How to Do Local SEO: Complete A-Z Tutorial

This video will show you how to do local SEO to get free traffic from organic search and Google Maps listings using Google My Business and search engine optimization.
Optimizing your website for Google local search is different than for a global company. While there is some overlap between traditional SEO techniques like on-page optimization and keyword research, there are additional tactics that apply specifically to local business marketing.
This video is a complete A-Z tutorial. Even if you’re a complete beginner, by the end of this video, you’ll know how to rank your website higher and get more visitors from local searches on Google.
Here’s a breakdown of the step-by-step process to do SEO for your local business.
Step #1. The one thing all local businesses should do for their website.
Step #2. How to setup and optimize your Google My Business (GMB) listing.
Step #3. Local keyword research techniques.
Step #4. On-Page SEO (slightly different for local websites)
Step #5. Building local citations (both structured and unstructured)
Step #6. Link building specifically for local SEO
Step #7. Ongoing activities you can’t ignore
Additional Resources:
► SEO Tutorial for blogs: • SEO Tutorial: 10 Detai...
► On-Page SEO Techniques: • Top 10 On Page SEO Tec...
► Local SEO Blog Post: ahrefs.com/blog/local-seo/
► Whitespark List of Citations: whitespark.ca/top-local-citat...
Timestamps:
0:42 What is Local SEO
2:17 Optimize your local website for mobile
2:37 Optimize your Google My Business listing
5:20 Do some keyword research
7:45 On-Page SEO for local websites
11:28 Build local citations
15:03 Build quality editorial links
17:09 Take care of ongoing activities
Be sure to subscribe for more actionable marketing and SEO tutorials.
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#LocalSEO #SEO

[@MartyM.]

I'm not currently doing local SEO but had considered it for a possible niche opportunity. I know it's a different "beast" altogether, so thanks for this! Very educational. Sam you produced some of the best videos I've seen. I send everyone I can to your channel. A+! :)

[@AhrefsCom]

Thanks, Marty! Our team works hard at creating the best content we can 😀

[@MartyM.]

My pleasure...yes, I know, because it really shows in the quality of what you present. You guys are pretty much the gold standard when it comes to a *lot* of data-driven SEO and search intent-based approaches. I learned a lot and I've passed it along to a friend who it also influenced greatly. :)

[@chonthiranuanwilai3067]

I really love when the tutor speaks fast,

[@danisbeil1201]

Very interesting video of Local seo, thank you very much for sharing this information

[@AhrefsCom]

Glad you enjoyed it :) -Helen

[@411sportstv]

The best video on local SEO, we've seen thus far.

[@AhrefsCom]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@jostan_pais]

You are amazing, the way you teach is very simple and understandable yet very effective. Thank you so much for the inputs

[@AhrefsCom]

You're welcome!

[@ItaloFabri]

Without a doubt, an epic lesson!

[@AhrefsCom]

Thanks, Italo. Glad you found it helpful!

[@joshc7865]

How convenient of you to help us use your product

[@Endyinnocent]

wow. I've been on this channel the whole day and I must say I've been improved my knowledge. Thank you so so much, Sam.

[@AhrefsCom]

You're welcome!

[@vijayrajendran6315]

Finally a video that explains the entire procedure from someone. Or else everyone Seo expert on youtube only tell "tips" which is useless until you know the proper procedure.

[@AhrefsCom]

Glad you enjoyed the video, Vijay!

[@zeljkolazic650]

Amazing as always! Thanks, Sam.

[@AhrefsCom]

Glad you enjoyed the tutorial!

[@jaimejaner54]

absolutelly helpful mate, absolutely awesome video. Thanks for this one.

[@AhrefsCom]

You're welcome, Jaime! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@emi.mp4]

HOW DOES THIS NOT HAVE MORE VIEWS?!?! so good, no nonsense, LOVE IT

[@AhrefsCom]

Glad you enjoyed the video =) - Max

[@chopchay9337]

Your presentation is far more better than others... It's not boring, so engaging. Snaps are so presented... Imagination runs. If you have a course, people will buy it. More presentation like this... Very rich content.

[@AhrefsCom]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video and hope you got a ton of value from it :)

[@cappabuja]

You're right! However, if you're stuck in your Local SEO project, you can let me help you on it.

[@alessandrotenconi6611]

Very educational, just subscribed. Thank you for the great content!

[@AhrefsCom]

Glad you found it helpful, Alessandro! Welcome to our community :)

[@milestonebusinessmarketing4575]

Real solid info even though its almost 2 years old now. Most of the basics should still apply. Thank you for 19 min worthwhile.

