{"id":141403,"date":"2022-04-29T03:56:22","date_gmt":"2022-04-29T08:56:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/?p=141403"},"modified":"2024-08-14T15:31:37","modified_gmt":"2024-08-14T20:31:37","slug":"local-seo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/local-seo\/","title":{"rendered":"Local SEO: The Complete Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 14\" style><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\" \/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style \/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><div class=\"link-text\" data-anchor=\"What is local SEO?\" data-section=\"what-is-local seo\">\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-178501-_30abvnbj0mfx\"><\/a>What is local&nbsp;SEO?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Local SEO is a strategy that helps Google understand where your business is, what you offer, and how trustworthy you are. This improves your ranking in local search results, benefiting any business with a physical location or that serves a local&nbsp;area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, this pizzeria ranks #1 in the local pack and \u201cblue link\u201d organic results:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1676\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/word-image-178501-1.jpg\" alt=\"This pizzeria ranks #1 in the local pack and &quot;blue link&quot; results because it's nearby, exactly what I was searching for, and has a great reputation\" class=\"wp-image-178502\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/word-image-178501-1.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/word-image-178501-1-519x425.jpg 519w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/word-image-178501-1-768x629.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/word-image-178501-1-1536x1257.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This is because it\u2019s close to me, has exactly what I need, and has a great reputation (4.7\/5 from 994 reviews).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 14\" style><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\" \/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style \/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><div class=\"link-text\" data-anchor=\"Why is local SEO important?\" data-section=\"why-is-local-seo-important\">\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-178501-_etcjzsf12syo\"><\/a>Why is local SEO important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Local SEO is important because many people use search engines to find local businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thinkwithgoogle.com\/consumer-insights\/mobile-search-trends-consumers-to-stores\/\">according to Google<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>30% of all mobile searches are related to location.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>78% of people who search for something nearby on their phones visit the business within a&nbsp;day.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>28% of searches for something nearby result in a purchase.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In short, customers are searching for your business. If you\u2019re not there, you\u2019re leaving money on the&nbsp;table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 14\" style><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\" \/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style \/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><div class=\"link-text\" data-anchor=\"How does local SEO work?\" data-section=\"how-does-local-seo work\">\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-178501-_t3q0kzvqiu48\"><\/a>How does local SEO&nbsp;work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Local SEO is a game of two halves because Google shows two types of search results for local searches. These are local pack results and organic \u201cblue link\u201d results. You can rank on both of&nbsp;them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1934\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/infographic-of-types-of-results-on-google-serp.png\" alt=\"Infographic of types of results on Google SERP\" class=\"wp-image-178503\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/infographic-of-types-of-results-on-google-serp.png 1800w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/infographic-of-types-of-results-on-google-serp-396x425.png 396w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/infographic-of-types-of-results-on-google-serp-768x825.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/infographic-of-types-of-results-on-google-serp-1430x1536.png 1430w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-178501-_p0axropdm5kc\"><\/a>Map pack results<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The map pack (aka local pack) is a Google SERP feature that shows the top local business listings and a map. It often appears at the very top of Google\u2019s search results for local searches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-178501-_vued6rf9brod\"><\/a>Organic search results<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The \u201cregular\u201d organic search results are the \u201cten blue links\u201d that we\u2019re all familiar with. They usually appear below the map pack results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 14\" style><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\" \/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style \/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><div class=\"link-text\" data-anchor=\"What is a good local SEO strategy?\" data-section=\"what-is-a-good-local-seo-strategy\">\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-178501-_z3lmeot3cebc\"><\/a>What is a good local SEO strategy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Lay a strong foundation with initial optimizations, then put systems in place to automate as much as you can going forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, reviews are important but getting more of them doesn\u2019t have to be a chore. You can do simple things to encourage customers to leave them, such as placing cards like these on tables if you run a restaurant:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/word-image-178501-3.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-178504\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/word-image-178501-3.