Local SEO Basics Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know

1 day ago
2 min read

Golden platter with baked oysters, lemon wedges, and a silver spoon. Surrounded by flowers, fruits, salad, and crystal glassware on an orange tablecloth.

If you want local customers to find you, local SEO techniques are non-negotiable. Local SEO Basics every small business owner needs to know helps put money In your pocket with a little bit of time and affordably.

SEO isn't hard. Unfortunately, most people don't have time or the understanding of what goes into SEO. It's also not a checklist but something you need to maintain. If Google is changing, your SEO needs to be changing.

What TF is local SEO?

It is the practice or technique of optimizing your online presence so people nearby can find you when they search for what you offer. (So to make it easy as possible it's what will someone type in the Google search bar). Think 'nail salon near me' or 'Baltimore marketing agency.'

How do we do that? Step 1: Claim your Google Business Profile

If you have not done this yet, stop everything and do it now!!!! It is free and it is how you show up in Google Maps and local search results. Then, get a Yelp account. We have another blog about this here: 3 Tips to Keep Your Google My Business Profile Updated

Step 2: Be consistent with your NAP

No, we aren't talking about sleep (even though be consistent about sleeping, too). Your Name, Address, and Phone number should be identical everywhere online. ESPECIALLY YOUR STORE HOURS. Your website, Google, Yelp, Instagram bio, all of it should have the same information.

Step 3: Get more reviews

Reviews are a ranking signal for Google. Ask happy customers directly. Make it easy by sending them a direct link. Leave Mango Marketing Co a review here.

Step 4: Use local keywords

Include your city and neighborhood in your website copy, page titles, and blog posts naturally. For instance, we could make this blog, How to create great content for Hampden Baltimore Local SEO Small Businesses or How To Make Learn From A South Philly Philadelphia Marketing Agency. See what we did there? Brooklyn's Best Marketing Agency talks about Local SEO. (We are those marketing agencies ;) wink)