A Beginner’s Guide to Local SEO for Small Businesses
- Ash
- Feb 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 20
Table of Contents
What is Local SEO, and Why is it Important?
Key Steps to Get Started with Local SEO
Optimise Your Website for Local Search
Leverage Online Reviews
Build Local Citations
Focus on Mobile Optimisation
Track Your Progress
Common Mistakes to Avoid
What is Local SEO, and Why is it Important?
Local SEO is all about making your business visible to local customers when they search for products or services you offer. For example, if someone searches for “best pizza near me” or “plumber in Melbourne,” you want your business to show up in those search results.
Here’s why local SEO matters:
72% of consumers who perform a local search visit a store within 8 kilometres .
46% of all Google searches have local intent, meaning nearly half of all searches are looking for something nearby .
80% of local searches on mobile devices result in actions like phone calls or in-person visits within 24 hours .
Key Steps to Get Started with Local SEO
1. Optimise Your Website for Local Search
Your website is the foundation of your online presence. Here’s how to make it local-friendly:
Use Local Keywords: Include your city, neighbourhood, or region in your website’s content. For example, instead of “best coffee shop,” use “best coffee shop in Melbourne.”
Create Location-Specific Pages: If you serve multiple areas, create dedicated pages for each location (e.g., “Melbourne CBD” or “Brunswick”).
Ensure NAP Consistency: Your business’s Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) should be consistent across your website and all online directories. Inconsistent NAP information can confuse search engines and customers alike .
2. Leverage Online Reviews
Customer reviews are a big deal for local SEO. They not only build trust but also help your business rank higher in local searches. Here’s how to make the most of them:
Ask for Reviews: Encourage happy customers to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, or industry-specific platforms. Businesses with a 4-star rating or higher are more likely to attract customers .
Respond to Reviews: Thank customers for positive reviews and address any concerns in negative ones. Responding to reviews can improve your conversion rate by 4.1% for every 25% of reviews responded to .
3. Build Local Citations
A local citation is any online mention of your business’s name, address, and phone number. These citations help search engines verify your business’s legitimacy.
Submit to Local Directories: List your business on platforms like Google Business Profile, Yelp, and Yellow Pages. Businesses with consistent citations are 70% more likely to rank higher in local search results .
Keep Information Consistent: Ensure your NAP details are the same everywhere. Inconsistent information can confuse search engines and customers alike .
4. Focus on Mobile Optimisation
More than 60% of searches happen on mobile devices, so your website needs to be mobile-friendly .
Check Loading Speed: Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to ensure your site loads quickly on mobile devices.
Use Responsive Design: Make sure your website looks great and functions well on all screen sizes. 61% of mobile searchers are more likely to contact a business with a mobile-friendly site .
5. Track Your Progress
You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Use free tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track your local SEO performance. Look at metrics like:
Local search rankings.
Website traffic from local searches.
Conversions (e.g., phone calls, form submissions).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring NAP Consistency: Inconsistent information can hurt your rankings. Double-check your details across all platforms .
Neglecting Reviews: Reviews are a key ranking factor. Don’t let them fall by the wayside .
Overlooking Mobile Users: A website that isn’t mobile-friendly can drive potential customers away .
Want more local customers finding your business? I specialise in Local SEO & content strategies that help Melbourne businesses be seen.
Comments