5 Local SEO Fixes Every Small Business Should Make This Week

1. Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile

If you're not showing up on Google Maps or in the local 3-pack, this is step one.

✅ Make sure your profile is verified

✅ Add accurate business info (name, address, phone, hours)

✅ Upload real photos of your storefront, team, and services

✅ Select the right business categories

Pro Tip: Google loves consistency. Match your business info exactly across the web.

2. Add Local Keywords to Your Website

Use keywords that describe what you do and where you do it. For example:

✅ “Plumber in Denver”

✅ “Family dentist in San Antonio”

✅ “Vegan bakery near Downtown LA”

Include these in your:

✅ Homepage title and meta description

✅ Headings (H1/H2 tags)

✅ Footer and internal pages

3. Keep Your NAP Consistent Everywhere

Your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) must match across:

✅ Google Business Profile

✅ Facebook

✅ Yelp

✅ Local directories

✅ Your website footer

Inconsistent info confuses Google and hurts your ranking.

4. Encourage and Respond to Customer Reviews

Reviews are like gold in local SEO.

✅ Ask happy customers to leave reviews on Google

✅ Respond to every review—positive or negative

✅Never buy or fake reviews (Google will penalize you)

✅ More (and better) reviews help you rank higher—and build trust.

5. Get Listed in Local Directories

Make sure your business is listed on:

✅ Yelp

✅ Bing Places

✅ YellowPages

✅ Nextdoor

✅ Chamber of Commerce websites

These listings help build trust and authority for your business in Google’s eyes.