In this comprehensive guide to Local SEO, I explain why nearly half of all Google searches have local intent and what that means for your business. Using real examples from my own STEM education center, I break down the key differences between local SEO and regular SEO, share compelling statistics about local search behavior, and give you actionable steps to start dominating your local market. Whether you’re a restaurant owner, service provider, or have any type of local business, this episode will help you understand why showing up in the Google Local Pack is crucial for attracting customers who are actively searching for businesses like yours in your area.
Key Topics Covered
- What local SEO is and why it’s different from regular SEO
- The power of local search statistics: 46% of searches have local intent
- How 76% of mobile local searchers visit businesses within 24 hours
- Why businesses in the Google Local Pack get 93% more actions
- Real-world example of how small coffee shops outrank Starbucks and Dunkin’ in local search
- The three key differences between local and regular SEO: geographic focus, ranking factors, and search results appearance
- How local SEO levels the playing field for small businesses against larger competitors
- The importance of Google Business Profile optimization
- Citations and NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistency across the web
- The role of reviews in local SEO success
- Simple action step: testing your own local search visibility
Resources Mentioned
- SEO Success Club – includes Local SEO Lab replay
- Google Business Profile – for local business optimization
- Local citation sites: Yelp, Nextdoor, Patch, Yellow Pages