Get Found Locally! 5 Essential Tips to Boost Your Small Business on Google Search

As a local business owner, you know how crucial it is for potential customers to find you. In today's digital world, that journey often starts with a Google search. Whether they're looking for "plumber near me" or "best coffee shop in [Your City]," showing up prominently in local search results can be the difference between a thriving business and a struggling one.

The good news? You don't need to be an SEO wizard to make a big impact. Here are 5 practical, actionable tips straight from industry experts that you can implement today to enhance your small business's visibility on Google and attract more local visitors.

1. Verify Your Business Location (Google Business Profile Essentials)

This might seem obvious, but it's the absolute foundation. Google needs to know exactly where you are!

• Action: Ensure your business's physical location is accurately verified and prominently displayed on your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). This is the cornerstone of your local online presence. Make sure your address, phone number, and hours are correct and consistent across all platforms.

• Why it Matters: An unverified or incorrect location can mean Google won't show your business for local searches, no matter how great your services are.

2. Weave Your Location into Your Website Content

Don't just mention your city once. Integrate your location naturally into your website's most important areas.

• Action: Include the name of your business's location (your city, town, or neighbourhood) in the title tags of your webpage (especially your homepage) and throughout your website content. For example, "Your Business Name - [Your Service] in [Your City]" or "Best [Your Service] in [Your Neighbourhood]."

• Why it Matters: This tells Google very clearly where your business operates and increases the likelihood that your website and Google Business Profile listing will rank higher when people in your area search for your services.

3. Add All Relevant Subcategories to Your Google Business Profile

Your main business category is important, but subcategories give Google more specific clues about what you do.

• Action: Go into your Google Business Profile and add all relevant subcategories that accurately describe your services. Don't be shy! If you're a "Bakery," but you also do "Custom Cakes" and "Catering," add those as subcategories.

• Why it Matters: The more precise you are with your categories, the better Google can match your business to specific searches. If you're unsure which subcategories to add, you can even use tools like the GMB Everywhere Chrome extension to quickly check what categories your top local competitors are using for inspiration.

4. Aim for at Least 10 Google Reviews

Social proof is king, and Google knows it. Reviews build trust and significantly impact your local rankings.

• Action: Make it a priority to get at least 10 Google reviews. Encourage your satisfied customers to leave a review! You can do this by:

  • Directly asking them in person.

  • Sending follow-up emails with a direct link to your Google review page.

  • Having a clear "Leave us a Review" sign in your physical location.

• Why it Matters: Google uses the number and quality of reviews as a strong ranking signal. More positive reviews tell Google (and potential customers) that your business is trustworthy and provides excellent service.

5. Create Dedicated Service Pages on Your Website

If you offer multiple services, don't just list them all on one page. Give each its own space.

• Action: For every distinct service your business offers, create a separate, detailed page on your website. For example, if you're a salon, instead of one "Services" page, have individual pages for "Haircuts in [Your City]," "Colouring Services in [Your City]," and "Nail Treatments in [Your City]."

• Why it Matters: Each dedicated service page gives Google more specific content to index. This means your business is much more likely to show up when someone searches for a particular service you offer, making you visible for a wider range of relevant search terms.

Start Boosting Your Local Presence Today!

Implementing these five tips won't just make your business easier to find; it will build trust with potential customers and ultimately drive more foot traffic and calls to your door. Start with one tip today, and watch your local visibility grow!