Local
Local SEO is the practice of optimizing your online presence so that your business shows up in local search results—especially on Google. It’s all about helping people near your physical location find you when they’re searching for your product or service.
Improving your local SEO strategy
Local SEO is crucial for businesses looking to capture nearby customers or increase online visibility in local markets. Whether you’re managing Google Business Profile listings, creating content for local keywords, or handling customer reviews, Search Engine Land offers the guidance you need to stay ahead. Explore strategies to maximize visibility in local search results, optimize your presence in Google Maps, and take advantage of advanced tools like local schema markup. With insights into location-based ranking factors, customer behavior trends, and algorithm updates, you’ll be equipped to fine-tune your approach for better results.
By optimizing for local SEO, you can:
📍 Show up in the Google Map Pack (top 3 local listings with map pins)
🔝 Rank higher in “near me” searches
💬 Increase calls, bookings, and foot traffic
⭐ Build trust with strong reviews and ratings
💸 Drive more qualified leads with high purchase intent
It’s one of the most cost-effective marketing strategies for local businesses.
Future outlook for local SEO
In 2025, mobile-first behavior is still growing, and Google continues to prioritize personalized, location-based results. Voice searches like “Where can I get tacos right now?” are also on the rise—most of which are local intent searches. If you’re not showing up locally, you’re likely invisible to customers who are ready to buy right now.
What you read here is written by our experienced in-house team, and subject matter experts from leading brands and agencies. Don’t miss out on critical local SEO updates! Get the Search Engine Land newsletter delivered daily to your inbox. Subscribe for free and stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of local marketing!
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Google’s Local Pack isn’t random – it’s rewarding ‘signal-fit’ brands
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Google reviews & SEO: Advanced strategies that scale
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Google Ads Masterclass: Local search strategies that convert
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Target multiple cities without duplicate content. Learn how to create service area pages that rank locally, convert visitors, and support your SEO strategy.
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Location page SEO: Rank locally, convert visitors fast
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GEO x local SEO: What it means for the future of discovery
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Winning the local SEO game in the age of AI
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Structured vs unstructured citations for local SEO
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Google Business Profiles Posts creation tool refreshed
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“Near me” SEO: Optimize for local searches that convert
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UTMs for Google Business Profile: Track clicks smarter
Learn how to use UTM parameters to track traffic from your Google Business Profile. Unlock insights, measure ROI, and fine-tune local SEO performance.
Google updates local ranking documentation
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AI and local search: The new rules of visibility and ROI in 2025
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How AI changes how we respond to negative reviews and comments
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Why Google reviews will power up your local SEO in 2025
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Google Business Profiles launches ‘What’s Happening’
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How does ChatGPT conduct local searches?
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Yelp launches 15 AI-powered updates for service brands and restaurants
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Multi-location SEO: Boost local visibility for each location
Learn how to optimize your website for multiple business locations. Discover strategies for local landing pages, Google Business Profiles, and location-based SEO.
Local SEO audit guide: How to improve local rankings
Run a successful local SEO audit with this step-by-step guide. Uncover issues, optimize your local presence, and boost visibility in local search and Google Maps results.
How to find and use local keywords for better SEO
Boost your local SEO with the right keywords. Learn how to find, optimize, and rank for local search terms that drive traffic and conversions in your area