Targeted SEO Strategies for Local “Near Me” Searches

Local SEO strategies are key if you want your small business to capture high intent traffic in your area that is ready to take action.

Consider this: 44% of users who perform a local search on Google click on Google Maps listings. This crowd is ready to book an appointment, call, or get directions - often without even landing on your website. For example, someone searching for “chiropractor near me” is far more likely to book an appointment right then and there than someone searching “benefits of chiropractic care.”

So, how do you capture that high-intent traffic?

On-Page vs. Off-Page Optimizations for Local SEO

I hear this a lot: “My SEO is good. My web designer already optimized my site.” But if you're not showing up in local searches, something’s missing.

Here’s the deal: local SEO is about both on-page and off-page activities. Sure, your website might look great, but if you want to rank for local “near me” searches, you need to have a solid off-page strategy too. This includes things like your Google Business Profile (GBP), citations, and NAP consistency. Let’s dig into how these off-page elements can work wonders for your business.

Why Your Google Business Profile (GBP) Is a Game Changer

Your Google Business Profile is like a mini website on Google. It is that map listing that shows up on a local search. When it’s optimized, it helps you show up in local searches and increases your chances of people choosing you—even before they click over to your website.

Basic Google Business Profile Tips:

• Fill Out Every Section: Don’t skip any details—business name, address, hours, services. Use relevant keywords naturally throughout.

• Consistency is Key: Keep your business details up to date everywhere and keep things consistent. If your hours change, update them across all platforms.

• Update Regularly: Set a reminder to check your GBP and add new content regularly to keep it fresh.

Advanced Google Business Profile Tips to Outrank Competitors:

To take your local SEO to the next level and stand out from competitors, consider these advanced Google Business Profile optimization tips.

1. Pick the Right Primary Business Category: This is the most important ranking factor for local SEO. If you’re a chiropractor, choose “Chiropractor” as your primary category, not something vague like “Health Clinic.”

2. List Your Services: Add detailed descriptions of the services you offer, using relevant keywords. This helps clarify what your business does and boosts visibility in search results. For example, if you're a Holistic Medicine Practitioner, you might list services like “acupuncture,” “homeopathy,” or “nutritional counseling.”

3. Update Photos & Videos Regularly: Businesses with photos get 42% more requests for directions and 35% more website clicks. So, take some fresh, high-quality photos and videos and update them monthly. Here are some photo ideas:

   • Photos: Showcase your storefront, products, or team. Include both exterior and interior shots.

   • Videos: Keep them short (under 30 seconds). Show behind-the-scenes footage, customer testimonials, or product demos. You can also create "what to expect" videos, like a tour of your business or a walkthrough of the customer experience.

4. Respond to Reviews: Reviews are crucial for local SEO. Encourage your happy customers to leave reviews, and don’t forget to respond to each one. It shows Google that your business is active and engaged. Google values a steady flow of reviews which look more natural to Google than a sudden influx all at once.

5. Keep Your Profile Active with Posts: You can post updates directly on your GBP, like promotions, events, or new services. Aim to post at least once a week to stay visible in local search results.

6. Questions & Answers: Customers can ask questions directly on your Google Business Profile. Make sure to monitor and respond to them promptly. You can even post frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answer them yourself. This not only helps future customers but also signals to Google that your business is responsive and informative.

How Citations & Directory Listings Boost Your Local SEO

Let’s talk citations. A citation is any mention of your business’s Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) on other websites. These help Google verify your business and ensure you’re legitimate. Plus, most of them allow a backlink to your site, which can improve your domain authority.

Keep Your NAP Consistent Everywhere:

Make sure your NAP is the same across all platforms. If your address is listed as “123 Main St.” on Google, it should be the same everywhere else—your website, Yelp, Apple Maps, etc. Inconsistent information can confuse Google and hurt your rankings.

Popular Citation Sources:

Here are some directories you need to create or claim listings on:

• Yelp

• Bing

• Apple Maps

• BBB (Better Business Bureau)

• Local Chamber of Commerce websites

Plus, try getting listed on local news websites, business blogs, or referral partner sites. These backlinks can help too!

Data Aggregators: Helping Your Local SEO Visibility

Data aggregators are companies that distribute your business information across multiple directories. Listing with aggregators like Yext and Foursquare ensures that your NAP is consistent everywhere.

Making Your Website Work for Local SEO

In addition to other on-page strategies, there are several simple tactics on your website that can help improve your local SEO and complement your off-page efforts. Here are a few things you should do to build consistency and trust:

• Clickable Phone Number: Make sure your phone number is clickable on your website so mobile users can easily call and directories can verify.

• Embed Your Google Business Profile Map: This shows your location directly on your website, making it easier for potential customers to find you.

• Add Your Hours: Display your hours prominently on your website. It’s a simple but important piece of information that customers are always looking for.

• Clickable Email: Make your email address clickable so people can reach out quickly.

These small tweaks make your website more user-friendly and help Google understand that you’re locally focused, which will improve your local rankings.

Taking Action: SEO Agency vs DIY

Alright, now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to take action. Do you feel ready to dive in and make these updates yourself? If so, awesome! You’ve got this! Try adding some of these strategies to your routine and see how your local rankings improve.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just don’t have the time to tackle it, I’m here to help. I work with small businesses across the U.S. to optimize their Google Business Profile and help with local SEO. If you need help getting your business noticed where it matters most, don’t hesitate to reach out.

No matter what, though, the key is to take that first step. Once you do, you’ll start seeing your business rise in local search results. Let’s make it happen!

Schedule a free 20-minute consultation here to review your goals and needs. This gives you a chance to decide if you like and trust me while learning along the way!