Digitalks #29. Why Local SEO is Crucial for Visibility and Growth
Discover how local SEO can put your business on the map.
Digitalks is a virtual brown bag lunch meeting by Breadnbeyond’s Digital Marketing team where all valuable information, feedback, ideas, seminars, and training sessions are shared.
If you’ve ever typed “coffee shop near me” or “plumber in [your city]” into Google, you’ve already seen local SEO at work.
In a nutshell, local SEO makes sure your business shows up when people nearby are looking for what you offer.
It boosts your visibility, brings more people through your doors, and helps you stand out from the competition.
This article shares why local SEO matters, especially if you run a local business.
Our senior writer, Damar , breaks it down with a quick intro of Local SEO and simple tips to help you level up your Google Business Profile.
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO is essentially a way to help your business appear in Google search results when people in your area are looking for what you offer.
If your business keeps its online information accurate and updated, Google sees you as more trustworthy and useful.
Some basic information we’re discussing includes business address, open hours, contact information, reviews, and customer engagement.
The more complete and active your digital presence is, the higher your chances of appearing in local search results, including on Google Maps and “Map Pack” (the top three listings with a map).
Why Local SEO Matters for Your Business to Get Noticed?
A strong local SEO strategy ensures your business appears where and when it matters most: right in front of nearby customers, exactly when they need you.
When someone searches for a service right now (like “haircut near me” or “AC repair open today”), they don’t want to scroll through endless pages.
They want quick, reliable options close to home. If your business isn’t showing up, that potential customer is going to your competitor instead.
Local SEO helps bridge that gap. It puts your business on the map through tools like Google Maps, local listings, and the “local pack” at the top of search results.
That kind of visibility fosters trust, drives foot traffic, and generates leads that are ready to take action.
If you want your business to get noticed (and chosen) by people nearby, local SEO is essential.
So, where and how can you optimize Local SEO? That question leads us to the next point.
How to Optimize Google Business Profile
Optimizing local SEO relies heavily on fine-tuning your Google Business Profile (GBP), formerly known as Google My Business (GMB).
Your profile is often the first thing people see, so make sure it leaves a great impression.
There are three keyelements in GBP: relevant business information, engagement, and keywords.
Here’s how to optimize your Google Business Profile, such as:
#1. Claim and Complete Your Profile
First, claim your business on Google and fill in all the basics, such as name, address, phone, website, and hours.
The more complete your profile, the easier it is for customers to find you.
#2. Keep Your Info Accurate and Up-to-Date
Consistency is key. If your address, phone number, or hours change, make sure you update them on Google immediately.
Misleading information can confuse customers and harm your Google ranking.
#3. Add Photos and Videos
People love visuals!
Share photos and quick videos of what you do to give people a glimpse of your vibe before they even walk in.
Photos and short videos make your profile stand out and give customers a better sense of what to expect.
#4. Collect and Respond to Reviews
Positive reviews play a big role in boosting your local SEO.
Ask customers to share their experience, and reply to reviews — both the good and the not-so-good — to show you’re active and care about feedback.
This shows Google (and potential clients) that you’re engaged and responsive.
#5. Use Posts to Engage Customers
Share updates, special offers, or news directly on your Google Business Profile.
Regular posts keep your profile up to date and demonstrate to customers that you’re an active business.
#6. Set Up Messaging
Let customers reach out to you directly through your Google profile by enabling the messaging feature.
This makes it even easier for people to inquire about your services without leaving the search page.
Can You Reach Global Customers with Local SEO?
Yes, because Local SEO isn’t limited to reaching potential customers around your city or neighborhood.
The right strategies can also help you reach global customers, especially if your business operates in multiple locations or has a strong online presence.
Here are three ways to reach global customers with Local SEO:
Website and Local SEO
Your website is crucial in local SEO, even if you’re targeting customers worldwide.
Use location-based keywords, build dedicated pages for each area you serve, and tailor your content to match what people in those regions are actually searching for.
Targeted keywords help your site become more visible in local search results across different locations
Physical Locations
If you have physical offices or stores in different cities or countries, each location needs its own optimized Google Business Profile.
Setting up separate profiles for each branch makes it easier for customers in those areas to find you.
You can create a local presence for every office while benefiting from global reach.
Multi-Location Strategy
A multi-location SEO approach helps you appear in relevant searches, regardless of where the customer is located.
It means you have to optimize each physical location’s online presence.
Make sure that all contact information is accurate, and create location-specific content.
Optimizing Local SEO means optimizing your online presence for local search.
It aims to significantly improve your visibility, foot traffic, and overall growth.
You can start right away by fine-tuning your Google Business Profile, creating localized content, and building relevant backlinks.
The sooner you optimize Local SEO, the sooner you’ll start seeing the benefits!
At Breadnbeyond, we craft cool, professional, animated explainer videos.
Check our works here.
Ready to jazz up your next campaign with a snazzy new video ad? Drop us a line. We’re all ears, and we’ve got a FREE consultation for you.
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