Winning Locally: How Small Businesses Can Master Local SEO

Marketing From X 2 Z: Digital marketing strategy and tips to help you grow your small business

Looking to reach more nearby customers? In this episode, we explain local SEO for small businesses—how to improve your chances of showing up in the Google Maps pack and in AI/Gemini answers, and how to turn more “near me” searches into qualified inquiries. Mike (branding/web) and Liz (social strategy) walk through a practical approach that covers keyword research, service + city landing pages, Google Business Profile basics, NAP consistency, reviews, and supportive social tactics.

You’ll learn

• Why local SEO remains effective for small businesses and how AI/Gemini/LLMs are shaping local results.
• The difference between the Map Pack and AI answers, and how to position your site to be considered for both.
• How to build a keyword strategy by running a keyword gap analysis, balancing search volume and competition, and assigning one primary keyword to each page.
• How to create high-impact local pages by pairing services with cities, using internal links and descriptive anchor text, and keeping copy readable and conversion-focused.
• How to strengthen your Google Business Profile and directory presence with exact NAP consistency and credible local links.
• How to ask for reviews in ways that support both rankings and trust, with flows that fit high-volume and low-volume businesses.
• How light social geo tactics (geotags, location tags, local reshares) can support local discovery.

Quick wins

• Run a keyword gap analysis and shortlist five local keywords that combine higher search volume with lower competition.
• Publish or refine one service + city page with a clear call to action and local proof such as testimonials or recognizable client logos.
• Update your Google Business Profile and key directories so your name, address, and phone (NAP) match exactly and your description uses natural, keyword-aware language.
• Add a simple review request step to your workflow, such as a text link after completion and a QR code on a thank-you card.
• Geotag your next three posts and tag one local partner to expand nearby visibility.

Links

• Ubersuggest (keyword research and gap analysis): https://neilpatel.com/ubersuggest/

Key takeaway

If you consistently choose attainable keywords, build focused service + city pages, keep your Google Business Profile and NAP consistent, and systemize reviews, you will meaningfully improve your chances of earning visibility in Google Maps, traditional organic results, and emerging AI answers.