What is Local SEO?
Local SEO is all about increasing online search visibility so your business can be found by nearby online searchers. These can be brick-and-mortar businesses with physical locations, like a grocery store or dentist's office, or service-area businesses that operate throughout a certain geographic area, like an electrician or house cleaning company.
This includes everything from claiming a business listing to ensuring a franchise location appears in a local search on Google (a process known as location data or citation management). It also extends to managing online ratings and reviews, local-centric social media engagement, and beyond.
This page is a one-stop comprehensive resource for Local SEO and marketing know-how for learners of all skill levels.
Where to Get Citations
Looking to improve your visibility in local search?
This article covers the top six must-knows for earning local citations that can help to increase local search engine visibility and ranking.
Building a Social Following Locally
Social media can be a powerful tool for local businesses. Learn the basics of using social media for local marketing in this article.
Getting to Know Moz Local
Check out our pre-recorded presentation to learn how Moz Local can help you increase your online visibility and drive more traffic - online and off.
Local Search Data Providers
How does Google obtain local search data? What are data aggregators? Learn in this article.
The Local Search Ecosystem
Local search ecosystem describes the existence of multiple websites, directories, platforms, and apps that list, distribute and share information about local businesses. Learn how data aggregators, directories and search engines play into the local search ecosystem.
Do You Need Professional Reputation Management?
Does your business need professional reputation management? Learn about it in this article.
The Local Review Ecosystem
Where should you earn reviews besides on Google? This article looks at a few other key places to earn reviews - and which sites syndicate reviews to where.
Content Planning for Local SEO
What types of content should local businesses create? Learn in this article.
Technical Considerations for Your Local Business Website
In this article you'll learn about the basic technical criteria a local site must meet in order to be fully set up for SEO and search marketing success.
Understanding Review Filters
Why do review filters exist, and how can you defend against your reviews getting trapped in them? Learn all about review filters in this article.
Facebook Marketing for Local Businesses
Why should local businesses use Facebook for marketing, and how can they get started with the network? Learn in this article.
Leveraging Twitter for Local Marketing
This article covers the basics of how to leverage Twitter to aid in local marketing efforts.
Using Pinterest for Local Business Marketing
This article covers how to set up a business account on Pinterest and get started using the social media network for local marketing efforts.
Local Marketing on Other Social Networks
Beyond Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest, what other social media networks should local businesses use to enhance their marketing efforts? Learn in this article.
Active Citation Management
There are three main options to choose from when it comes to active location data (citation) management. Learn who each technique works best for, the pros and cons of choosing one method over another, and how to select the best active citation management technique for your needs.
MozCon Video Bundle
Did you miss this year's MozCon? Now is your chance to experience what everyone has been talking about! We have over 19 hours of actionable inbound marketing knowledge.
Hreflang Tag
The hreflang attribute (also referred to as rel="alternate" hreflang="x") tells Google which language you are using on a specific page. Learn more about hreflang and how to use it in this article.
ccTLDs
Country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) are domain extensions generally used to indicate a site contains content specifically relevant to a particular country, territory, or region. Learn all about using ccTLDs for internationalization in this article.
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How We Increased Revenue with Speed Optimization [Local SEO Case Study]
There are some key scenarios when local SEOs should seriously consider speed optimization, even for a small local client. Small local clients are still impacted by the issues that come along with having a slower website such as higher bounce rates, lower conversions, and worst of all, a poor user experience. Amanda shares her experience with speed optimization, and the positive results for her client.
How to Perform a Basic Local Business Competitive Audit (Updated for 2022)
Are you outranked in Google's Local Pack? Then it's high time for a competitive business audit. Use this example analysis and downloadable spreadsheet to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of multiple businesses and devise a plan to win.
8 Q1 Local Search Developments You Need to Know About
The first quarter of 2022 brought us some new local search opportunities (and a few problems) that you may have missed. Today, Miriam goes through a quick roundup of interesting happenings that merit your awareness for the sake of the local businesses you market.
2022 Local SEO Success: The Year of Everywhere
Let’s set you up for success with seven local SEO precepts for the year ahead, some expert commentary, and many signs of good things to come!
GMB to GBP: 3 Invitations for Google to Alter Their Indifference towards SMBs
The rebrand of Google My Business to Google Business Profile included the news that nice dashboards will be the sole province of more fortunate, large enterprises. In response, please join me in sending three invitations to Google from the local business neighborhood, in hopes of an RSVP.
Should You Pay for Local Listings Management? Double-Digit Lifts and Customers Say: Yes!
