Local SEO
Local SEO is the practice of optimizing a business's online presence to attract customers from local searches, such as 'flooring contractor near me' or 'bathroom remodeler Orange County.'
Local SEO focuses on improving your visibility in location-based search results. For contractors in Orange County, this is critical because your customers are searching locally.
Key components of local SEO:
1. Google Business Profile (GBP)
- Accurate business information
- Photos of your work
- Reviews and responses
- Regular posts
- Correct categories
2. NAP Consistency
NAP stands for Name, Address, Phone number. Your NAP must be exactly the same everywhere it appears online - your website, directories, social profiles, etc. Inconsistencies confuse Google and hurt rankings.
3. Local Citations
Citations are mentions of your business on other websites - directories like Yelp, Houzz, Angi, and industry-specific sites. More quality citations signal to Google that your business is legitimate.
4. Reviews
Reviews are a major local ranking factor. More reviews, higher ratings, and recent reviews all help. Responding to reviews (positive and negative) also matters.
5. Local Content
Content that mentions your service area helps Google understand where you operate. City-specific pages, local case studies, and neighborhood mentions all contribute.
Why local SEO matters for contractors:
Unlike e-commerce businesses that can sell anywhere, contractors serve specific geographic areas. Ranking nationally doesn't help if you're a flooring contractor in Irvine. Local SEO ensures you show up when nearby homeowners search for your services.
Related Terms
Google Business Profile (GBP)
Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a free tool that lets businesses manage their online presence across Google Search and Google Maps.
Map Pack (Local Pack)
The Map Pack (also called Local Pack or 3-Pack) is the section of Google search results that displays a map with 3 local business listings for location-based queries.
Citation
A citation is any online mention of your business's name, address, and phone number (NAP). Citations on directories and websites help Google verify your business information and improve local search rankings.
NAP Consistency
NAP consistency means ensuring your business's Name, Address, and Phone number are exactly the same across all online listings, directories, and your website.