Local SEO

What is Local SEO?

Local SEO is the process of optimising a business's online presence to attract more customers from relevant local searches. It focuses on appearing in Google's Local Pack (the map + 3-listing block), Google Maps, and localised organic results for queries with geographic intent.

The Local Pack

The Local Pack appears for searches with local intent (e.g. "dentist near me", "pizza Kyiv"). It shows a map and three business listings with name, rating, address, and hours. The Local Pack appears above organic results and captures a large share of local search clicks.

Key Local SEO Ranking Factors

• Google Business Profile (GBP) — the most important local SEO asset; must be claimed, verified, and fully optimised
• Proximity — how close the business is to the searcher's location
• Relevance — does your GBP category and description match the search?
• Prominence — reviews, citations, backlinks, and online reputation

Local SEO Checklist

1. ✅ Claim and verify your Google Business Profile
2. ✅ Choose the right primary and secondary categories
3. ✅ Complete all GBP fields: hours, website, phone, attributes, photos
4. ✅ Build NAP consistency (Name, Address, Phone) across all directories
5. ✅ Get listed on key directories: Yelp, Yellow Pages, industry-specific sites
6. ✅ Actively collect Google reviews and respond to all reviews
7. ✅ Create location pages on your website with local content
8. ✅ Use LocalBusiness schema markup
9. ✅ Build local backlinks from local news, sponsors, and community sites

Local SEO vs Traditional SEO

	Local SEO	Traditional SEO
Target	Nearby searchers	National/global audience
Key asset	Google Business Profile	Website and backlinks
SERP feature	Local Pack, Maps	Organic results
Key metric	Calls, directions, visits	Organic traffic, rankings