traffic and conversions. 

You can get your business up and running here: Google Business Profile

The top factors for ranking in Google’s local pack are your main Google Business Profile category, the keywords you use in your profile title, and how close your address is to where the search is made. For instance, a landscaping business that routinely manages and optimizes its GMB profile might see a 25% increase in local queries and service requests.

2. Create Content With Local Relevance

Creating content that focuses on local issues, news, or events relevant to your area can significantly enhance your connection with the local audience and improve your rankings in local search queries. 

For instance, let’s say Dr. Bob is one of your many local dentists. Unlike other practices in the area, his practice consistently publishes blog posts about dental health challenges specific to the local sports season. This results in a noticeable increase in website traffic during peak times. So, the next time little Johnny gets hit by a fastball, Dr. Bob will be at the top of the search results, easily found by concerned parents searching for immediate care.

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3. Implement Local Keyword Optimization

Incorporating geographic-specific keywords into your blog content will help improve visibility in local search results, helping you attract more targeted traffic. This strategy is particularly effective for businesses that rely on local clientele. According to Google, 76% of consumers who perform a “near me” search visit a business within 24 hours.

For example, a local real estate agent should include neighborhood names and nearby landmarks in their property listings. By doing so, they’re likely to experience a significant increase in clicks and inquiries from potential homebuyers searching within those specific areas. It’s a more focused approach that ensures your business appears in front of the right audience at the right time.

4. Encourage and Manage Online Reviews

Collecting customer feedback on platforms like Google and Yelp will help boost your local SEO rankings and build trust with potential customers in the community. Reviews are critical in local search visibility because people are more likely to use your services when they see someone else had a good experience with you. Keeping a pulse on what folks think about you leads to better customer engagement. It can also help you improve your offerings. 

Gathering reviews is relatively simple. Take a local plumbing service, for instance. They sent automated follow-up emails asking customers to leave reviews after each service. This simple strategy resulted in a higher review rate and a noticeable improvement in their local search rankings, ultimately driving more business.

5. Acquire Local Backlinks

Gaining backlinks from reputable local websites is a powerful way to strengthen your site’s local search credibility and improve your rankings. Local backlinks signal to search engines that your business is a trusted part of the community. Some critical factors for ranking well in local organic search are having a dedicated page for each service, strong internal linking throughout your website, and high-quality inbound links to your domain.

For instance, a catering company that sponsors local charity events received mentions and links from local news websites. These backlinks enhanced their local search presence and brought in new customers from the community who found them through these credible sources.

6. Optimize for Mobile Users

Ensuring your website is mobile-friendly almost goes without saying in this digital age, as many users search for local services while on the go. A responsive, easy-to-navigate site improves user experience and can lead to more conversions from mobile searches. 82% of U.S. shoppers use their smartphones and rely on “near me” searches to find what they need locally. 

For example, a locksmith optimized their website for mobile, focusing on faster load times and a simplified booking process. As a result, they saw a significant increase in emergency call bookings from users searching on smartphones, effectively doubling their mobile-generated leads.

7. Utilize Structured Data Markup

Structured data markup is code that helps search engines understand your website’s content, allowing them to provide rich snippets in search results. This enhances how your business is displayed, improving both visibility and click-through rates. 

For instance, an event venue that implements structured data for its event listings can achieve a more prominent and detailed display in search results. This can lead to increased visibility and more bookings as potential customers are drawn to the rich snippets that offer more information at a glance.

8. Engage Locally on Social Media

Engaging with your local audience on social media is a powerful way to increase brand awareness and support your SEO through social signals. Connecting with people in your community can build a loyal following and drive more local traffic. 

For example, a fitness studio that hosts weekly Facebook Live sessions featuring local fitness challenges can grow its social media following and attract more clients from the area. This approach strengthens your online presence and builds a sense of community around your brand.

9. Get Listed in Local Directories

Listing your business in popular local online directories effectively boosts your SEO and improves your online presence. These directories help potential customers find your business more easily, increasing their likelihood of becoming clients. 

For example, a beauty salon that registers in a well-known local business directory may see a steady influx of new clients who discover it through the directory. This simple yet effective strategy can significantly enhance your visibility in the local market.

10. Analyze and Adapt With Local SEO Analytics

Using tools like Google Analytics to monitor your local SEO performance is crucial for understanding what strategies are working and which need adjustment. By regularly analyzing these insights, you can make data-driven decisions that optimize your efforts and maximize your results. 

For instance, a boutique hotel that adjusts its keywords and content strategy based on analytics data might experience a 40% increase in local bookings. Continuously adapting to consumers’ wants ensures that your local SEO strategy remains effective and aligned with current market trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have questions about what local SEO can do for your service-based business? Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions.

What is the difference between SEO and local SEO?

SEO focuses on improving your website’s visibility on a broader scale, while local SEO targets searches within specific geographic areas to attract nearby customers.

Where can I find affordable local SEO services?

Look for reputable agencies or freelancers specializing in local SEO. Compare reviews, packages, and results to find a service that fits your budget.

What should I look for in local business SEO packages? 

Aside from creating quality content that speask to your local community or service area, look for a freelancer or agency to help you with your Google Business Profile, local keyword targeting, online reviews, and local backlinks. These are essential for improving local search visibility.

How can local SEO experts help gain visibility for my service business?

Local SEO experts can optimize your online presence, ensuring your business appears in relevant local searches, driving more targeted traffic, and increasing customer inquiries.

Let the Neighborhood Know You’re There for Them

Using local SEO for service based business is essential for driving growth by making sure folks in your service area can easily find your business. Implementing these strategies will strengthen your presence in the local market, leading to increased visibility, more inquiries, and meaningful growth. Start optimizing today to connect with customers right in your community.