Quick answer
Local SEO means optimising your business to appear in Google Maps and “near me” searches. The core steps are an optimised Google Business Profile, consistent citations, a steady flow of reviews, location pages and fast, mobile-friendly site.
Last updated: October 2026
Most local searches end in a call, a visit or a booking within hours. Ranking in the top three map results is often the quickest route to new customers. This guide covers what to do and in what order.
In this guide
- 1. Optimise your Google Business Profile
- 2. Build consistent citations
- 3. Earn and reply to reviews
- 4. Create strong location and service pages
- 5. Fix the technical basics
- 6. Be visible in AI answers
- Multi-location businesses
- FAQs
1. Optimise your Google Business Profile
Choose the right primary category, add every service, upload real photos, keep opening hours accurate and post updates. Add products or services with descriptions and prices where possible.
2. Build consistent citations
Keep your name, address and phone number identical across directories, social profiles and your own site. Read our guide to local business directories.
3. Earn and reply to reviews
Ask every customer, reply to every review, and never buy reviews. See do Google reviews help SEO.
4. Create strong location and service pages
One page per service and per area you serve, with unique copy, local proof, FAQs and a clear call to action. Embed a map and add LocalBusiness schema.
5. Fix the technical basics
Make sure your site is mobile-first, fast and secure. Weak technical foundations hold back even well-optimised profiles. Our technical SEO service covers this.
6. Be visible in AI answers
Assistants like ChatGPT and Gemini pull from reviews, directories and your site. Keep details consistent, answer local questions in plain language and use structured data.
Multi-location businesses
Give each location its own profile and page, avoid duplicate text and manage reviews per site. See local SEO for multi-location businesses.
Get more local customers
We manage your profile, citations, reviews and local pages so you win the map pack.
Frequently asked questions
How long does local SEO take?
Many businesses see movement in 6 to 12 weeks, with stronger results over 3 to 6 months depending on competition.
What is the most important local ranking factor?
Relevance, distance and prominence. Prominence is shaped by reviews, citations and your website.
Do I need a website for local SEO?
Yes. A fast, clear website supports your profile and helps you rank for more searches.
Is local SEO different from normal SEO?
Yes. It targets map results and nearby searches and relies more on your profile, reviews and citations.