Does citation management still matter in the grand scheme of local SEO? Our industry has been trying to gauge which way the wind is blowing on this subject for years now, but a recent study suggests that —yes — local businesses should be investing in listing management.
4 Step Guide to Local SEO
Strategies for long-term local SEO success
In this quick video series, Moz Customer Success experts walk through important local marketing best practices and how to put them into action using Moz Local.
Wading Into Local SEO: 7 Absolute Beginner FAQs, Simply Answered
Miriam answers seven of the most common questions from searchers looking for an introductory understanding of what “local SEO” means, who needs it, how it works, how to study it, and more!
How To Do Local SEO for Businesses Without Physical Locations in 2021
It’s easy to make mistakes, overlook updates, and miss out on opportunities when marketing a business without physical locations. The great news is, there are local marketing possibilities for almost every business type, but you have to know which pathway to follow, based on how the brand you’re marketing operates.
Local SEO for Nonprofit Organizations: 5 Tactics to Try Today
Through the “search and deliver” dynamic of SEO, nonprofit marketers have the opportunity to reach local audiences that indicate their interest and engagement through their search behaviors. Nonprofit marketers can leverage this to engage supporters, drive donations, and share their nonprofit’s mission with the world. Read on for local SEO tactics you can try today.
Mapping Local Essentials: Being the Business that Grows, Sells, or Markets the Beans
Where there’s need, fulfilment can be a public good, and where there’s upheaval, any possibility is worth considering. Necessities are emerging in bold relief on the map of each town and city. Demand must be met by determined small entrepreneurs to keep society functional.
How Does the Local Algorithm Work?
Driven by proximity, relevance, and prominence, Google's local algorithm plays by a few different rules. Get the scoop on how it all works from local SEO extraordinaire, Joy Hawkins, as she offers a taste of her full talk from MozCon 2019.
The Local SEO Agency’s Complete Guide to Client Discovery and Onboarding
When sussing out new clients, it's crucial for Local SEOs to start off on the right foot. Miriam Ellis offers three free downloadable forms and some priceless advice to make your client onboarding process smooth as silk.
How to Delete a Google My Business Listing – A Common Question with a Complex Answer
Miriam Ellis outlines 11 common Google My Business listing management scenarios and the necessary steps to resolve them.
Competing for Local Queries With No Physical Premises
If you don't have a physical presence, there are some situations where you can still rank for local queries. Learn whether you should, how to identify queries to compete for, and recommendations on how to optimize for them.
How to Perform the Ultimate Local SEO Audit
Are you looking to dominate local search? This guide is all you will need to learn how to perform The Ultimate Local SEO Audit for your business or your clients. Learn what key areas you need to pay attention to, which ones carry the most weight, and determine what you need to do to start beating your competition today.
Offline & Organic: The Two Rivers That Feed Modern Local SEO
When the local SEO industry is in the midst of a sea change & Google's willing to change the rules at a moment's notice, your best bet is to safeguard your efforts with an offline and organic approach.
The Best Types of Content for Local Businesses: Building Geo-Topical Authority
What's the best way to show local searchers that you're an authority in your niche? You guessed it — through your content. But that can be a pretty vague and overwhelming term; what are some actual ways to make a difference, conversions-wise? Miriam Ellis explains.
Local SEO & Beyond: Ranking Your Local Business in 2017
There's a whole world of possibilities beyond the local 3-pack to explore. Broaden your horizons beyond your existing local SEO strategies to come out on top this year.
Proximity to Searcher is the New #1 Local Search Ranking Factor
Forget everything you thought you knew about the most impactful local ranking factors — searcher proximity just may be the #1 thing influencing where a local business shows on the SERPs.
Reputation, Rankings, and Revenue: Navigating Local for Non-Technical People
Local SEO lingo might sound like gibberish to the non-technical stakeholders in your work, but 3 words are universal to management everywhere: reputation, rankings, and revenue.
The 9 Most Common Local SEO Myths, Dispelled
Have you taken any of these statements as truth? In this post, Google My Business Top Contributor Joy Hawkins shares and debunks the Local SEO myths she runs into most frequently.
Match Your Local SEO to Your Business Type with the Local SEO Checklist
Is your local business visible to potential customers online? If the answer is anything other than an enthusiastic and confident YES, then this local SEO checklist is for you. Miriam Ellis is here to help you identify which key points of your local SEO plan you've taken care of, and which still need some love.
Advanced Local Citation Audit & Clean Up: Achieve Consistent Data & Higher Rankings
Cleaning up your citations is not as easy as waving a magic wand or blinking while wearing your Google Glass. Read on to find out how to audit your citations and clean up your local listings!