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/word-image-178501-3-567x425.jpg 567w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/word-image-178501-3-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This is what I like to call passive local SEO. As long as you\u2019re delighting your customers, your online reputation will grow on autopilot and rankings should improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep this idea in mind as you go through the rest of this&nbsp;guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 14\" style><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\" \/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style \/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><div class=\"link-text\" data-anchor=\"How to do local SEO\" data-section=\"how-to-do-local seo\">\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-178501-_ceic196lsks\"><\/a>How to do local&nbsp;SEO<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Doing local SEO involves optimizing for the local pack and the regular \u201cblue link\u201d organic results. To do this, you optimize for local ranking factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of these are important for both the local pack and regular results, whereas others are more important for just one of&nbsp;them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1701\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/venn-diagram-showing-some-ranking-factors-overlap.png\" alt=\"Venn diagram showing some ranking factors &quot;overlap,&quot; i.e., some factors are important to both &quot;map pack&quot; and &quot;regular&quot; results \" class=\"wp-image-178505\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/venn-diagram-showing-some-ranking-factors-overlap.png 1800w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/venn-diagram-showing-some-ranking-factors-overlap-450x425.png 450w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/venn-diagram-showing-some-ranking-factors-overlap-768x726.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/venn-diagram-showing-some-ranking-factors-overlap-1536x1452.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s go through the process of local SEO from start to finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-178501-_5rrh797qhqr4\"><\/a>1. Get a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) and optimize it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A Google Business Profile is a local listing with information about your business. It\u2019s free and allows your business to appear in the map pack and Google Maps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>36% of SEOs think your Google Business Profile is the most important ranking factor for the map pack. And 6% believe that it\u2019s important for the \u201cregular\u201d organic results. That\u2019s according to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightlocal.com\/learn\/key-ranking-factors-for-local-seo\/\">BrightLocal\u2019s survey<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1330\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/bar-graph-showing-percentage-of-seos-who-think-gbp.png\" alt=\"Bar graph showing percentage of SEOs who think GBP is most important ranking factor for map pack and &quot;regular&quot; results, respectively \" class=\"wp-image-178506\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/bar-graph-showing-percentage-of-seos-who-think-gbp.png 1800w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/bar-graph-showing-percentage-of-seos-who-think-gbp-575x425.png 575w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/bar-graph-showing-percentage-of-seos-who-think-gbp-768x567.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/bar-graph-showing-percentage-of-seos-who-think-gbp-1536x1135.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This isn\u2019t surprising, as you <em>need<\/em> a Google Business Profile to stand any chance of ranking on the map&nbsp;pack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Business Profile signals are increasing in their perceived importance for the map pack over time&nbsp;too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1283\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/table-showing-perceived-importance-of-gbp-over-tim.png\" alt=\"Table showing perceived importance of GBP over time for map pack and regular results, respectively\" class=\"wp-image-178507\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/table-showing-perceived-importance-of-gbp-over-tim.png 1800w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/table-showing-perceived-importance-of-gbp-over-tim-596x425.png 596w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/table-showing-perceived-importance-of-gbp-over-tim-768x547.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/table-showing-perceived-importance-of-gbp-over-tim-1536x1095.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond rankings, Google <a href=\"https:\/\/support.google.com\/business\/answer\/10515606?hl=en\">states<\/a> that customers are 70% more likely to visit businesses with a complete Business Profile. They\u2019re also 50% more likely to consider buying from them. So it\u2019s clear that a complete and optimized Business Profile is essential if you want to attract more business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few best practices <a href=\"https:\/\/support.google.com\/business\/answer\/10515606?hl=en#zippy=%2Cadd-services-offered%2Cadd-in-store-products%2Cupload-photos-videos-regularly%2Cselect-attributes-to-describe-your-business\">from Google<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Be specific when setting your business category<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set your business hours (including holiday hours)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add your address (if you have a storefront)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set your service area (if you visit or deliver to customers and clients)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add the products or services you&nbsp;offer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add photos<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ask customers for reviews<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"further-reading\"><div class=\"reading-title\">Further reading<\/div><div class=\"reading-content\">\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/google-my-business\/\">How to Optimize Your Google My Business Listing in 30 Minutes<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-178501-_11wxrgd5h9vu\"><\/a>2. Get more reviews<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Reviews refer to the quantity and quality of reviews on your Google Business Profile and elsewhere online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>BrightLocal\u2019s 2021 study shows that 17% of SEOs deem reviews the most important ranking factor for map pack rankings. But only 5% see them as most important for regular organic rankings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1329\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/bar-graph-showing-percentage-of-seos-who-think-rev.png\" alt=\"Bar graph showing percentage of SEOs who think reviews are most important ranking factor for map pack and &quot;regular&quot; results, respectively \" class=\"wp-image-178508\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/bar-graph-showing-percentage-of-seos-who-think-rev.png 1800w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/bar-graph-showing-percentage-of-seos-who-think-rev-576x425.png 576w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/bar-graph-showing-percentage-of-seos-who-think-rev-768x567.