How to Get Your Local Business Found Online
If your business isn’t showing up when people search for what you offer in your area, you’re losing opportunities. Local visibility is everything, and the good news is: getting found online doesn’t have to be complicated.
Here’s how to set your local business up for digital success:
1. Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
This is step one. Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is what shows up when someone searches “[your service] near me.”
Tips:
Use your exact business name, address, and phone number (NAP)
Choose the right categories (primary and secondary)
Add quality photos of your location and team
Post weekly updates, events, or offers
Ask for and respond to reviews
2. Make Sure Your Website Is Local-SEO Friendly
Your website should tell Google exactly who you are, what you do, and where you are.
Essentials:
Use location keywords in your homepage and service pages (e.g., "plumber in Newport Beach")
Create individual pages for each location if you serve multiple cities
Ensure your NAP is consistent and crawlable on every page
Add a map and driving directions
Make your site mobile-friendly and fast-loading
3. Build Local Citations
A citation is any online mention of your business name, address, and phone number. The more consistent these are, the more trust you build with Google.
Start with:
Yelp
Facebook
Apple Maps
Bing Places
Industry-specific directories
4. Collect and Showcase Customer Reviews
Reviews help people decide—and they boost your SEO. Make it easy for happy customers to leave them.
Tips:
Send a follow-up text or email after service
Include links to your review platforms
Share great reviews on social media or your website
5. Get Backlinks from Local Sources
Backlinks (links to your site from others) act like referrals. The best backlinks come from trusted, local sources.
Ideas:
Partner with local blogs, news outlets, or influencers
Join your Chamber of Commerce and get listed on their site
Host or sponsor a local event and get linked from the event page
6. Use Social Media to Build Local Buzz
Post consistently, use local hashtags, and tag your location. Don’t just promote—interact with your community.
Example posts:
Highlight a team member
Celebrate a local event or customer
Share behind-the-scenes content
Final Thought: Be Where Your Customers Are Looking
People want to support businesses near them—they just need to find you. By optimizing your online presence and showing up consistently, you’ll stay top of mind and top of search.
Need help implementing any of these? At Galley Marketing, we serve up smart, simple strategies that help local businesses grow. Let’s chat.