Local SEO basics: get found by customers near you

Local SEO helps people near you find your business when they search. This guide covers the six steps with the most effect for a small business.

Step 1: Claim your Google Business Profile

Create or claim your profile. Fill in every field. Follow the Google Business Profile checklist.

Step 2: Make your details match

Use the same name, address and phone number everywhere. This includes your site, your profile and every directory.

Step 3: Put your area on your pages

Say where you work in plain words. Write "bakery in Alfama, Lisbon", not just "bakery". Add a page for each town or area you serve, if each has real content.

Step 4: Add local business schema

Use the local business schema generator. It states your address, hours and phone in a format machines read.

Step 5: Ask for reviews

Ask happy customers to review you. Send a direct link. Reply to each review. Never pay for reviews or write them yourself.

Step 6: Get listed in local directories

List your business in trusted directories for your trade and your town. Check that each listing matches your details.

Check your progress

Search for your service and town on a phone. Note where you appear on the results and the map. Repeat each month. For more on AI assistants, read how to get found in AI answers.