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/bar-graph-showing-percentage-of-seos-who-think-rev-1536x1134.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Reviews have also grown in their perceived importance for map pack rankings over the past few&nbsp;years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1191\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/table-showing-perceived-importance-of-reviews-over.png\" alt=\"Table showing perceived importance of reviews over time for map pack and regular results, respectively\" class=\"wp-image-178509\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/table-showing-perceived-importance-of-reviews-over.png 1800w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/table-showing-perceived-importance-of-reviews-over-642x425.png 642w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/table-showing-perceived-importance-of-reviews-over-768x508.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/table-showing-perceived-importance-of-reviews-over-1536x1016.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>But reviews aren\u2019t only about rankings. Getting reviews on your Google Business Profile and elsewhere builds trust with Google and customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few best practices for getting more reviews <a href=\"https:\/\/support.google.com\/business\/answer\/3474122?hl=en-GB\">from Google<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Remind customers to leave reviews (you can create and share a review link in Google Business Manager)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Focus on getting reviews on your Google Business Profile<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Respond to reviews to build trust (you\u2019ll need a verified Google Business Profile to do&nbsp;this)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t offer or accept money in exchange for reviews (it\u2019s against <a href=\"https:\/\/support.google.com\/contributionpolicy\/answer\/7411351?hl=en&amp;ref_topic=7422769\">Google\u2019s terms<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t discourage bad reviews or request good reviews from customers (it\u2019s against Google\u2019s terms)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-178501-_i32d0z1woyef\"><\/a>3. Get listed in directories (for more NAP citations)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A NAP citation mentions your business\u2019s name, address, and phone number online. They usually appear on business directories and social media profiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are also NAPW citations that mention your website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>BrightLocal\u2019s 2021 study shows that 7% of SEOs think citations are the most important ranking factor. That\u2019s true for both the map pack and regular results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/bar-graph-showing-percentage-of-seos-who-think-cit.png\" alt=\"Bar graph showing percentage of SEOs who think citations are most important ranking factor for map pack and &quot;regular&quot; results, respectively \" class=\"wp-image-178510\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/bar-graph-showing-percentage-of-seos-who-think-cit.png 1800w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/bar-graph-showing-percentage-of-seos-who-think-cit-573x425.png 573w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/bar-graph-showing-percentage-of-seos-who-think-cit-768x569.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/bar-graph-showing-percentage-of-seos-who-think-cit-1536x1138.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In other words, they\u2019re somewhat important\u2014but not as important as they used to&nbsp;be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The perceived importance of citations among SEOs has been declining since&nbsp;2014.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1192\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/table-showing-perceived-importance-of-citations-ov.png\" alt=\"Table showing perceived importance of citations over time for map pack and regular results, respectively\" class=\"wp-image-178511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/table-showing-perceived-importance-of-citations-ov.png 1800w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/table-showing-perceived-importance-of-citations-ov-642x425.png 642w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/table-showing-perceived-importance-of-citations-ov-768x509.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/table-showing-perceived-importance-of-citations-ov-1536x1017.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, citations can still help searchers discover your business online. This is because directories often rank on the search results for local queries. So if you\u2019re in those directories, the people who click on them in the search results may find your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few best practices:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Get listed with big data aggregators (in the U.S., these are <a href=\"https:\/\/local-listings.data-axle.com\/search\">Data Axle<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neustarlocaleze.biz\/directory\/us\/\">Localeze<\/a>, and <a href=\"http:\/\/business.foursquare.com\/\">Foursquare<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Submit to other big players (in the U.S., these include Apple Maps, Yelp, Yellow Pages, Bing Places, and Facebook)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Submit to other popular directories in your local area and industry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep your citations consistent (same name, address, phone number) everywhere<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"further-reading\"><div class=\"reading-title\">Further reading<\/div><div class=\"reading-content\">\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/local-citations\/\">How to Build Local Citations (Complete Guide)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"recommendation\"><div class=\"recommendation-title\">TIP<\/div><div class=\"recommendation-content\">\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a quick way to find industry and local directories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Paste your homepage into <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/site-explorer\">Site Explorer<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Go to <strong>Link Intersect <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enter the homepages of a few competing businesses in your&nbsp;area<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set the search mode to \u201cURL\u201d for all targets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click \u201cShow link opportunities\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>This will show you sites linking to one or more of your competitors, but not&nbsp;you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"806\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/link-intersect-report-results-1.png\" alt=\"Link Intersect report results \" class=\"wp-image-178529\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/link-intersect-report-results-1.png 1600w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/link-intersect-report-results-1-680x343.