[@AhrefsCom]

Glad you enjoyed😊

[@ShohagChowdhurelocalseo]

Excellent breakdown of local SEO strategies! Your insights really shed light on how businesses can thrive in their local markets.

[@AhrefsCom]

Thank you! -Helen

[@sawomirlesniewski4448]

That is extremaly useful set of information with tools explained, which is crucial in my situation (building fresh website of a company). Great! Thank you!

[@AhrefsCom]

Hey Slawomir, really glad to know you found it valuable and useful for your future website. Good luck with your project! - Max

[@slickandsanz]

Great, as always! Thank you Sam!

[@AhrefsCom]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ramen1262]

Great video with impeccable explanation. Thanks buddy.

[@AhrefsCom]

You're welcome :) Glad you found the video be helpful.

[@Plingysjsjsj444]

Wow, solid content, covers the topic so fluidly, thanks 🙏

[@AhrefsCom]

You're welcome Josh. Thanks for watching 😀

[@lxng5158]

Really informative and concise. Thanks for the great content!

[@AhrefsCom]

You are welcome!

[@WoodchuckNorris.8o]

Thank you for this detailed and concise information

[@AhrefsCom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@HeyImDana]

I absolutely love your video's Sam! I am also so addicted to Ahref's! The first thing I do in the morning is take my pupper's out and then hop on Ahref's and do some research. I could not live without your awesome site lol !!

[@AhrefsCom]

Thank you!

[@shivshatma2733]

amazing content marketing explained

[@AhrefsCom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@shizaarshad9965]

was finding this type of tutorial showing eerything live.its best

[@AhrefsCom]

Glad you liked it!

[@adamrocks529]

Trying to setup a local notary business and this was super helpful. 👍🏽

[@AhrefsCom]

So glad for you! -Helen

[@bestfriendsfunworld2512]

Hi Sam, I started watching your videos, really its very useful, Thanks for sharing, its very interesting and easy to understand 👍

[@AhrefsCom]

Bably, I am really happy you found it valuable! Feel free to subscribe to our channel if you do not want to miss our new videos😇

[@lawyersrealtyoc]

Great training for local consultants!!!!

[@AhrefsCom]

Glad you enjoyed it, John!

[@radio_nowhere]

I'm living in downtown Toronto and I found this extremely useful. Thanks ahrefs. And yes I'm using ahrefs monthly subscription. 🙂

[@AhrefsCom]

Awesome! Glad to hear that you were able to find some tips in here 😀I'm sure the Toronto examples made sense for you too :)

[@lakshitbhayana]

Hii AS , hope you are doing well during this pandemic. If you need any help with local SEO or SEO in general, feel free to connect. :)) ([e-mail])

[@STUDIO-ew8dz]

Really great video. Easy to digest informations even for newbie

[@AhrefsCom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@fehrdigitalmarketing5071]

I love this dude!

[@AhrefsCom]

🙂

[@incress]

I really appreciate lot of knowledge gain from this tutorial.

[@AhrefsCom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@affiliatenetworks1717]

very good tutorial. Good video edits to. You explained seo very well and how to add the business listing.

[@AhrefsCom]

Glad you found the video helpful! Cheers.

[@Harish-jo7fb]

awesome video on Local SEO

[@AhrefsCom]

Thank you =)

[@alvinreysuplac8551]

As always great video

[@AhrefsCom]

Thanks!

[@ezratan399]

Awesome content! Thank you for sharing such valuable information! 😄

[@AhrefsCom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sammdc923]

What a training. It is worth to find out what this training is not included rather than what it is included...Thanks a lot

[@AhrefsCom]

Hey Sam! Glad you found lots of valuable information in this video Thank you! - Max

[@mdmarifulislam9964]

Trying to setup a local notary business and this was super helpful

[@AhrefsCom]

Glad it is helpful! 🙏 -Helen

[@yehoshuaracz8947]

unbelievable great video the best ever I see in SEO

[@AhrefsCom]

Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@eatatjoe69]

Helpful as always. Thanks again.

[@AhrefsCom]

My pleasure, Aaron.

[@nisaac86]

Excellent video! - How to do local SEO

[@AhrefsCom]

Thanks, Neo! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@islamsadeksharif1535]

One of the best video I have ever seen

[@AhrefsCom]

Wow, thank you for a nice feedback! Glad you enjoyed it! - Max

[@cappabuja]

You're right.

