Local SEO Basics You Need to Turn ‘Near Me’ Searches Into Customers

Table Of Contents

• What is Local SEO, and How Does It Work?
• Stand Out Locally: How to Optimize Your Small Business for SEO
• 3 Common Questions About Local SEO
• Be the Local Favorite Using SEO

For small businesses, being visible online in your local community is key to attracting customers. But how can you make sure your business shows up when someone searches for services “near me”? That’s where Local SEO comes in.

Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) helps small businesses appear in location-based searches, putting you on the map—literally. Whether you own a pizza shop, a cleaning service, or a boutique, optimizing your business for local SEO ensures customers can find you when they need you most.

This beginner-friendly guide will walk you through exactly what Local SEO is, why it matters, and the steps to get started.

What is Local SEO, and How Does It Work?

Local SEO is a strategy that improves your business’s visibility in local search queries. For example, if someone searches “pizza shop near me” or “plumber in Atlanta,” Google uses local SEO factors to display results that are closest to the searcher.

Local SEO is slightly different from traditional SEO because it prioritizes:

• Proximity (how close you are to the searcher).
• Relevance (how well your business matches the search).
• Prominence (your online reputation, including reviews and visibility).

Two key areas of focus in Local SEO are:

The Map Pack

The Map Pack (also called the “Local Pack”) is a set of three local business results displayed alongside a Google Maps map. Being visible in this prime real estate can significantly increase your visibility and foot traffic.

Local Organic Rankings

Beyond the Map Pack, Local SEO also applies to traditional search results. For example, local blog posts, landing pages, and directory listings help your website rank when someone searches for location-specific queries.

Stand Out Locally: How to Optimize Your Small Business for SEO

If you’ve ever wondered how to get your business on the map—literally—local SEO is the answer.

Let’s go step by step on how to get started:

Start With Local Keywords

The foundation of local SEO is knowing what your customers are searching for. These are “local intent” keywords, like “plumber in Denver” or “best pizza near me.”

To find the right keywords:

• Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to see what people in your area are searching for.
• Look for phrases that include your location or service type.

Once you know your keywords, incorporate them into key parts of your website, like headlines, meta descriptions, and blog content.

For example, you may want to write a blog titled “5 Best Coffee Shops in Austin, TX,” if you’re targeting coffee lovers in that area.

Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP)

Your Google Business Profile is one of the most powerful tools for local SEO.

It’s the first thing many people see when they search for a business like yours. In fact, 64% of customers use Google My Business (GMB) to discover company addresses or phone numbers.

Here’s how you can make your Google Business Profile shine:

Keep Your NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) Consistent: This might seem small, but inconsistencies—like listing “St.” on one platform and “Street” on another—can confuse search engines.

Complete Every Field: Fill out your business hours, services, and description. The more complete your profile, the better your chances of showing up in searches.

Add High-Quality Photos: Include pictures of your storefront, team, or products. People love visuals, and great photos can build trust.

Encourage Customer Reviews: Reviews boost your credibility and influence rankings. Ask happy customers to leave feedback, and make it easy for them by providing direct links or QR codes.

Build Local Links

When it comes to Local SEO, links from nearby businesses and organizations do more than just improve your rankings—they show Google that you’re a real part of the community. These local links act as a trust signal, telling search engines that your business is relevant and credible in your area.

But why are local links such a big deal?

For starters, they help search engines understand that your business is connected to the local community. These links also bring more people to your website, often from your target audience—locals looking for what you offer.

The more links you have from trusted local sources, the more Google sees you as a go-to resource in your area.

Here’s how to get started:

• Partner with nearby businesses for cross-promotions. For instance, a bakery and a florist could share links to each other’s websites.
• Join your Chamber of Commerce to get listed on their website.
• Sponsor local events or sports teams—this often comes with a backlink and valuable exposure.

Don’t Forget On-Page Optimization

Local SEO starts with naturally using location-specific keywords in your content. These could be phrases like “pizza delivery in Chicago” or “family dentist in Houston.”

The key is to weave them into your headlines, descriptions, and page copy without making them feel forced.

Adding your address and phone number to your footer might seem like a small detail, but it’s crucial. It allows customers and search engines to see exactly where you’re located easily.

If your business serves multiple areas, creating dedicated landing pages for each location can really boost your visibility online.

For example, if you’re a landscaper covering Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe, each city should have its own page with unique content tailored to that area. This ensures people searching locally can find the exact information they need.

But why does this matter for local SEO?

Search engines want to connect users with the most relevant results. When your website clearly shows where you’re located and what you offer, you’re more likely to appear in front of the right audience at the right time.

Make Sure Your Website is Mobile-Friendly

More often than not, local searches happen on mobile devices. Whether someone’s looking for a nearby bakery or a handyman, they’re usually doing it from their phone.

That’s why a mobile-friendly website is an absolute must—it ensures potential customers don’t bounce off your site the moment they land on it.

Don’t believe us? Take a look at these eye-opening statistics:

• 54% of all website traffic is generated from mobile phones.
• 63% of Google searches occur on mobile in the U.S.
• Americans spend an average of 4.5 hours on their phone a day

Why is this so important for local SEO? Google favors mobile-friendly websites, especially for local searches. If your site isn’t optimized, you’re not just losing customers—you’re likely losing search rankings too.

A mobile-ready site shows both Google and your audience that you’re serious about providing a great experience, no matter how they find you.

A good mobile experience includes:

• Fast loading times.
• A responsive design that adjusts to different screen sizes.
• Easy-to-click buttons and menus.

If you’re not sure where to start, LOGO.com x Wix offers templates that are already optimized for mobile, making your job much easier.

3 Common Questions About Local SEO

1. How Is Local SEO Different From Regular SEO?

Local SEO focuses on ranking for location-based searches and uses additional factors like proximity and Google Business Profile.

2. Can I Do Local SEO Myself?

Yes! Small business owners can handle local SEO themselves with tools like Google Business Profile, LOGO.com x Wix, and free keyword research tools.

3. Is Local SEO Still Relevant?

Absolutely. With more people searching for businesses “near me,” Local SEO remains essential for attracting local customers and driving foot traffic.

Be the Local Favorite Using SEO

Local SEO can be a powerful way for your small business to connect with local customers. By using location-specific keywords, optimizing your Google Business Profile, and making your website easy to use and mobile-friendly, you can stand out and attract more customers in your area.

With LOGO.com and Wix, building a professional, SEO-friendly website is simple. Their customizable templates and built-in tools make it easy to create a website that reflects your brand and reaches the right audience no matter where they are. From adding local keywords to tailoring pages for specific neighborhoods, you’ll have everything you need to grow your visibility.

Ready to make your business the local favorite?

Start optimizing for local SEO today, and let LOGO.com and Wix help you connect with customers right where you are.