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/link-intersect-report-results-1-768x387.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/link-intersect-report-results-1-1536x774.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If a website links to many competitors, it\u2019s probably a directory where you can also add a listing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-178528-_hiawpabxuf5j\"><\/a>4. Do local keyword research<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Local keyword research is the process of understanding how people search for the local services you&nbsp;offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important because you want to optimize for what people search for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s go through how to do&nbsp;this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-178528-_3mtmc4ualg1e\"><\/a>a. Find service-based keywords<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Most people don\u2019t think about the different ways that others may search for what they&nbsp;do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if you\u2019re a plumber, some customers will find you by typing \u201cplumber\u201d into Google. But others will search for queries relating to specific services like \u201cdrain unblocking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For that reason, you should begin by brainstorming and listing the services you offer. This will help you maximize your presence for queries your customers are searching for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what that can look like for a plumber:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Drain unblocking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Boiler repair<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Boiler installation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Boiler servicing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Radiator installation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Burst pipe repair<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To expand this list, use the service keywords as \u201cseeds\u201d to find more services people are searching for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if we plug the services above into Ahrefs\u2019 <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/keywords-explorer\">Keywords Explorer<\/a> and check the <strong>Matching terms<\/strong> report, we see keywords like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>gas boiler installation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>combi boiler installation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>electric boiler installation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1224\" height=\"1174\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/matching-terms-report-results-1.png\" alt=\"Matching terms report results \" class=\"wp-image-178530\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/matching-terms-report-results-1.png 1224w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/matching-terms-report-results-1-443x425.png 443w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/matching-terms-report-results-1-768x737.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1224px) 100vw, 1224px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you offer those services, you may also want to consider targeting these keywords.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s another way to find \u201cmissed\u201d keywords:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plug a competing business into Ahrefs\u2019 <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/site-explorer\">Site Explorer<\/a>, go to the <strong>Top pages<\/strong> report, and look for URLs that map to services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1496\" height=\"1278\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/top-pages-report-results-1.png\" alt=\"Top pages report results \" class=\"wp-image-178531\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/top-pages-report-results-1.png 1496w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/top-pages-report-results-1-497x425.png 497w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/top-pages-report-results-1-768x656.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1496px) 100vw, 1496px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-178528-_93grm3rhpooz\"><\/a>b. Check search volumes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>\u200b\u200bKeyword research tools show you national search volumes. If you want search volumes for your state, city, or town, you\u2019ll have to use <a href=\"https:\/\/ads.google.com\/intl\/en_uk\/home\/tools\/keyword-planner\/\">Google Keyword Planner<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"706\" height=\"476\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/gkp-results-with-location-turned-on-1.png\" alt=\"GKP results with location turned on\" class=\"wp-image-178532\" style=\"width:455px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/gkp-results-with-location-turned-on-1.png 706w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/gkp-results-with-location-turned-on-1-630x425.png 630w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 706px) 100vw, 706px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, Keyword Planner has its issues:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It shows broad search volume ranges (e.g., 1K-10K), not absolute numbers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It groups keywords and shows a combined rounded search volume.