Local SEO for businesses: 10 essential strategies

In a digital world where online visibility is all-important, local SEO is indispensable for businesses looking to dominate their region. With powerful strategies, you will improve your findability, attract valuable customers and boost your business. In this article you will read why regional findability is important and how to apply effective strategies to become more visible in local search results in 2025.

What is local SEO?

Local SEO is all about boosting your online visibility so that your business ranks better in local search results. Imagine a customer looking for a nearby restaurant, dentist or store. By using local SEO to its full potential, you’ll make sure your business appears at the top, bringing in more customers and boosting your sales.

Why is local SEO important?

The way consumers search for information is changing at lightning speed. Smartphones have become the tool for discovering local businesses. If your business is not prominently visible, you are missing out on valuable opportunities. Local SEO increases your visibility and boosts the trust of potential customers.

How do you improve your local SEO?

Here are 10 practical strategies that will remain relevant in 2025:

1. Optimize your Google Company Profile (GBP).

An optimized Google Company Profile (GBP) is essential. Make sure your business information is complete and accurate: name, address, phone number (NAP), website URL, business hours and categories. Include photos, videos and updates. Actively respond to customer reviews – positive and negative – to gain trust.

2. Consistent NAP data.

Make sure your name, address and phone number are consistent on all online listings. Use tools such as Semrush Listing Management to verify that your information is correct and up-to-date. Inconsistent NAP information can negatively affect your ranking.

3. Create local content

Write valuable content focused on your region. Think blogs about local events, news or relevant topics. Use local keywords such as “Dentist Amsterdam” in your titles, headings and meta-descriptions.

4. Use Schema Markup

With Schema Markup, you help search engines better understand your business information. This can improve your local visibility. Tools such as Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper make it easy to apply this technology.

5. Collect Google reviews

Reviews play a big role in local SEO. Actively ask customers to leave a review and respond professionally. Reviews not only boost your visibility, but also your credibility.

6. Put a Google Maps map on your website

Integrate a Google Maps map on your contact page. This helps customers find your location and improves your local relevance.

7. Make use of location pages

Do you have multiple locations? Then create separate location pages. Include unique information such as opening hours, customer reviews and a Google Maps map here. This improves your findability for specific searches.

8. Strengthen your authority with backlinks

Links from local websites strengthen your domain authority. Collaborate with local businesses, sponsor events or write guest blogs for local platforms. Make sure these links are relevant and reliable.

9. Make sure references are correct

Local referrals, such as listings in online business directories, affect your local findability. Check regularly that your address information is correct, especially after a move.

10. Monitor and optimize

Local SEO is an ongoing process. Use tools such as Google Search Console or Semrush to track your performance. Keep optimizing and use heatmaps to analyze user behavior.

Trends for 2025

In 2025, mobile-friendliness, voice-activated search and AI-optimized content remain important for local SEO. Make sure your website loads quickly, works well on mobile devices and uses the latest technologies to stay ahead of your competition.

Need help with local SEO?

Want to take your local SEO to the next level? At OnlineLabs, we combine expertise with hands-on solutions. Contact us for professional support and make your business more visible in local search results.