[@RafaelSilva-or4vu]

excelente vídeo e fácil de aplicar. Estou assistindo pela primeira vez, espero que haja mais vídeos como este para que possamos melhorar.

[@AhrefsCom]

More videos to come 🙏 -Helen

[@TonyBolero]

Very well put-together tutorial!

[@AhrefsCom]

Glad you liked it :) - Helen

[@sohailshaikh1273]

It is really effective and a simple way to teach,it's really super helpful video..thanks

[@AhrefsCom]

You are most welcome 🙏 -Helen

[@JenRock17]

Great video & very helpful thank you. Question: Once you have the code generated from the structured data mark up helper, where abouts do you actually place it on the web page?

[@AhrefsCom]

Thanks, Jen. Google recommends adding the script block below to the head section of your html.

[@geteasymove]

Your videos help us a lot in ranking

[@AhrefsCom]

Hey! I am really glad to know these tips worked well for you in practice! Thank you! - Max

[@yashasparihar6180]

What an insanely informative video wow. Thanks a lott :)

[@AhrefsCom]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching :) -Helen

[@brentlybyers]

Killer freaking video dude

[@AhrefsCom]

💪

[@BeTheLightShamanicHealing]

Love your videos! I'm curious- is it still important to include my phone number, email & full address in my footer? I've read that it's best to include "call now" buttons & contact forms as opposed to putting your email & phone number on your site to cut down on robo-calls & spam emails. Currently I just have my full name, professional title & my city & state. My office is in my home & I don't want to broadcast my address.

[@haridasification]

Excellent explanation

[@AhrefsCom]

Thanks, Haridas! Hope you were able to find some valuable tips and strategies in the video.

[@LocaloENG]

Time to refresh it :D

[@AhrefsCom]

Thanks for the suggestion! We will consider it 🙏 -Helen

[@truthseeker502]

You are amazing. Thank you for sharing such valuable info.

[@AhrefsCom]

Thank you! :)

[@ushiealex2295]

Hi Sam Oh, great teaching as always. I have a question about building relevant citation. Say you have a business without a physical address, the business basically delivers to customer location, how can you get these businesses listed on core structure citation, considering most of these directories require physical address?

[@TiffanyAlexandriaIngle]

Great step by step video with clear explanations!

[@AhrefsCom]

Thanks, Tiffany. Hope you were able to extract some value/strategies from here.

[@SuperShankh]

Relevant video as always. Big thanks ahrefs 🤗

[@AhrefsCom]

Thanks for watching! -Helen

[@swarnabalaji]

very interesting and useful

[@AhrefsCom]

Glad you liked it :) -Helen

[@swarnabalaji]

I fully watched but you not satisfied 😭

[@sil3ncioTM]

God, the difference in audio quality from this and the new videos is... quite noticeable. Still a really useful video, well done guys!

[@AhrefsCom]

I am glad Sam got a new microphone at some point. I enjoy new sounds too 😂 - Max

[@davenilsson5443]

Sam is a legend!

[@AhrefsCom]

Thanks, Dave!

[@MartyM.]

Totally agree, ha ha.

[@andrew.schaeffer4032]

Thanks for the wonderful video. Could you provide the source for the snack pack stat: "they generate 33% of clicks on the search results page"? (1:08) I'm having trouble finding that.

[@richardnagy1121]

This is the best local SEO video I have ever seen! Quick question: Is local SEO the same this year (2019)?

[@AhrefsCom]

Can not point any game-changing factors you should be looking at in 2019

[@lakshitbhayana]

Hey Richard, Not at all!! local SEO changes very quickly but yet is a very efficient way to generate leads.If you need any help with local SEO or SEO in general, feel free to connect. :)) ([e-mail])

[@cuteandfunnypets6527]

Thanks, Sir

[@AhrefsCom]

You're welcome!

[@mauriceayao1494]

You should complete the addition of the generated code to the website. Not all know how to add it. I love your presentation. Kindly help in adding the code.

[@awesome155]

great video thanks for your time and expertise. my question is where do I enter the schema markup code in a WordPress site with no html?

[@AhrefsCom]

Thanks, Letty. There are plugins you can use to add script to the head or before the tag. You can try out something like Insert Headers and Footers or just check at the bottom of your page/post to see if you already have a function built into do the job.

[@juniawanwidyatmaja1697]

watching this in 2021. thanks!

[@AhrefsCom]

You're welcome!

[@dankmemes4068]

holy information overload

[@AhrefsCom]

😄

[@tyugg841]

Wow best recommended 😀

[@AhrefsCom]

Thanks!