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>For that reason, checking the relative popularity of keywords at the national level tends to be more productive. This is because what happens in one city is likely to be similar in the&nbsp;next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can do this with a keyword research tool like Ahrefs\u2019 <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/keywords-explorer\">Keywords Explorer<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, the tool tells us that more people search for \u201cboiler repair\u201d than \u201cboiler installation\u201d in the U.K.:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"646\" height=\"224\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/keyword-explorer-search-results-1.png\" alt=\"Keyword Explorer search results \" class=\"wp-image-178533\" style=\"width:505px;height:auto\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This is probably the case whichever city we\u2019re in, so it\u2019s an excellent way to prioritize keywords.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-178528-_p5k21n2i6p4p\"><\/a>c. Check for local intent<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Local intent means that searchers want to shop nearby. If that isn\u2019t the case for your services, it\u2019s not a local SEO opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To check a query for local intent, Google it and check the results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If there\u2019s a map pack and\/or some local \u201cblue link\u201d results, it has local intent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1073\" height=\"1600\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/google-serp-for-boiler-installation-map-pack-an-1.png\" alt=\"Google SERP for &quot;boiler installation&quot;; map pack and blue link result can be seen \" class=\"wp-image-178534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/google-serp-for-boiler-installation-map-pack-an-1.png 1073w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/google-serp-for-boiler-installation-map-pack-an-1-285x425.png 285w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/google-serp-for-boiler-installation-map-pack-an-1-768x1145.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/google-serp-for-boiler-installation-map-pack-an-1-1030x1536.png 1030w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1073px) 100vw, 1073px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If there are no map pack and local \u201cblue link\u201d results, it doesn\u2019t have local intent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1404\" height=\"882\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/no-map-pack-and-no-local-blue-link-result-1.png\" alt=\"No map pack and no local &quot;blue link&quot; result \" class=\"wp-image-178535\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/no-map-pack-and-no-local-blue-link-result-1.png 1404w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/no-map-pack-and-no-local-blue-link-result-1-677x425.png 677w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/no-map-pack-and-no-local-blue-link-result-1-768x482.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1404px) 100vw, 1404px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You can still target keywords without local intent, but it\u2019s not a job for local&nbsp;SEO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-178528-_5olmp4wlb0p0\"><\/a>d. Assign keywords to&nbsp;pages<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Your homepage is unlikely to rank for all your service keywords. So you\u2019ll need to target some with separate pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To assign keywords to URLs, think about which services they map&nbsp;to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If they map to very different services, such as \u201cboiler installation\u201d and \u201cburst pipe repair,\u201d assign them to separate pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If they map to the same service, such as \u201cdrain unblocking\u201d and \u201cdrain unclogging,\u201d assign them to the same&nbsp;page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can learn more about this process in our local keyword research guide&nbsp;below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"further-reading\"><div class=\"reading-title\">Further reading<\/div><div class=\"reading-content\">\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/local-keyword-research\/\">How to Do Local Keyword Research<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-178528-_5bsd7ey4dedy\"><\/a>5. Get more backlinks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Links act like votes for your site from other websites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>BrightLocal\u2019s study shows that 31% of SEOs deem links the most important signal for ranking on regular organic search. 13% think the same for map pack rankings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1181\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/bar-graph-showing-percentage-of-seos-who-think-lin-1.png\" alt=\"Bar graph showing percentage of SEOs who think links are most important ranking factor for map pack and &quot;regular&quot; results, respectively \" class=\"wp-image-178536\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/bar-graph-showing-percentage-of-seos-who-think-lin-1.png 1600w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/bar-graph-showing-percentage-of-seos-who-think-lin-1-576x425.png 576w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/bar-graph-showing-percentage-of-seos-who-think-lin-1-768x567.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/bar-graph-showing-percentage-of-seos-who-think-lin-1-1536x1134.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For many, this won\u2019t come as much of a surprise. In 2016, Google <a href=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/now-know-googles-top-three-search-ranking-factors-245882\">said<\/a> that backlinks are one of their top three ranking factors. Plus, many studies have found <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/search-traffic-study\/\">a strong correlation between links and organic traffic<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1353\" height=\"1600\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/line-graph-showing-the-more-referring-domains-the.png\" alt=\"Line graph showing the more referring domains, the higher the search traffic \" class=\"wp-image-178537\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/line-graph-showing-the-more-referring-domains-the.png 1353w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/line-graph-showing-the-more-referring-domains-the-359x425.png 359w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/line-graph-showing-the-more-referring-domains-the-768x908.