Local Keyword Strategy is Everything

If your business depends on local clients, one of the most powerful tools in your marketing toolkit is local SEO. But are you targeting the right keywords to get noticed? It’s easy to aim for broad terms like “landscaping” or “accounting,” but those often attract the wrong traffic—or worse, none at all. The real growth lies in being smarter with your SEO strategy.

Whether you’re a service provider or a brick-and-mortar business, here are 5 tips for better local SEO to help you attract more qualified leads, boost your visibility, and grow your revenue.

1. Start with Smart Keyword Targeting

The keywords you choose set the foundation for your local SEO strategy. Too many businesses chase high-volume, competitive keywords like “landscaping” or “plumbing.” Instead, focus on long-tail, location-based keywords like “landscaping contractor in Springfield.” These are easier to rank for and more likely to bring in high-intent users who are ready to hire.

Pro tip: Look at who’s ranking #1 for your target keyword. Study their title tags, headings, and even page layout. Don’t copy—emulate what works and improve on it with content tailored to your audience.

2. Optimize Your Local Listings

Your presence on platforms like Google Business Profile, Yelp, and other directories can make or break your local visibility. Make sure your business name, address, phone number (NAP), and website are consistent across all listings. Add localized keywords to your descriptions, gather positive reviews, and upload quality photos.

These listings help Google understand your business and show it to users nearby—especially those searching from mobile devices.

3. Improve On-Page SEO

Google still relies heavily on what’s actually on your website. Optimize title tags, meta descriptions, header tags, and image alt text with your target local keywords. Don’t forget about technical aspects like mobile responsiveness and schema markup, which help search engines better understand your content.

Each service page should clearly explain what you offer, where you offer it, and how customers can get started.

4. Build Trust Through Content & Expertise

Google favors websites that demonstrate Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trust (E-E-A-T). To meet this standard:

Publish local-focused blog posts and guides.
Include clear, professional service pages.
Add testimonials, certifications, and FAQs to show you’re a trusted local provider.

Trust-building content not only helps with SEO—it turns visitors into clients.

5. Create Helpful Content & Earn Backlinks

Publishing content that answers real questions from your audience positions you as a local expert. Think about local how-to guides, seasonal tips, or service comparisons that are relevant to your area.

Then, work on earning backlinks from local chambers of commerce, business directories, news outlets, or partnerships. These signals help Google understand that your business is reputable and relevant.

Ready to Attract the Right Local Traffic?

A solid local SEO strategy doesn’t just get you more traffic—it brings you the right traffic that’s ready to convert. These 5 tips for better local SEO can help you move past generic strategies and create targeted campaigns that grow your business.