Finding Your Way: Why Local SEO is the Key to Being Seen

For many small businesses, Local SEO (LSEO) is like a signpost, pointing customers in the right direction but often overlooked when building an online presence. If your business serves a specific location, appearing in local search results isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. Without it, you’re missing out on potential customers who are actively searching for what you offer.

Local SEO is like a signpost, pointing customers in the right direction, if your business serves a specific location, appearing in local search results is essential.

Why Local SEO for Small Businesses Matters

When people search for services or products near them, Google and Bing prioritise local businesses in search results. If your business isn’t optimised for local search, you risk missing out on potential customers who are actively looking for what you offer.

A strong Local SEO strategy ensures that:

• Your business appears when people search for services in your area

• You rank higher in Google’s local pack (the map listings at the top of search results)

• Customers can easily find key details like your location, contact info, and opening hours

Setting Up Google Business and Bing Places

The foundation of any good Local SEO strategy starts with Google Business Profile (GBP) and Bing Places for Business. These free tools help you control how your business appears in search results and on maps.

Steps to Set Up Google Business Profile:

1. Go to Google Business Profile and sign in.

2. Enter your business details (name, address, phone number, website, and business category).

3. Verify your business (usually via postcard, phone, or email).

4. Add high-quality photos, a description, and other essential details.

5. Encourage customers to leave reviews and respond to them to build credibility.

Steps to Set Up Bing Places:

1. Visit Bing Places for Business.

2. If you’ve already set up Google Business, you can import your details.

3. Verify your business using Bing’s verification process.

4. Keep your details updated just as you would on Google.

Keeping Your Local SEO Working for You

Setting up your profiles is just the beginning. To make the most of Local SEO, you need to keep them updated and active:

• Post regularly: Add updates, special offers, and events.

• Encourage and respond to reviews: More positive reviews improve your ranking and build trust.

• Check your details: Make sure your business hours, phone number, and location are always accurate.

• Use relevant keywords: In your business description, posts, and responses to customer reviews, include terms people search for.

The Local SEO Advantage

If you’re a small business, Local SEO isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must. Getting found in search results can directly impact your foot traffic, bookings, and sales. Setting up Google Business and Bing Places is the first step, but keeping them active and optimised is what ensures they work for you.

Need help optimising your Local SEO? Let’s get your business in front of the right people, call me today!