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/line-graph-showing-the-more-referring-domains-the-1299x1536.png 1299w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1353px) 100vw, 1353px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Links are increasing in their perceived importance for \u201cregular\u201d local rankings over time too. But their perceived importance for \u201cmap pack\u201d rankings has stayed roughly the&nbsp;same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1059\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/table-showing-perceived-importance-of-links-over-t-1.png\" alt=\"Table showing perceived importance of links over time for map pack and regular results, respectively\" class=\"wp-image-178538\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/table-showing-perceived-importance-of-links-over-t-1.png 1600w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/table-showing-perceived-importance-of-links-over-t-1-642x425.png 642w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/table-showing-perceived-importance-of-links-over-t-1-768x508.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/table-showing-perceived-importance-of-links-over-t-1-1536x1017.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few best practices:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Get links from other top-ranking sites<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Get links your competitors have (use Ahrefs\u2019 <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/link-intersect\">Link Intersect tool<\/a> for&nbsp;this)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Get local citations (these often have&nbsp;links)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Claim <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/unlinked-mentions\/\">unlinked mentions<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reclaim lost links by redirecting old versions of your pages to new versions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"further-reading\"><div class=\"reading-title\">Further reading<\/div><div class=\"reading-content\">\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/local-link-building\/\">9 Easy Local Link Building Tactics<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-178528-_nqtfxo7yswco\"><\/a>6. Improve your on-page SEO<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>On-page SEO is where you make changes to the content of a page to help it rank higher on organic search results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>BrightLocal\u2019s study shows that 34% of SEOs think on-page signals are the most important factor for regular organic search. And 16% believe it\u2019s the most important factor for map pack rankings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1180\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/bar-graph-showing-percentage-of-seos-who-think-on-1-1.png\" alt=\"Bar graph showing percentage of SEOs who think on-page SEO is most important ranking factor for map pack and &quot;regular&quot; results, respectively \" class=\"wp-image-178539\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/bar-graph-showing-percentage-of-seos-who-think-on-1-1.png 1600w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/bar-graph-showing-percentage-of-seos-who-think-on-1-1-576x425.png 576w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/bar-graph-showing-percentage-of-seos-who-think-on-1-1-768x566.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/bar-graph-showing-percentage-of-seos-who-think-on-1-1-1536x1133.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>On-page signals are also growing in their perceived importance for local SEO. You can see this from the results of BrightLocal\u2019s previous surveys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1058\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/table-showing-perceived-importance-of-on-page-seo-1.png\" alt=\"Table showing perceived importance of on-page SEO over time for map pack and regular results, respectively\" class=\"wp-image-178540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/table-showing-perceived-importance-of-on-page-seo-1.png 1600w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/table-showing-perceived-importance-of-on-page-seo-1-643x425.png 643w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/table-showing-perceived-importance-of-on-page-seo-1-768x508.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/table-showing-perceived-importance-of-on-page-seo-1-1536x1016.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few best practices:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tailor your pages for search intent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Include your NAP information on your website<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Write compelling <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/title-tag-seo\/\">meta titles<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/meta-description\/\">descriptions<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use descriptive, <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/seo-friendly-urls\/\">SEO-friendly URLs<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/image-seo\/\">Optimize your images<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/internal-links-for-seo\/\">Internally link<\/a> to and from pages where relevant<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Include details that matter to searchers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"recommendation\"><div class=\"recommendation-title\">TIP<\/div><div class=\"recommendation-content\">\n\n\n\n<p>One way to find details that matter to searchers is to check what top-ranking pages in your area talk about. You can do this by looking at the pages. Or you can use <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/keywords-explorer\">Keywords Explorer<\/a> to find keywords mentioned on the top-ranking pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how to do&nbsp;that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Enter [service keyword] [location] (e.g., \u201cboiler repair london\u201d)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Go to the <strong>Related terms <\/strong>report<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hit the toggles for \u201cAlso talk about\u201d and \u201cTop&nbsp;10\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1130\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/related-terms-report-results-1.png\" alt=\"Related terms report results \" class=\"wp-image-178541\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/related-terms-report-results-1.png 1600w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/related-terms-report-results-1-602x425.png 602w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/related-terms-report-results-1-768x542.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/related-terms-report-results-1-1536x1085.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some of the frequently mentioned keywords on the top-ranking pages for \u201cboiler repair london\u201d and what they likely infer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u201cgas safe\u201d<\/strong> \u2013 Searchers probably want an engineer who\u2019s on the Gas Safe Register, the official gas safety body in the U.K.