3 Local SEO Moves You Can Make Today to Rank Higher Tomorrow

Written by Sean Hakes, local SEO strategist and founder of 72 Hour Web Design.

Want to Be Found Online? Start with These 3 Proven Local SEO Wins

You don’t need a massive budget or a full-time marketing team to compete online. These three local SEO tactics are fast, proven, and can drive visibility this week—without the overwhelm.

Whether you’re a contractor, boutique owner, or local service pro, these tips will help you stand out in local searches and attract more customers.

Let’s Help You Get Found

1. Optimize (and Maintain) Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is one of the most powerful — and free — ways to improve your local visibility. It’s what shows up in the Google Maps pack, in search results, and on mobile when someone’s looking for your service in their area.

The first step is claiming and verifying your listing. Then make sure every section is filled out completely and accurately. That includes your business name, phone number, website, hours, and service area (if you’re not a storefront).

Upload real photos regularly — not just your logo. Think finished projects, your team in action, behind-the-scenes moments, or your storefront. Even better? Add a short description like “Retaining wall completed in Parker, CO — 3-day project start to finish.” These location-rich, descriptive photo captions help both users and Google understand what you do and where you work.

Post updates at least once a week. These could be offers, service highlights, recent jobs, or tips. This keeps your profile active — and Google favors active businesses over static ones.

If you’re not using local citation tools like Yext, BrightLocal, or Whitespark, it’s worth considering. These services ensure your business info is consistent across dozens of directories — a major trust factor for search engines. Inconsistent citations can hurt your visibility more than most business owners realize.

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of reviews. Ask happy customers to leave a Google review after each job — and always respond to each one, even the short “Great job!” responses. This shows you’re active, appreciative, and engaged with your customer base.

Done right, your Google Business Profile becomes a 24/7 trust signal and lead engine. Done wrong (or ignored), you’re handing clicks to your competitors.

2. Clean Up Your Website — It’s a Salesperson, Not a Brochure

Your website shouldn’t just look good — it should work hard for you. Too many small business sites are outdated, slow, or missing key content. That means missed leads, lower rankings, and confused customers. The good news? Fixing it doesn’t require a full rebuild.

First, make sure your site is mobile-friendly and loads quickly. Use free tools like PageSpeed Insights to check your performance. If it takes more than 3 seconds to load, you’re likely losing visitors. Common fixes include optimizing images, updating your hosting, or simplifying bloated design elements.

Your homepage should clearly explain who you are, what you do, and who you serve. Every page should include a headline, short paragraph, and one clear call-to-action — like “Call Now,” “Get a Quote,” or “Schedule a Free Estimate.” Make sure your phone number and contact options are easy to find on every page, especially on mobile.

Don’t try to cram all your services onto one page. Create a dedicated page for each major offering so that search engines — and customers — can understand exactly what you do. If you offer roofing, siding, and windows, each one deserves its own optimized landing page.

You’ll also want to reference your location naturally throughout your content. Mention cities, counties, and neighborhoods you serve in your service descriptions and image captions. These “local signals” help Google connect your business with local search intent.

Finally, update your title tags and meta descriptions. These are the snippets people see in search results, and they play a huge role in click-through rates. Keep them clear, include a keyword and location, and give people a reason to click.

3. Build Local Backlinks (Yes, It’s Still a Thing)

A backlink is simply a link from another website to yours. Search engines use these links as a vote of confidence — a signal that your business is trusted by others. The more quality links you have pointing to your site, the more likely you are to show up higher in local search results.

One of the easiest ways to start earning local backlinks is by getting listed in business directories. Make sure your business appears (with consistent NAP: Name, Address, Phone) in places like your local Chamber of Commerce, BBB, Yelp, Alignable, and other relevant local or industry directories. You can also use tools like BrightLocal or Whitespark to track and manage your local citation profile.

Consider sponsoring a local event, charity, or youth sports team — and ask for a link back to your website on their sponsor page. Many local organizations are happy to do this, and these links come from real, geographically relevant sources, which are highly valuable.

You can also build partnerships with nearby businesses that serve the same customers but don’t compete with you. For example, a landscaper and a fencing contractor can trade links, refer each other, and help each other build trust online.

Finally, ask loyal customers if they’d be willing to mention your business on their website or blog. Even one or two of these local, genuine backlinks can move the needle—especially in smaller markets where competition is tight but not overwhelming.

Bonus: Want to Go Further? Start Blogging With Purpose

There are hundreds of ranking signals in Google’s algorithm — but the three we’ve just covered will make the biggest impact the fastest. If you’re ready to build even more trust and long-term visibility, consistent blogging is your next best move.

Blog posts don’t need to be long or technical — they need to be helpful. Write about the work you’re doing in the community, answer questions your customers ask all the time, or share insight on something happening in your industry.

You want content that feels like it came from a real expert — not a copy-paste job or a generic AI article. That means sharing your perspective, your voice, and even your photos when possible. It’s not about sounding perfect — it’s about sounding real.

If you’re not sure what to write about, start with a list of the top 10 questions you’ve been asked this year. Answer them one by one. You’ll be surprised how quickly that turns into valuable content — for both your customers and Google.

Quick Recap: Here’s Where to Start

Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile — and keep it updated
Clean up your website so it loads fast, ranks locally, and converts
Start building real, local backlinks that Google (and customers) trust
Bonus: Create blog content that shows your experience and builds authority

Local SEO doesn’t have to be overwhelming — and you don’t have to do it alone. We help small businesses across Colorado and beyond show up, get seen, and get more calls.

Schedule a Free Local SEO Strategy Call

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my Google Business Profile is fully optimized?

Your profile is in good shape if all sections are filled out, you’re posting updates weekly, have recent photos with descriptions, and you’re consistently earning and responding to reviews. You should also have the right categories and service areas selected.

How often should I update my website for local SEO?

At minimum, keep your services, hours, and contact info up to date. For long-term growth, consider blogging once or twice a month and refreshing service page content every 6–12 months.

What are backlinks and why are they important?

Backlinks are links from other websites to yours. They tell search engines your business is trusted and relevant. Local backlinks — like from the Chamber of Commerce, sponsor pages, or other local businesses — help boost your visibility in local search.

Can I do local SEO myself or should I hire someone?

Many business owners handle the basics themselves, especially if they’re tech-savvy. But if you’re short on time or want to avoid costly mistakes, hiring a pro can save time and deliver better results long term.

Does blogging really help with local SEO?

Absolutely. A thoughtful blog helps answer customer questions, build trust, and target more keyword opportunities. Mention local areas and showcase real experiences to boost your authority in your service region.

How long does it take to see results from local SEO?

You may see minor improvements within a few weeks, especially with your Google Business Profile. For more competitive industries or bigger shifts, it typically takes 3–6 months to gain traction — but the benefits are long-lasting.