100+ Local SEO Strategies To Improve Your Rankings In 2023

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So, let’s dive in to the list of 100+ strategies that are guaranteed to improve your local search rankings!

1. Claim your Google Business Profile

A Google Business Profile (GBP) formerly known as Google My Business is the most critical element which determines your ability to rank on the first page of search results locally.

If you haven’t already claimed your profile, you can follow instructions from Google or this step-by-step guide to claim your listing.

While claiming on GBP, ensure that you have access to the phone number or can receive mail in the address as listed on the profile. For brands that have multiple locations, you may be eligible for bulk verification which eliminates the need for manual verification.

1. Optimize your Google Business Profile name
2. Use local keywords in your content, meta descriptions, and titles.
3. Ensure Name, Address, Phone number (NAP) consistency across all platforms.
4. Use local business schema.
5. Create localized content relevant to your community.
6. Make specific landing pages for different locations.
7. Claim your Google My Business (GMB) listing.
8. Fill in every detail on GMB.
9. Use local keywords in your business description on GMB.
10. Post regularly on GMB.
11. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on GMB.
12. Respond to reviews.
13. Aim to maintain a high average rating.
14. Showcase reviews on your website.
15. Get listed on local platforms like Yelp, TripAdvisor, etc.
16. Use local hashtags in your social media posts.
17. Geo-tag your location in social media posts.
18. Participate in local events and share it on social media.
19. Use Facebook’s locations feature if you have multiple locations.
20. Get listed in local online directories.
21. Partner with local businesses for backlinks.
22. Sponsor local events and earn backlinks.
23. Write guest posts for local websites.
24. Ensure your website is mobile-friendly.
25. Use Google’s Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP).
26. Optimize website load time for mobile.
27. Use long-tail local keywords.
28. Optimize for local voice searches.
29. Include local keywords in your URL.
30. Optimize for faster page loads.
31. Use a sitemap and submit it to Google Search Console.
32. Ensure your robots.txt is not blocking important pages.
33. Leverage tools like Synup for tracking your local SEO.
34. Use Google Analytics to track local traffic.
35. Use heat maps to understand local user behavior.
36. Release local press statements.
37. Get featured in local newspapers or blogs.
38. Ensure your website is easy to navigate.
39. Use high-quality images related to your local area.
40. Feature testimonials from local customers.
41. Monitor what local competitors are doing.
42. Regularly audit your local SEO performance.
43. Create local video content.
44. Use local tags for YouTube videos.
45. Create unique content for each location if you have multiple locations.
46. Create a separate GMB listing for each location.
47. Write blog posts about local events, news, and activities.
48. Maintain a content calendar including local holidays and events.
49. Use clear CTAs that guide users to take local actions.
50. Use a local phone number rather than a central, toll-free number.
51. Participate in local forums and discussions.
52. Get involved in local charities or fundraisers.
53. Make sure your business information is consistent across the web.
54. Get cited on industry-specific platforms.
55. Make sure your business shows up accurately on Google Maps.
56. Engage with Google Local Guides.
57. Encourage user-generated content.
58. Partner with local influencers.
59. Use structured data for events, products, and other elements.
60. Add your business to Google Street View.
61. Offer virtual tours of your establishment.
62. Offer stickers or badges that say “Find Us on Google” or Yelp.
63. Create a FAQ page that answers common local queries.
64. Run promotions during local holidays and events.
65. Train staff in collecting emails, asking for reviews, etc.
66. Use Instagram/Facebook stories to show behind-the-scenes looks at local events.
67. Leverage local celebrity partnerships.
68. Don’t ignore other search engines like Bing Places.
69. Use breadcrumbs for easier navigation.
70. Use a store locator tool if you have multiple locations.
71. Send localized emails based on local events or news.
72. Offer customer service with local phone numbers.
73. Host local events like workshops or community services.
74. Participate in local awards.
75. Share your expertise on a local podcast.
76. Use QR Codes on business cards, brochures to guide people to your GMB or review sites.
77. Use local language or slang cautiously but effectively.
78. Participate in Q&A on platforms like Quora with local relevance.
79. Sell or give away merchandise that includes local symbols or landmarks.
80. Offer payment methods that are popular locally.
81. Use local images in your website’s photo gallery.
82. Create a loyalty program targeting local customers.
83. Leverage SMS marketing for local promotions.
84. Use your local address in the website footer.
85. Submit your business to local awards and contests.
86. Utilize a click-to-call phone number on your website for mobile visitors.
87. Register your business with Apple Maps.
88. Use Google Posts within your Google My Business account.
89. Consider local flyer distribution.
90. Use geofenced push notifications if you have a mobile app.
91. Join local business associations and chambers of commerce.
92. Add a ‘near me’ page on your website.
93. Create local partnerships for joint promotions.
94. Use direct mail targeting local areas.
95. Sponsor local sports teams.
96. Submit op-eds to local newspapers.
97. Create billboard ads in strategic local locations.
98. Use local public transport ads.
99. Offer local-specific discounts.
100. Optimize 404 pages with a local focus.
101. Create case studies featuring local businesses or customers.