What Is Local SEO & Why It Matters for Your Business?
Local search engine optimisation (SEO) helps your business appear when nearby customers look for products or services like yours. With mobile searches and “near me” queries rising, strong local SEO means more foot traffic, calls, and trust from your community.
With 46% of all online searches including local intent, ensuring your website is visible on localised search listings is vital. for improving your search engine rankings and achieving better Google rankings.
Here are a number of the key steps to focus on when setting out on your local SEO journey.
Core Elements of a Winning Local SEO Strategy
- On-Page Optimisation: Add location-based keywords in titles, headings, and content.
- Google My Business (GMB): Keep your profile accurate, add photos, and post updates.
- NAP Consistency: Ensure your Name, Address, and Phone match everywhere online.
- Local Citations: List your business on reputable directories and niche sites.
Optimising Your Google My Business Listing
- Choose the most accurate business categories.
- Encourage and respond to customer reviews to boost rankings and credibility.
- Use GMB posts for news, events, and promotions to keep your profile active.
Online Reviews & Reputation Management
Positive reviews improve search visibility and influence buying decisions.
- Request feedback soon after service via email or text.
- Reply to every review — good or bad — to show you value customer input.
Building Local Citations
Citations, mentions of your business name, address, and phone, signal legitimacy to search engines.
- Submit to major platforms like Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, plus industry-specific directories.
- Maintain both structured citations (directory listings) and unstructured mentions (blogs, news articles).
Future Trends in Local SEO
- Voice Search: Optimise for conversational, long-tail keywords.
- Mobile-First Indexing: Ensure a fast, mobile-friendly site.
- AI-Driven Results: Use analytics and AI tools to personalise marketing and stay competitive.
Local SEO – No Longer an Option
Local SEO is no longer optional. Update your Google My Business profile, focus on local keywords, and build high-quality citations and backlinks. The sooner you start, the sooner local customers will find, and choose, your business. It is the cornerstone of your website marketing and a highly effective way to generate new business within your local community.
Direct Submit is an experienced SEO Agency who can help your site perform in search, and who can create customised strategies to help your business thrive. Our goal is to strengthen your online presence, drive more traffic, and turn every click into a loyal customer.
With our support, your path to better local visibility begins with a comprehensive review. We’ll assess your current online presence, conduct a thorough SEO audit, analyse your competition and gain a deep understanding of your business goals.
While we’re proud of every project we take on, there’s something especially rewarding about helping local businesses grow. Providing SEO support to companies in our community means more than just improving rankings, it’s about connecting local people with the services they need and contributing to a thriving local economy.
Over the past 20 years, Direct Submit have helped loads of businesses become established and rise to the top. And we can help you too.
