What are the local SEO basics every small business should get right?

Local SEO sounds complicated, but the fundamentals fit on one page. Get these right before spending on anything more advanced.

Consistent business details

Your name, address, and phone number should be identical across your website, Google Business Profile, and every directory. Fix old listings with wrong phone numbers or addresses first.

A page for each location and service

If you serve several towns or offer several services, give each its own page rather than cramming everything onto the homepage. Each page should answer what a local customer would actually ask.

Genuine reviews over time

A steady stream of honest reviews, with replies from you, builds trust with both customers and search engines. Never buy reviews.

Local relevance on the page

Mention the areas you serve naturally, embed a map, and include landmarks or neighbourhoods customers recognise. Do not stuff city names unnaturally.

Mobile speed

Most local searches happen on phones. A page that loads quickly and is easy to tap on a small screen will convert better and tends to rank better.