How often have you typed “Coffee shops near me” or “Best local Italian restaurants” into Google? Oddly, we’re guessing a lot, considering 46% of all Google searches are local, according to HubSpot. And when the search results pull up, you have several options to sort through—showcasing business hours, reviews, and more. And just like magic, you now have the best options at your fingertips. This is Local SEO in action.
Local SEO (search engine optimization) is the perfect tool for small business owners like you who want to increase their visibility to customers searching for services or products in a specific area. Whether you run a bakery, salon spa, or retail store, Local SEO can help you capture attention, drive foot traffic, and quite literally put your business on the map.
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO is about ensuring your business shows up in the search results when people in your area are looking for what you offer. So when someone types “best bakery near me” or “salons in Seattle” into Google, businesses that have optimized their Local SEO appear in the top search results.
But it’s not just about appearing in the search results—Local SEO helps you connect with customers who are actively looking for what you offer right when they need it. This kind of targeting can make a massive difference for your small business—mainly if you rely on local customers.
Why Local SEO Matters for Small Businesses
Here are a few powerful reasons your small business should consider investing in Local SEO.
- Increased visibility and reach. Whether you’re a trusted mechanic, boutique store, or an up-and-coming local restaurant—Local SEO ensures your business shows up when potential customers search for you. This increased visibility can lead to more clicks to your website, calls, and foot traffic to your physical location.
- Cost-effective marketing and targeting. Traditional advertising can be hard to measure and costly. Local SEO provides a direct connection to potential customers who are actively seeking your services. You’re reaching people when they’re ready to purchase, which results in a higher return on your investment.
- Establishes trust and credibility. How many times have you searched for something and gone to that business from your search because they showed up in the local searches, had positive reviews available for you to read, and had accurate details listed? With a well-maintained Google Business Profile, professional photos, and updated information—your business can come off as legitimate and reliable.
- Gives you a competitive edge. Don’t overlook Local SEO like several other small businesses do. When your business appears on Google Maps and in local search results, you can outshine competitors that are not optimized for local search. By ranking higher, you can capture more local customers and create a more substantial presence in your community—even if you’re running up against a larger, more established business.
Why DirectHub for Your Local SEO Needs
We get it—Local SEO can sound overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with digital marketing or feel like your to-do list is crippling. With DirectHub, we can take the stress off your plate. We’re your dedicated marketing team, managing your Local SEO efforts so you don’t have to. Here’s why partnering with an expert is the right move.
- We put you on the map. Our Local SEO service ensures your business is seen by local customers when they’re searching for your products or services online. We handle all the technical aspects, from Google Business Profile optimization to citation management, so you appear in local searches.
- We attract ready-to-buy customers. Local SEO is about attracting customers who are actively searching for businesses like yours in the area. These people are often ready to purchase, so showing up in their search results can mean more foot traffic and sales.
- You focus on your business; we handle the marketing. Local SEO can be time-consuming and complicated, but with DirectHub, you don’t have to worry about it. We manage everything—from keeping your listings up-to-date to monitoring reviews and creating local content—so you can focus on what matters most.
DirectHub Puts Businesses on the Map
While Local SEO is essential, it can also be overwhelming, especially when you may be a one-person show running your business. That’s where our team of experts comes in. We’re here to act as your marketing team, handling the complexities of Local SEO for you—from managing your Google Business Profile to generating reviews.
Let us manage your Local SEO efforts and help you knock a significant amount off your to-do list so you can spend more time doing what you do best—running your business. Ready to get started? Learn more.