[@tyugg841]

@@AhrefsCom subscribed dude. Waiting for more Awesome videos.

[@AhrefsCom]

Awesome! More coming :)

[@MuhammadUmar-yb4ew]

There's an option in Local SEO in Rank Math Plugin in WordPress? so my Question is Google Business or Local SEO option in the Plugin is the same or not? Should I use both ways to submit business details in rank math or google my business? Thanks

[@MorganKJohnston]

When a business moves, how would they go about updating citations / would it be ok to leave citations as is from guest posts?

[@MdsohelRana-rp8ce]

This vedio nice

[@AhrefsCom]

Thanks! -Helen

[@alhadiyaadvertisingllc7831]

precise and crisp, really loved the video, nothing to filter or skip. ahref is paid site so do you have any free alternative for beginners ?

[@AhrefsCom]

Try our Webmaster Tools: ahrefs.com/webmaster-tools - SQ

[@amphibians]

A updated version would be nice !

[@AhrefsCom]

We have two new separate videos for local SEO: keyword research kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIGnY4WkfNuNeqM and link building kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqGahp6PgZmhjMk Hope it helps 🙏 -Helen

[@6cmarketing920]

Great video +1

[@AhrefsCom]

Thanks!

[@Testeverything521]

Should you get local citations for a business if you work within a coworking space? Does it cause any problems to have your business address shared with the coworking space's address?

[@nidhaltoumi8761]

awsome as usual, many thanks! Sam, does this apply to the e-commerce businesses?

[@AhrefsCom]

We have a full tutorial on ecommerce SEO here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnXEn3RjbtycbLM Hope it helps :)

[@nidhaltoumi8761]

@@AhrefsCom always :)

[@Eskimoz]

Bravo :)

[@AhrefsCom]

Thank you

[@amazingskills6451]

Love you Sam.. 😊

[@AhrefsCom]

Thanks!

[@TraceyPoland]

Thanks for the video! Do you have any new tips or changed for 2019? Also I see a lot of companies adding directions on their webpage and even some with detailed directions from each direction... do you feel like this is important ?

[@AhrefsCom]

Hey, Max is here to help🙂 Navigation is crucial for UX! It keeps your visitor engaged, reducing bounce rate and increasing dwell time! Think about breadcrumps for eCommerce sites, as for me this is an important tool that makes your visitor's life easier. You might also want to check Sam's video about SEO in 2019 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnPNn2iKoaiNasU

[@getentertained2436]

Hello i sell local seos if u want tell me thank u

[@lakshitbhayana]

Hii , hope you are doing well during this pandemic. If you need any help with local SEO or SEO in general, feel free to connect. :)) ([e-mail])

[@MatLitteL]

Great video! Can you clarify something. If i run my business from home and tick the box to NOT show my address in Google Business, can i then omit that from my website? Would doing that impact my results?

[@AhrefsCom]

We think it should be fine ... but we're not exactly local SEO experts either. Better to check with one :) - SQ

[@zombiemillionaire6397]

Im wondering why did not mention that in most cases they can pick sub niches in GMB?

[@ccourbier]

My city and local municipalities all seem to charge for business listings (annually). The prices vary but ~$150/yr. Is it worth it?

[@Yuliana_lisova]

Thank you. I have a question. Im going to try to build my website using wix . How can i make my website to be optimised for mobiles so people can easily google my business?

[@AhrefsCom]

Here you go: ahrefs.com/blog/mobile-first-indexing/ - SQ

[@SamHartmannCom]

12:42 I wonder how you do a local citation research for German local businesses? (Or even Switzerland & Austria)

[@ilsebilse]

Hey, cool Video! I have a little question. I want to rank in a big City im Switzerland. My store(and my Adress) is in a small town about 8 Miles away from that City. Do you think I even have a Chance of Ranking in the organic results (or even Snackpack) For "my Keyword + City Name"? Thanks a Lot!

[@AhrefsCom]

Impossible to say without knowing your website, the keyword you're referring to and other details. - SQ

[@yehoshuaracz8947]

my question when you get keywords research and find just very low volume if you care about it. For example, "'24 hour coffee shop in Toronto'' has just 10 person look for it?

[@AhrefsCom]

That's more of a personal decision you'd need to make. Also keep in mind that "search volumes" are always estimations. No matter which tool you use :) -Sam

[@lakshitbhayana]

Hii , hope you are doing well during this pandemic. If you need any help with local SEO or SEO in general, feel free to connect. :))

[@imoukhuedeakhigbe1364]

Please the code generate from the schemas mark up where should I place it in my website?

