Local SEO Basics…How to Get Your Business Found in Your Community

Digital MarketingSEOSmall Business Tips

Sep 27

Written By Lindsay Hill

When someone in your area searches “coffee shop near me” or best gym in [city], does your business show up? If not, you could be missing out on customers who are, literally, right down the street.That’s where local SEO (search engine optimization) comes in.

Local SEO helps small businesses get discovered by people searching nearby. Whether you run a boutique, a salon, or a professional service, showing up in local search results is one of the easiest ways to attract new customers.

1. Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile is like your digital storefront. It’s free, and it’s the first thing people see when they search for your business.

Make sure your profile is claimed and verified.
Add your business hours, services, and contact information.
Upload high-quality photos of your products, location, or team.
Encourage happy customers to leave reviews (and reply to them!).

2. Use Local Keywords

Think about the words your community would use to find your business. For example:

Instead of just “florist,” try “florist in Huntington” or “Huntington wedding florist.”
Add these keywords naturally to your website headings, product descriptions, and blog posts.

3. Get Listed in Online Directories

Consistency is key. Make sure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) match across platforms like Yelp, Facebook, Bing, and local chamber of commerce directories. Search engines reward businesses with accurate, consistent listings.

4. Create Location-Specific Content

Publishing blogs or social posts about your area can boost your visibility. Example:

A restaurant could write about “Best Seasonal Dishes in Downtown [City].”
A fitness studio could post “5 Outdoor Workouts in [City] This Summer.”

This shows Google (and your audience) that you’re active and relevant to your local community.

5. Make Sure Your Website Is Mobile-Friendly

Most local searches happen on a phone. If your website loads slowly or isn’t easy to navigate on mobile, potential customers may click away. Test your site on your own phone to see what the customer experience feels like.

Final Thoughts

Local SEO doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small: claim your Google Business Profile, add local keywords, and make sure your business info is consistent everywhere online. Step by step, you’ll start showing up where it matters most — right in your community.

Need help getting started with local SEO? At Studio Hill Media, we help small businesses build visibility and get found online. Contact Us today to learn more.

Local SEOSmall Business MarketingSEO TipsDigital Marketing BasicsCommunity GrowthStudio Hill Media

Lindsay Hill https://Studiohillmedia.com

Local SEO Basics…How to Get Your Business Found in Your Community

When someone in your area searches “coffee shop near me” or best gym in [city], does your business show up? If not, you could be missing out on customers who are, literally, right down the street.That’s where local SEO (search engine optimization) comes in.

Local SEO helps small businesses get discovered by people searching nearby. Whether you run a boutique, a salon, or a professional service, showing up in local search results is one of the easiest ways to attract new customers.

1. Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile is like your digital storefront. It’s free, and it’s the first thing people see when they search for your business.

Make sure your profile is claimed and verified.

Add your business hours, services, and contact information.

Upload high-quality photos of your products, location, or team.

Encourage happy customers to leave reviews (and reply to them!).

2. Use Local Keywords

Think about the words your community would use to find your business. For example:

Instead of just “florist,” try “florist in Huntington” or “Huntington wedding florist.”

Add these keywords naturally to your website headings, product descriptions, and blog posts.

3. Get Listed in Online Directories

Consistency is key. Make sure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) match across platforms like Yelp, Facebook, Bing, and local chamber of commerce directories. Search engines reward businesses with accurate, consistent listings.

4. Create Location-Specific Content

Publishing blogs or social posts about your area can boost your visibility. Example:

A restaurant could write about “Best Seasonal Dishes in Downtown [City].”

A fitness studio could post “5 Outdoor Workouts in [City] This Summer.”

This shows Google (and your audience) that you’re active and relevant to your local community.

5. Make Sure Your Website Is Mobile-Friendly

Most local searches happen on a phone. If your website loads slowly or isn’t easy to navigate on mobile, potential customers may click away. Test your site on your own phone to see what the customer experience feels like.

Final Thoughts

Local SEO doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small: claim your Google Business Profile, add local keywords, and make sure your business info is consistent everywhere online. Step by step, you’ll start showing up where it matters most — right in your community.

Need help getting started with local SEO? At Studio Hill Media, we help small businesses build visibility and get found online. Contact Us today to learn more.

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