Top 5 Local Business Tips to Boost Your SEO

by Ben Strahsburg

If you’re running a local business, showing up online is more important than ever. With so many people searching on Google for nearby products and services, having a strong local SEO strategy can make all the difference. These five actionable tips will help your business rank higher on Google and get noticed in your community.

1. Claim and Supercharge Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is like a digital storefront. Claiming and optimizing it is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your local SEO. Make sure your business name, address, phone number, and hours are accurate and up-to-date. Add eye-catching photos, respond to questions, and share posts about promotions or events. Keeping your profile fresh tells Google (and your customers) that your business is active and trustworthy, which can push you higher in search results.

2. Create Content That Speaks to Your Community

People love businesses that understand their local vibe. By creating location-based content, like pages or blog posts highlighting your services in specific neighborhoods, you can connect with your audience and show up in local searches. For example, a bakery could write about “The Best Cakes for Celebrations in Austin” or “5 Tips for Planning Your Wedding in Miami.” Adding local keywords naturally into your content helps Google know exactly where you operate and makes it easier for nearby customers to find you.

3. Build Relationships to Earn Backlinks

Backlinks—when other websites link to yours—are SEO gold. They show Google that your site is reliable and worth ranking higher. To get started, focus on building connections with other local businesses, bloggers, or news outlets. Sponsor events, collaborate with nearby businesses, or pitch guest blog ideas to local publications. Every quality backlink is like a vote of confidence for your business, and it’s an excellent way to boost your visibility online.

4. Stay Active on Social Media

Social media isn’t just for sharing cat videos—it’s a powerful tool for driving traffic to your business. Consistency is key. Share posts about what’s happening in your business, showcase your products or services, and engage with your followers. Answer comments and messages quickly to build trust and relationships. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn are especially useful for connecting with your local audience. Plus, the more active your social media presence, the more likely your business will stay top-of-mind.

5. Ask for (and Respond to) Reviews

Let’s be real—people trust reviews. Having a steady flow of positive reviews on Google, Yelp, or Facebook can do wonders for your local SEO. Don’t be shy about asking happy customers to share their experiences. Make it easy for them by providing a direct link to leave a review. And when you get reviews, respond to them! Thank people for their kind words and address any concerns professionally. This shows future customers that you care about their feedback and makes your business look even better online.

By following these five tips, you’ll set your business up for SEO success while building stronger connections in your community.

Are you a franchise system looking to take your business to the next level? We’re here to help with a proven track record of success. Contact us today.

Ben Strahsburg has over 10 years experience in digital marketing and when he is not serving ChoiceLocal’s partners with amazing customer service he is outside enjoying nature, snowboarding/longboarding or hanging out with friends and family.

About ChoiceLocal

ChoiceLocal is a full-service digital marketing agency specializing in Local SEO. Our local SEO marketing agency delivers amazing results, backed by The ChoiceLocal Guarantee. With a team of over 100 digital marketing experts, we utilize CLAI™, ChoiceLocal’s revolutionary sales and digital marketing AI super-intelligence, to accelerate local SEO growth.   We provide comprehensive digital marketing services,with a special focus on local SEO.  Take advantage of a complimentary growth strategy, complete with lead, revenue, and ROI projections, from ChoiceLocal today.