76% Visit After Local Search: Your Practical Step By Step Local SEO Guide (+AI Prompts)

Bounty VEGAH
Jun 1
4 min read

Why Local SEO Matters More Than Ever

Did you know 76% of people who conduct a local search visit a physical place within 24 hours (Google)

In 2025, the way people search for local businesses has evolved: voice search, AI-powered recommendations, and mobile-first browsing are now the norm. If your business isn’t showing up when customers search for services “near me,” you’re missing out on valuable leads and revenue. Local SEO ensures your business is visible, trusted, and chosen by local customers when it matters most.

What Is Local SEO? How Is It Different from General SEO?

Local SEO is a specialised branch of search engine optimisation focused on maximising your business’s visibility for geographically relevant searches. While general SEO aims to attract a broad, sometimes global audience, local SEO zeroes in on connecting your business with nearby customers who are ready to buy.

General SEO	Local SEO
Targets global/national users	Targets users in a specific area
Focus on broad keywords	Focus on location-based keywords
Competes with big brands	Levels the field for local players
Less focus on Google Maps	Heavy focus on map and GBP results

Prompt Examples:

Category	Purpose	Prompt Template	Example
1. GBP Optimisation	Optimise your Google Business Profile	“Optimise the GBP for a [business type] in [city]. Include categories, description, services, post ideas.”	Vegan café in Brighton, BN1
2. Local Keywords	Find high-intent local keywords	“Generate local SEO keywords for a [business type] in [city], with intent and usage suggestions.”	Emergency plumber in Leeds
3. Landing Pages	Create high-converting local service pages	“Write a local landing page for a [business type] in [area], with trust signals and CTA.”	Mobile dog groomer in Camden, London
4. Voice Search FAQs	Optimise for voice search with natural Q&A	“Create voice-search-friendly FAQs for this business [insert link].”	MOT garage in Sheffield
5. Review Requests	Ask customers for Google reviews	“Generate SMS/email templates requesting reviews for a [business type] in [city].”	Dentist in Edinburgh
6. Local Blog Calendar	Plan content for local relevance	“Create a 3-month blog calendar for a [business type] in [city] focused on events and community.”	Bike repair shop in Bristol
7. Local Link Building	Find backlink opportunities in the local area	“List 20 local sites for backlinks, this is for a [business type] in [city], including outreach angles.”	Yoga studio in Manchester
8. NAP Audit Checklist	Ensure NAP consistency across directories	“Provide a step-by-step NAP audit checklist for a [business type] with multi-location issues.”	Roofing company in Glasgow
9. Competitor Benchmarking	Analyse and outperform top local competitors	“Analyse top 3 GBP listings for [keyword] in [city] and suggest improvement strategies.”	Best physiotherapist in Nottingham
10. Schema Markup	Generate LocalBusiness schema in JSON-LD	“Write schema markup for a [business type] in [city], including geo, hours, and social links.”	Italian restaurant in Liverpool

Key Components of Local SEO Success

1. Google Business Profile (GBP) Optimisation

Your Google Business Profile is the cornerstone of local visibility, appearing in Google’s Local Pack and Maps. To optimise:

Claim and verify your profile.
Ensure all info is accurate and consistent (Name, Address, Phone Number ,NAP).
Add high-quality photos and videos.
Encourage and respond to customer reviews.
Utilise features like business hours, services, Q&A, and regular GBP posts.

2. NAP Consistency and Citations

Ensure your business’s Name, Address, and Phone Number are identical across your website, directories, and social media.
List your business in reputable local directories (Yelp, Yellow Pages, industry-specific sites).
Regularly audit citations to fix inconsistencies.

3. On-Page SEO for Local Intent

Create location-specific landing pages if you serve multiple areas.
Integrate local keywords naturally in titles, meta descriptions, headings, and content.
Optimise for mobile devices most local searches happen on smartphones.
Implement local business schema markup for enhanced search visibility.

4. Reviews and Ratings

Actively solicit reviews from happy customers on GBP and other platforms.
Respond to all reviews positive or negative to show engagement.
Showcase reviews and testimonials on your website.

5. Local Link Building

Build relationships with local media, bloggers, schools, and charities for high-quality backlinks.
Sponsor or participate in community events to earn press and links.
Guest post on local news or community websites.

6. Google Maps Optimisation

Ensure your business is accurately listed and categorised on Google Maps.
Add detailed descriptions, photos, and service areas.

Advanced Local SEO Strategies for 2025

Optimise for Voice Search

With the rise of smart assistants, optimise for conversational, long-tail keywords (e.g., “best pizza place open now in Manchester”).

Leverage User-Generated Content

Encourage customers to upload photos, answer Q&As, and share experiences Google values fresh, authentic content.

Hyper-Local Content Marketing

Create blog posts about local events, news, or partnerships. Example: “How Our Café Supports the Brighton Marathon.”

Monitor and Benchmark Competitors

Regularly check top local competitors’ reviews, backlinks, and GBP activity. Use this data to set goals and outperform them.

The Six-Step Local SEO Process

Find Local Keywords: Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush to discover what your audience is searching for.
Optimise Your Website: Implement on-page SEO with a local focus.
Claim & Optimise Your GBP: Keep it updated with fresh content and accurate info.
Build NAP Citations: Ensure consistency across all platforms.
Earn Local Backlinks: Focus on quality over quantity.
Consider Local Google Ads: For instant visibility, run ads targeting local keywords.

Measuring Local SEO Success

Track local rankings for target keywords.
Monitor GBP insights (calls, website visits, direction requests).
Use tools like Google Analytics and BrightLocal to measure traffic and conversions from local sources.
Set KPIs: review growth, citation accuracy, local backlinks, and organic leads.

Conclusion: Invest in Your Local Future

Local SEO isn’t a one-time fix, it’s an ongoing investment in your business’s growth and reputation. By staying ahead of trends, engaging with your community, and consistently optimising your online presence, you’ll ensure your business is the first choice for local customers today and tomorrow.