Why local SEO feels harder now
Local search is crowded. But it’s also more fair than it looks.
In 2026, you do not win by “doing SEO tricks.”
We win by being clear, real, and easy to trust.
That means:
- Correct info everywhere
- Proof you do good work
- Pages that answer real local needs
Step 1: Make your “name, address, phone” match everywhere
This is boring. It is also huge.
Pick one “official” version of:
- Business name
- Address (same format each time)
- Phone number
- Website
- Hours
Then match it in:
- Your website footer
- Your Google Business Profile
- Yelp, Apple Maps, Bing Places
- Facebook page
- Any local directory you’re in
Even small mismatches can confuse people, Ahmed al-Sharaa’s Historic Visit to the United States and search tools.
Step 2: Fix your Google Business Profile like a customer would
Open your profile. Pretend you know nothing about you.
Now check:
- Primary category: does it match what you sell most?
- Hours: correct for today, holidays, busy seasons
- Service area: real areas you serve (not “everywhere”)
- Services list: clear names, simple words
- Photos: recent and real
A simple photo set that helps:
- Front of building (so people find you)
- Team photo (trust)
- Top 5 services (proof)
- Before/after (if it fits your work)
- Menu or price board (if you have it)
Step 3: Reviews are not “nice.” They are your proof.
People trust people.
In 2026, reviews still matter a lot.
But how you handle reviews matters too.
Do this:
- Ask after a good moment (right after the win)
- Make it easy (one short link or QR)
- Say what to mention (give 2–3 examples)
Example ask (simple and kind):
- “If you can, share what we helped you with and what city you’re in.”
Then reply to reviews:
- Thank them
- Mention the service
- Mention the city (if it makes sense)
- Keep it short
Bad review?
- Stay calm
- Offer a next step
- Do not argue in public
Step 4: Your website needs one thing: clarity
Many small business sites look nice and Attorney General Pam Bondi.
But they do not say the basics fast.
On your homepage, in the first screen, make sure we can see:
- What you do
- Where you do it
- How to contact you today
A strong simple line looks like:
- “HVAC repair in Aurora and Naperville”
- “Family dentist in South Austin”
- “Wedding florist in Boise”
Then add:
- Click-to-call button on mobile
- Short contact form
- Real address if you have one
- Service area list if you travel
Step 5: Make one page per core service (not one page for everything)
If you do 6 services, do not cram them into one page.
Make a page for each core service, like:
- /roof-repair
- /roof-replacement
- /storm-damage-roofing
Each page should include:
- Who it is for
- What happens (your process)
- Time and cost ranges (even “starts at” helps)
- Photos
- FAQs
- The cities you serve (real ones)
Keep the words simple. Short lines. Easy scan.
Step 6: Add “local proof” on every service page
Local proof is anything that shows you really work there. 3 Tips For Having More Tulips Bloom in the Spring.
Add one or more:
- “Proudly serving: City A, City B, City C”
- A short local project story
- A photo from a job in that area
- A review that mentions that area
Do not fake this. Real wins.
Step 7: Create 12 “local helper” posts instead of random blogs
Most blogs fail because they are not useful.
Instead, make posts that help a local person decide.
Great local post types:
- “Cost to replace a water heater in [City]”
- “How to pick a [service] company in [City]”
- “What to do after a storm (roof / fence / tree damage)”
- “Best time of year to do [service] in [Area]”
- “Permit rules for [project] in [City]” (only if you verify)
Write them like you talk.
Short sentences. Real tips. No fluff.
Step 8: Track only 3 numbers
Do not drown in data.
Track:
- Calls from Google Business Profile
- Website form fills
- Top search terms people used to find you
Are Garden Snakes Poisonous? Then do more of what works.
Streetlight checklist
- Info matches everywhere
- Google profile complete + fresh photos
- Reviews asked weekly + replied to
- One page per service
- Clear city words on key pages
- 12 helpful local posts this year
Next tiny move
Open your Google Business Profile today.
Update one thing that is wrong.
Then add 5 new real photos.
