What Is Local SEO and Why Does It Matter for Small Businesses?

Local SEO is how your business becomes visible when people search for services “near me” or in your area. It controls how you appear in Google Maps and local search results.

If your business serves a local area, Local SEO is more important than traditional SEO.

What Local SEO actually does

Local SEO helps:

• Your business show on Google Maps

• Your listing appear higher than competitors

• More customers find and contact you

• Reduce reliance on paid advertising

Google Business Profile is the core of Local SEO

Your Google Business Profile is the most important Local SEO asset you have. It controls:

• How you appear on Maps

• What services you are found for

• How customers contact you

Why many businesses struggle with Local SEO

Most businesses:

• Choose the wrong category

• Leave their profile incomplete

• Never update photos or posts

• Do not manage reviews properly

This makes them invisible compared to competitors who optimise their listings.

How long does Local SEO take?

You can often see visibility improvements within weeks, especially when a profile has never been properly optimised before. Rankings continue to strengthen over time.

Is Local SEO better than Google Ads?

Local SEO builds long-term visibility. Ads disappear the moment you stop paying. Local SEO continues generating enquiries without ongoing ad spend.

How Local Heroes supports Local SEO

We improve your Google Business Profile, strengthen your local presence and turn searches into phone calls, bookings and enquiries.