Ever searched “pizza near me” or “best salon open now” and visited the place the same day? You’re not alone. In 2025, “near me” searches have surged by 400%, with most smartphone users finding and visiting local businesses online within just 24 hours.
That’s where a strong local SEO strategy comes in.
It’s not just marketing jargon anymore; it’s how real people in real communities discover their new favourite spots. With nearly half of all Google searches focused on finding something nearby, knowing what is local SEO can give your business a significant edge.
Whether you're a product seller or service provider, local SEO for businesses helps you reach ready-to-buy customers right in your neighbourhood. Want to rank higher in local search results?
In this blog post from bdcode_, we'll explore what local SEO is and why it’s essential for your business growth.
What Does Local SEO Means and Why It Matters in 2025?
Local SEO means optimising your online presence to attract more business from relevant local searches on Google and other search engines.
A local search typically includes location-based keywords like “near me” or “in (city name),” helping customers find services nearby at the moment they need them.
In today's digital business landscape, this matters more than ever, as users rely heavily on smartphones and voice assistants to instantly discover local options.
Whether you're a hotel, restaurant, educational institute, clinic, or e-commerce store, appearing in the local map pack and Google Business Profile (GMB) can drive valuable, high-intent traffic.
To achieve this, local business SEO focuses on strategies like managing listings, earning positive reviews, using area-specific keywords, optimising for mobile, and building backlinks from local sources.
In short, a local SEO strategy ensures your business is visible to nearby customers at the right time, leading to more calls, visits, and sales.
Suggested Read: Importance of SEO: Take Over Google’s #1 Spot with This Secret in 2025
Local SEO vs Traditional SEO: What’s the Real Difference?
Target Audience
- Local SEO focuses on attracting nearby customers.
- Traditional SEO targets a broader, often global audience.
Keywords Used
- Local SEO includes location-based terms (e.g., “hotel in Medavakkam”).
- Traditional SEO uses generic industry keywords (e.g., “best hotels”).
Search Results
- Local SEO aims to rank in Google Maps and the local pack.
- Traditional SEO ranks in organic search listings.
Suggested Read: SEO vs SEM: Meaning, Types, Benefits and Differences Between SEO and SEM
How Google Ranks Businesses? Maps vs Web Search Factors
Google Maps (Local Pack) Ranking Factors
Relevance
How well your business matches the search (e.g., tagged correctly like “vegan cafe”).
Prominence
How well-known your business is (reviews, ratings, online mentions).
Distance
How close your business is to the searcher’s location.
Traditional Web Search Ranking Factors
Content Quality
How helpful and reliable the content is.
Relevance
How closely does your page content match the query?
Usability
Page speed, mobile-friendliness, and user experience.
How to Rank on Local SEO? 7 Best Local SEO Ranking Factors
The local SEO optimization services help your business appear in local search results like “best hotels near me” or “saree shops in Mylapore.” Let’s explore the key ranking factors that can boost your local presence.
1. Google Business Profile Optimisation
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is the most important local business SEO factor. Make sure to:
- Add correct name, address, and phone number (NAP)
- Choose the right category (e.g., "Textile”)
- Add photos, hours, and a detailed description
Example: A saree shop with updated opening hours and positive reviews will appear higher in “saree shops near me” searches.
2. Local Keywords on Your Website
Local keyword research helps you understand how people search for services in your area. Look for local intent - keywords showing map packs or nearby results. Then, assign each keyword to the right page on your site, ensuring unique pages for distinct services and combining similar ones.
Example: Use “Affordable hotel in T Nagar, Chennai” instead of just “Affordable hotel.”
3. Online Reviews and Ratings
Want better trust and rankings? Encourage satisfied customers to leave Google reviews; it's a key part of any local SEO checklist.
Example: A shop or an institution with 100+ 4-star reviews ranks better than one with only 5 reviews.
4. NAP Consistency Across Directories
Keep your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) exactly the same across all online directories, listings, and social platforms.
Example: If your GMB profile says "ABC Hotels, 123 Thambi Nagar, Chennai, 600040, 044-12345678", make sure your social media handles and website footer show the exact same details. Even small differences (like "Road" vs. "Rd.") can confuse search engines and hurt your local rankings.
5. Local Backlinks
Earn links from other local websites, blogs, news portals, and community associations. These backlinks act as "votes of trust" from within your area.
Example: If a Chennai-based travel blogger writes about your hotel and links to your website, it improves your local SEO.
6. Mobile-Friendly and Fast Website
Since most local searches are done on phones, your site should load quickly and look good on all screen sizes.
Example: A person searching for "24/7 electrician near me" on their phone will likely skip your website if it takes too long to load or is hard to navigate. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights and responsive design to ensure your site performs well.
7. Location Pages for Multiple Areas
If you offer services in different areas, create dedicated pages for each location using area-specific keywords.
Example: Instead of one general page, create:
- "Plumbing Services in Velachery – 30 Min Response Time"
- "Reliable Plumbing in Adyar – No Hidden Charges"
This helps you appear in local searches for each specific area.
Suggested Read: 9+ Proven Types of SEO in Digital Marketing to Rule SERPs Like a PRO
7 Major Advantages of Local SEO Small and Big Brands Can’t Ignore
1. Get Found by Nearby Customers
People often search for services “near me” when they need something quickly. Local SEO strategy helps your business appear right when potential customers are ready to act.
2. Bring More Walk-ins Through Your Door
Get more in-store visits by using local SEO tools to update your maps, hours, and directions. A mobile-first presence (designed mainly for mobile users) makes it simpler for people to reach you.
3. Stand Out in Google Maps and Local Pack
Appearing in the top 3 local search listings (Local Pack) gives your business instant credibility and higher click-through rates, often before users even scroll down.
4. Let Reviews Do the Talking
A solid search engine optimization for local business profile builds trust. Local SEO encourages satisfied customers to leave ratings that influence future buyers.
5. Stay Ahead of Local Competitors
Many businesses still skip local SEO expert strategies. By optimising early, you create a solid edge over nearby competitors who are not yet visible online.
6. Capture Smartphone Users on the Go
Most local searches occur on mobile, and one of the major benefits of local SEO is ensuring your business appears quickly and accurately on users' phones.
7. Grow Without Spending Big
Local SEO for businesses means long-term visibility without ongoing ad spend. It’s a smart, budget-friendly way to grow locally, ideal for small and large businesses alike.
Build your local presence with bdcode_, the best local SEO agency offering result-driven strategies tailored to your business. Contact us and let’s get started!
Suggested Read: Master 20+ Advantages of SEO That Can Skyrocket Website Traffic in 2025
Looking for a Trusted Partner for Local SEO Services in India? bdcode_ is HERE
If you're ready to boost your local visibility, drive more traffic, and attract real customers, bdcode_ is here to help. We’re a team of top SEO strategists and content specialists who understand how to make your business stand out in your target area. From Google Business Profile optimisation to local link-building and content strategies, our local SEO experts handle everything needed to improve your local search rankings. With a dedicated project manager guiding your project, you get streamlined communication and the best SEO services that bring results that matter.
Ready to see what we can do? Contact us today and grow locally and rank better!