Local SEO Tips to Grow Your
Brick-and-Mortar Business

Why Local SEO Matters for Brick-and-Mortar Businesses

If you operate a physical location, local SEO ensures your business appears in local search results and on Google Maps, helping potential customers in your area find and visit you.

Two elements that play a major role in local search success are local citations and customer reviews. Below, we’ll break down how to improve both along with six other strategies to enhance your visibility in local searches.

1. Claim & Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is the foundation of your local SEO presence.

• Fill in all essential information: name, address, phone number, hours, and photos.
  
  
• Choose accurate business categories to help you appear in relevant searches.
  
  
• Post updates regularly, including promotions or events.
  
  

When optimized, your profile is more likely to appear in Google’s local 3-pack the top three local business listings shown in search results.

Looking to get your Google profile professionally managed? Explore our SEO services to see how we can help.

2. Build Consistent Local Citations

Local citations are mentions of your business on directories and websites. They help establish credibility and signal trust to search engines.

Start by listing your business on platforms such as:

• Yelp
  
  
• Bing Places
  
  
• Facebook Business
  
  
• Relevant industry directories
  
  

Keep your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) consistent across all listings. Even small discrepancies can confuse search engines and hurt your ranking.

3. Encourage and Manage Customer Reviews

Online reviews not only shape public perception but also influence local search rankings.

• Make it easy for customers to leave reviews through follow-up emails, SMS, or printed requests.
  
  
• Respond thoughtfully to all feedback, thank positive reviewers and address any concerns from negative ones.
  
  
• Aim to build a steady flow of reviews. Businesses with a higher number of recent reviews often rank better in local search results.
  
  

4. Target Local Keywords in Website Content

Ensure your website speaks directly to local customers by incorporating keywords and content that reflect their search behavior.

• Use phrases like “best [service] in [city]” or “[service] near me.”
  
  
• Create dedicated landing pages for each service area or location.
  
  
• Add schema markup to help search engines better understand your business and location.
  
  

5. Earn High-Quality Local Backlinks

Backlinks from other reputable local websites signal authority to Google.

Consider these strategies:

• Collaborate with local bloggers or media outlets.
  
  
• Sponsor local events or causes and request a backlink on their websites.
  
  
• Join local business directories and chambers of commerce.
  
  

These connections strengthen both your community presence and your site’s SEO performance.

6. Optimize for Mobile and Voice Search

Most local searches happen on mobile devices and increasingly, via voice.

• Ensure your site is responsive and loads quickly on mobile.
  
  
• Structure your content to answer common voice queries, like “Where can I buy near me?”
  
  

A mobile-friendly and voice-optimized site enhances user experience and makes it easier for search engines to deliver your business as the right result.

7. Use Social Media for Local Engagement

Your social channels are a valuable tool for building local visibility.

Share content such as:

• Local news or event updates
  
  
• In-store promotions or sales
  
  
• Day-to-day moments that show the human side of your business
  
  

Engaging with your local audience on social media can translate to increased foot traffic and stronger community relationships.

8. Monitor and Adjust Your SEO Strategy

Use tools like Google Analytics and Search Console to understand what’s working and what’s not.

Track metrics such as:

• Traffic from local search terms
  
  
• Click-through rates from your business listing
  
  
• Rankings for location-based keywords
  
  

Regular monitoring helps you adapt your strategy and stay ahead of the competition.

Final Thoughts: Strengthen Your Local Presence in 2025

Investing in local SEO is one of the most practical ways to bring more foot traffic through your doors. Whether you’re optimizing your Google profile, managing reviews, or refining your website content, each effort builds toward stronger visibility and customer engagement.

If you’re ready to take a strategic approach to local SEO, our team is here to help.

Have questions or want to talk through your business goals? Reach out to us directly we’d love to hear from you.