How to Get Your Local Business to the Top of Google in 2024
Most local businesses are invisible on Google — not because their service is poor, but because their SEO strategy is nonexistent. Here's exactly what to do to rank above your competitors in your town or city.
Why Local SEO Is the Most Valuable Marketing Channel for Small Businesses
When someone in your town searches "plumber near me" or "best restaurant in Leeds", Google shows them a short list of local businesses. Those three spots — the Google Local Pack — can generate dozens of enquiries every single week.
The businesses in those spots aren't necessarily the best in the area. They're simply the ones that have done their SEO homework.
Step 1: Claim and Optimise Your Google Business Profile
This is the single most impactful free action you can take. Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is what appears in the map pack and in Google Search.
What to complete:
- Business name, address, and phone number (must match your website exactly)
- Choose your primary and secondary categories carefully
- Write a compelling business description with natural keywords
- Add every service you offer with descriptions
- Upload at least 10 high-quality photos
- Set your opening hours and holiday hours
Step 2: Get Consistent NAP Citations
NAP stands for Name, Address, Phone number. Google cross-references your business details across the web to verify you are a legitimate local business.
Key directories to list your business:
- Yell.com
- Bing Places
- Apple Maps
- Thomson Local
- Checkatrade (for trades)
- TripAdvisor (for hospitality)
Critical rule: Your business name, address, and phone number must be identical across every platform.
Step 3: Build a Reviews Strategy
Google reviews are one of the strongest ranking signals for local SEO. Businesses with more recent, high-quality reviews consistently outrank those with fewer.
How to get more Google reviews:
- Send every satisfied customer a direct link to your Google review page
- Follow up via text message 24 hours after service completion
- Add the review link to your email signature
- Create a QR code for your premises or invoices
- Respond to every review within 24 hours
Step 4: Optimise Your Website for Local Keywords
Essential pages to create:
- Homepage: optimised for your main service and city
- Service pages: one page per core service
- Location pages: if you serve multiple areas
- Contact page: embed a Google Map and include your full address
Step 5: Build Local Backlinks
Backlinks from local websites tell Google you are a trusted business in the area.
Best sources for local backlinks:
- Local newspaper websites
- Local business associations and chambers of commerce
- Supplier and partner websites
- Local charity sponsorships
Ready to dominate local search? Book a free SEO audit with L3 Company.
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