[@creationbakery535]

Sam, is it safe t use an SEO company in India if you have an Australia based site? Does it matter or make any difference where SEO is applied from?

[@SamOhYT]

Hey CJ. I wouldn't focus so much on where they're from, but more on the quality of their work/results they've achieved for others. When hiring an SEO company, it's good to have some SEO knowledge of your own so you can research what they did and see if they applied strategies that you would like to see for your own company.

[@creationbakery535]

Thanks Sam. Great advice

[@StephenMichaelMeyer]

When building backlinks, is there any value in links that are nofollow? I notice that a lot of sites do the no-follow set up when linking to my site.

[@AhrefsCom]

Nofollow links do not pass page authority, so it probably brings close to "0" value to your site. Unfortunately only Google knows the exact answer =( - Max

[@lakshitbhayana]

Hii Stephan, hope you are doing well during this pandemic. If you need any help with local SEO or SEO in general, feel free to connect. :))

[@gnuuhg7889]

thanks

[@AhrefsCom]

You're welcome! -Helen

[@MdMahabub-pp4ql]

Can you clarify something. If i run my business from home and tick the box to NOT show my address in Google Business.

[@PerDeshayes]

Wow. What a great info what to do. Building a website platform where I want to help stores with their local seo that help them and our platform to rank up. Would love to pick your brain how to best do that do I expect 1000s of stores that want to be on it

[@AhrefsCom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jasoneg3]

Excellent video! I don't agree with a person who hides their address however. In my view, that is a sure-fire way to NEVER rank on local searches vs competitors. This is common for instance for plumbers who work from home vs. those who have a physical address. Google rigs this against the former, and they never show unless they have a "real" address visible in my experience.

[@AhrefsCom]

Thanks for sharing your insights and experiences, Jason!

[@SuperKanoni]

I run a mobile spa and I am ranking in he 1st 3 businesses yet my address is hidden

[@lakshitbhayana]

Absolutely right Jason!! You need to keep updating your listing. If you need any help with local SEO or SEO in general, feel free to connect. :)) ([e-mail])

[@habibahmed7802]

I have one question... Like we are creating services based website. So for that one our aim is to get our website ranked over the whole USA ... So we need to create multiple locations. ... I am getting puzzled in Google my business creation so I need to put my keyword like Facebook services USA or just I shall use Facebook services ... Then I should create multiple citations

[@cappabuja]

Yes, you have to create multiple locations all over the US.

[@MM-jd9ou]

What If my Business does two different, but related activities? For example I sell phones and I have a repair shop. Both of them bring a lot of profit. Should I make different websites and google business accounts for each or it can all work within one?

[@AhrefsCom]

If your repair store is about phones and you also sell phones, then your business is about phones. As for me you are totally fine to have it under one brand with one website and single GMB account. - Max

[@MM-jd9ou]

@@AhrefsCom Thanks for the fast reply

[@lakshitbhayana]

Hii, hope you are doing well during this pandemic. If you need any help with local SEO or SEO in general, feel free to connect. :))

[@geovanims12]

Quick Question: Can I use My Google Business for nonprofits? @Ahrefs Thanks

[@markwilliams515]

Get #1 Google rankings for high competitive keywords: HootLinks.xyz #1 Best link building software!

[@lakshitbhayana]

Yess!! If you need any help with local SEO or SEO in general, feel free to connect. :)) ([e-mail])

[@varitv6785]

Where/how do I put that plug in into the website

[@bumsores2843]

so if we were doing local lead generation, what would the NAP for our GMB listing look like?

[@AhrefsCom]

If you have a business with a physical address, then it would be the same. Your name, address, and phone number :)

[@bumsores2843]

@@AhrefsCom and if i don't have a physical address but i have a long term client i sell leads to, would it affect my seo if i use their physical address? granted i have permission from them.

[@rahinahmed946]

Finding seo clients is really hard . Can you make a video about how to find seo clients.

[@AhrefsCom]

Maybe in the future.

[@zainulabaidin9343]

thanks. Suppose I am from New York but I offer my services in california then is it ok if I mention my home address of california for verification and mention my service area of california?

[@myles3605]

I have a local Business and my phone has just completely stopped ranking and I’ve gone from popping up at #3-4 to 12-15 on google.....idk anything about SEO.....I’m looking to hire someone to help, what is it that I need to ask for? Idk the terminology

[@AhrefsCom]

Try looking for an SEO specialist -Helen