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u201cgreater london\u201d<\/strong> \u2013 Searchers probably want to know whether the business supplies this service in their&nbsp;area.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u201cgas boiler\u201d<\/strong> \u2013 Searchers probably want to know whether the business can repair their type of boiler.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u201cemergency call\u201d <\/strong>\u2013 Searchers probably want to know whether the business does emergency callouts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It would be worth mentioning these things on your&nbsp;page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"further-reading\"><div class=\"reading-title\">Further reading<\/div><div class=\"reading-content\">\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/seo\/on-page-seo\" data-ahr=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/on-page-seo\/\">On-Page SEO: Complete Beginner\u2019s Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 14\" style><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\" \/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style \/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><div class=\"link-text\" data-anchor=\"Local SEO tools\" data-section=\"local-seo tools\">\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-178501-_kxtz6ic89o5\"><\/a>Local SEO&nbsp;tools<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s bring things to a close with a few local SEO tools you may find useful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-178501-_7d15q6m954jd\"><\/a>Google Business Manager<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/intl\/en_uk\/business\/\">Google Business Manager<\/a>, formerly Google My Business, is how you manage your Google Business Profile. Signing up for it is completely free and is something every local business owner should use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-178501-_5c55kuld9aar\"><\/a>Google Search Console<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/search.google.com\/search-console\/welcome\">Google Search Console<\/a> is a free tool for monitoring your website\u2019s search performance. It tells you how much search traffic you\u2019re getting, where it\u2019s going, and what keywords it\u2019s coming from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-178501-_cd4xabxi12d3\"><\/a>Ahrefs\u2019 Rank Tracker<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/rank-tracker\">Rank Tracker<\/a> lets you track up to 10,000 keyword rankings for \u201cregular\u201d organic search by country, state, city, and even ZIP\/postal code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-178501-_rf46msukfg9x\"><\/a>Ahrefs Link Intersect<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Our <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/link-intersect\">Link Intersect tool<\/a> lets you find websites that link to multiple competitors. This is useful for finding relevant local and industry-specific citations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-178501-_lae54j1nuzef\"><\/a>Grid My Business<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/gridmybusiness.com\/\">Grid My Business<\/a> shows map pack ranking positions for a keyword in the area around your business. It\u2019s freemium and is useful for understanding if and where local searchers are likely to see your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-178501-_hbspvtg7ofhb\"><\/a>Yext<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.yext.com\/solutions\/marketing\/location-listings\">Yext<\/a> is a tool for syncing and managing business information across multiple listings. It\u2019s useful for keeping citations consistent, although you can do this manually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-178501-_40602e9v51qn\"><\/a>Google Keyword Planner<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ads.google.com\/intl\/en_uk\/home\/tools\/keyword-planner\/\">Google Keyword Planner<\/a> is a free keyword research tool from Google. It\u2019s a useful source of search volume ranges at the local&nbsp;level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-178501-_th4vhjhlki1n\"><\/a>Learn more about local&nbsp;SEO<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Hopefully, you now have a pretty good understanding of how local SEO works. If you want to dig deeper and continue learning, check out these resources:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/local-keyword-research\/\">How to Do Local Keyword Research<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/local-seo-solutions\/\">Local SEO Solutions: 8 Tips to Boost Local Rankings<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/local-citations\/\">How to Build Local Citations<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/link-building-strategies\/\">9 Easy Local Link Building Tactics<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/google-my-business\/\">How to Optimize Your Google My Business Listing in 30 Minutes<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Local SEO is a strategy that helps Google understand where your business is, what you offer, and how trustworthy you are. This improves your ranking in local search results, benefiting any business with a physical location or that serves a<span class=\"ellipsis\">\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"read-more\">Read more \u203a<\/div>\n<p><!-- end of .read-more --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":114,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wp_typography_post_enhancements_disabled":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[197],"tags":[],"coauthors":[336],"class_list":["post-141403","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-local-seo","odd"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Local SEO: The Complete Guide<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Local SEO is improving your online presence to get more business from local searches\u2014and it focuses on optimizing for Google users.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/local-seo\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Local SEO: The Complete Guide\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Leverage on your neighborhood.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/local-seo\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"SEO Blog by Ahrefs\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Ahrefs\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-04-29T08:56:22+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-08-14T20:31:37+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/word-image-178501-1.jpg\" 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