If you’re a local business looking to grow your customer base, then mastering local SEO isn’t optional—it’s essential. Whether you’re a brick-and-mortar store, a service provider, or an ecommerce brand with local delivery, optimising your online presence for local search can dramatically increase foot traffic, enquiries, and revenue.
In this guide, we break down what local SEO really means, why it matters, and how you can implement it to attract more nearby customers.
What Is Local SEO and Why Should You Care?
Local SEO (local search engine optimisation) is the process of optimising your business to appear in local search results, especially on Google. When someone searches “near me” or looks for a product or service in a specific area, local SEO helps ensure your business shows up.
According to recent data:
- 78% of mobile local searches result in an offline purchase.
- 46% of all Google searches are seeking local information.
- Businesses that appear in the Local Pack (the map + listings that appear at the top of local results) get more clicks and more visits.
Step-by-Step Local SEO Strategy
1. Optimise Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
- Fully complete your profile with business hours, photos, services, and location.
- Use keywords in your business description.
- Keep it updated and respond to reviews quickly.
2. Collect and Manage Customer Reviews
- Reviews influence your visibility and credibility.
- Encourage happy customers to leave Google reviews.
- Always respond professionally—even to negative feedback.
3. Add Local Keywords to Your Website
- Target phrases like “marketing agency in Loughborough” or “plumber near Camden Town.”
- Use localised terms in your headers, meta descriptions, and page copy.
4. Create Local Landing Pages
- If you serve multiple areas, create separate pages for each location.
- Include relevant info like contact details, testimonials, and FAQs for that specific area.
5. Optimise for Mobile
- Over 60% of local searches come from mobile.
- Make sure your site is responsive and loads fast on all devices.
6. Build Local Backlinks
- Get listed in trusted local directories and niche-specific sites.
- Partner with other local businesses and organisations for link swaps or community features.
7. Use Schema Markup for Local Business
- Schema helps search engines understand your business better.
- Add structured data to include name, address, phone number (NAP), and more.
Pro Tips to Go the Extra Mile
- Keep NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) consistent across all platforms.
- Post updates and offers on your Google Business Profile.
- Add FAQs to your local pages to target voice search queries.
Local SEO = Local Results
You don’t need a massive marketing budget to dominate your local market—you need smart, targeted optimisation.
At APE Marketing, we help local brands increase visibility, convert foot traffic, and turn searchers into loyal customers.
If you’re ready to stop being invisible and start being found, let’s talk.
