Let’s be real here. If you’re not ranking well locally in today’s digital world, you’re leaving a massive pile of customers on the table. Just think of local SEO like your business’s digital “welcome mat”. It’s got to be inviting, easy to spot, and positioned in just the right place to grab attention.
A strong online presence is like rolling out a red carpet for more foot traffic, sparking online interactions, and most of all, growing your sales. Picture this out: Customers are finding you at the exact moment they need you whether they are searching for the “best coffee shop near me” or “affordable plumber in [your city].” Sounds ideal, right?
However, there’s a catch: Having a website is not enough. Website maintenance and upkeep can be pretty expensive and if not done right, you might be missing the return on investment (ROI) you need. This is where local SEO experts come in. They are the unsung heroes to help you bridge that gap and get your business ranking where it deserves to be.
So, with no further introduction, let’s explore why some of your competitors are leading the game—and give you some actionable tactics to help you catch up (and hopefully outrank them!).
Reasons Your Competitors Are Outranking You Locally
Your Google Business Profile Isn’t Optimized
If your Google Business Profile (GBP) is just sitting there, half-filled out, and outdated, that could be why you’re lagging behind. Local search algorithms love businesses with complete and accurate profiles. Competitors who keep their Google My Business page fresh—by regularly updating business hours, adding customer reviews, and maintaining accurate contact info—are showing Google they mean business.
Pro tip: Don’t just add any old information. Be sure everything is consistent across the board. If your address or phone number differs on your GBP compared to your website or other directories, search engines might flag it as inconsistent, lowering your ranking.
Inconsistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) Information Across Listings
You wouldn’t think of it, but those three little things—your business’s Name, Address, and Phone number—play a massive role in local search engine optimization. If your NAP is inconsistent across different online platforms (Google, Yelp, Yellow Pages, etc.), search engines get confused.
Google tends to trust businesses with accurate, consistent information, so make sure your NAP is the same everywhere. Trust us—those small details matter.
Poor Website Localization
Is your website content tailored to local customers? Competitors who craft content specific to their community—think local news, events, or community partnerships—are more likely to show up in search results. Search engines love content that reflects the needs and interests of the area you serve.
The good news? Website localization isn’t just about adding a few local keywords. It’s about genuinely engaging with the community through content that resonates with your audience. It’s like speaking their language, but online.
Limited Local Link-Building and Citations
Now let’s learn a golden rule: Local backlinks are a big deal for local SEO. If your competitors have earned mentions on trusted local websites, blogs, or business directories, it’s helping boost their local SEO. These backlinks build credibility and help boost their rankings.
And if you haven’t been focusing on building these connections, now is the perfect time to start. Dedicating some of your time to partner with local influencers, sponsoring events, or contributing to local charity efforts are just a few ways to get those valuable backlinks.
Slow Mobile and Desktop Page Speeds
Truth be told, we’re living in a world of instant gratification. So if your site takes too long to load, you’re not only frustrating potential customers. You are also hurting your rankings. Google prioritizes sites with fast loading times, especially on mobile devices. So, if your competitors’ websites load faster than yours, they’re probably winning the race for local traffic.
Think of it like this: If someone’s on their phone, looking for a service, and your site takes forever to load, they’re gone before they even see what you offer. The moral of the story? Speed matters.
Key Tactics to Catch Up and Outrank Competitors Locally
1. Create Locally Relevant Blog Content
A blog is a powerful tool for connecting with your local audience. But not just any blog—create content that speaks directly to your community. Write about local events, highlight neighborhood stories, or dive into community-specific trends. The more locally relevant your content, the better it will resonate with your audience. The best part? Search engines will take notice too especially if you’re working with local SEO experts who know how to optimize your content for local searches.
Plus, these types of posts—think local guides, seasonal lists, or “Best Of” roundups—are likely to get shared, further boosting your local SEO.
2. Invest in Local Advertising and Sponsorships
Now, let’s talk about getting social. And by social we mean not just “posting cute photos of you on Instagram” kind but truly getting involved in your local community. We’re talking about getting involved in local social media groups, sponsoring community events, and partnering with nearby businesses.
This not only builds your brand’s reputation within your community but also gives you opportunities for backlinks from event pages, local news outlets, or other businesses. These types of partnerships help drive visibility both online and offline, making you more memorable to locals (and more likely to get ranked higher by Google).
3. Engage with Local Social Media Groups and Pages
Speaking of local engagement, get active in your community’s online spaces. Join Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and local business directories. Share relevant content, answer questions, and engage with customers directly.
This strategy helps you become a trusted resource in your local area—and, as an added bonus, you’ll likely drive traffic to your website. The more engaged you are with your local community, the more likely you are to show up in local search results. As your local SEO experts will tell you, community engagement is key to boosting your local SEO performance.
4. Leverage Schema Markup for Local SEO
Schema markup sounds a little techy, but there’s something you should know. Schema markup is like giving search engines a cheat sheet about your business. It helps them understand details like your operating hours, customer reviews, and location. When you add local-specific schema markup, it’s like telling Google that your business is super relevant to people searching in that area, which could lead to better visibility in search results.
Using local SEO services for small businesses can help you implement schema markup effectively. So, don’t worry if it sounds complicated, you can leave it in the hands of your SEO experts. Schema is pretty straightforward to implement with the right help, and it’s a powerful tool for improving local SEO.
5. Optimize for “Near Me” Searches
Here’s a little secret: “Near me” searches are on the rise. Nowadays, more and more customers are typing things like “restaurants near me” or “plumber near me” when they’re ready to make a decision. So, why not optimize your business to show up in these searches?
To start with, use location-based keywords in your website copy, your Google Business Profile, and even your social media posts. And here’s a tip: the more natural and integrated you make these keywords, the better your chances of being found when customers search locally.
Conclusion: Partner With Local SEO Experts Now
Optimizing your local SEO is crucial to gaining an edge over your competitors. From refining your Google Business Profile to boosting website speed, there’s a lot that goes into climbing the local rankings. The best part? With the right approach, you can not only catch up but leave your competitors in the dust.
And if you’re unsure where to begin, don’t sweat it. Now is the perfect time to partner with local SEO experts and firms that offer local SEO packages like All In Outsourcing. Our team of experts can evaluate your current strategy and help you implement targeted tactics to improve your ranking.
Ready to take your local SEO game to the next level? Get in touch with us today —and let’s make sure your business shines in the local search results!