Local SEO is the work of helping a business appear in map results and ordinary search results when people search for something nearby, such as a dentist in Calgary or a plumber in Phoenix. It centers on the Google Business Profile, reviews, accurate business details and a useful website.
In short
Google says local ranking comes mainly from relevance, distance and prominence, and that there is no way to request or pay for a better local ranking. Prominence reflects how well known a business is, including reviews and links to it. Source: Google Business Profile Help, read 9 November 2026.
Claim and complete your Google Business Profile with your real business name, categories, hours and photos. Keep your name, address and phone number identical everywhere. Ask customers for honest reviews and reply to each one. A business without a storefront can list a service area and hide its address.
Our local SEO checklist lists the ten steps in order.
A real person reads every message and replies.
