Local
Search Engine Land is your go-to resource for local marketing SEO news and content. You’ll find a wide range of up-to-date and authoritative resources, including the latest news, tactic-rich tutorials, and the latest data to help you work smarter and make better decisions.
Improving your local SEO strategy
Local SEO is crucial for businesses looking to capture nearby customers or increase online visibility in local markets. Whether you’re managing Google Business Profile listings, creating content for local keywords, or handling customer reviews, Search Engine Land offers the guidance you need to stay ahead.
Explore strategies to maximize visibility in local search results, optimize your presence in Google Maps, and take advantage of advanced tools like local schema markup. With insights into location-based ranking factors, customer behavior trends, and algorithm updates, you’ll be equipped to fine-tune your approach for better results.
What you read here is written by our experienced in-house team, and subject matter experts from leading brands and agencies.
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Google’s review deletions: Why 5-star reviews are disappearing
Google is deleting 5-star reviews at an alarming rate. Learn what it means for your business and how to safeguard your online reputation.
How to set up and optimize your Google Business Profile
Learn how to create and optimize your Google Business Profile to boost visibility, attract local customers, and improve your online presence.
Google Business Profile’s AI-transcribed menu upload just got better
GBP now accepts multi-page PDF menus. Find out how this AI-powered update simplifies uploads, boosts accuracy and enhances restaurant SEO.
How FTC’s new review policy could impact your local SEO
Navigate the FTC's new review regulations confidently with tips for compliant review collection, Google Business Profile management and more.
Top SEO tips for location-specific websites
Learn how SEO differs for service area vs. brick-and-mortar businesses. Boost your presence with targeted tactics to reach local customers.
How to pick the right Google Business Profile categories
Choose effective primary and secondary GBP categories to improve your search rankings and connect with more local customers.
6 Google Business Profile questions asked and answered
Get answers to common questions on GBP listing edits, suspensions, address updates, review management and finding support.
Apple Visual Intelligence – search using your iPhone camera
Apple uses Google, OpenAI and other search providers for the search results.
FTC finalizes rule to combat fake reviews, testimonials
FTC bans fake reviews, empowering the agency to seek penalties against violators and combat AI-generated deception in online marketplaces.
11 local SEO tools you should be using
From analytics to rank tracking, boost your local SEO with these tools. Learn how to use them effectively and understand their limitations.
New Google Business Profile AI tool creates a menu from an image
Learn how Google's AI-powered feature helps you create a detailed menu from a photo, along with its benefits and limitations.
Google Business Profile chat is gone and call history going away
This is just a reminder that Google has discontinued Google Business Profile chat yesterday and call history is going away.
The Google Maps pin scam: A new Google Business Profile threat
Understand how this deceptive practice affects rankings and learn the safe way to correct your listing's location.
Report: Menu items, busier businesses may be Google local ranking signals
Google has not specifically confirmed this but a new local SEO report says these may be newly discovered local ranking signals.
Google Chrome mobile adds local places to Chrome Actions
Searchers with this Chrome Action enabled can quickly call, get directions and read reviews from the Chrome search bar.
Yelp adds 8 searchable accessibility business attributes
Businesses can add accessibility attributes including accessible parking near entrance, ASL proficient and QR code menus available.
5 local SEO insights from Google’s API documentation leak
Local search takeaways from leaked Google API docs, covering video content, click behavior, local authority and more.
6 SEO tactics for home service companies
Boost your home services company's online visibility with niche-specific tactics, such as cost pages, calculators and more.
Survey: 54% of people look through more search results vs. 5 years ago
What frustrates users most: looking through search results, visiting multiple websites and figuring out the right search term.
How to extract GBP review insights to boost local SEO visibility
Gain a competitive edge by extracting actionable insights from your – and your competitors' – Google Business Profile reviews.
Google Business Profile chat and call history going away
July 31, 2024 Google will shut down call history and chat - you can download your history now.
How to reappeal a Google Business Profile suspension
Follow these steps to appeal your GBP suspension and increase your chances of getting reinstated on Google Maps and local search results.
How to navigate negative Glassdoor and Indeed company reviews
Dealing with negative reviews from former employees? Here’s how to respond properly and protect your company's online reputation.
Localized SERPs: Winning traffic and leads with service area pages
Service area pages are now critical for ranking for local search. Learn tips for making your localized content more relevant and appealing.
What to do when Google changes your GBP information
Learn how to effectively manage and protect your Google Business Profile from unexpected updates by Google.
How to maximize your local business’ Google Maps presence
Practical tips for optimizing your Google Maps presence to boost local visibility and drive more in-store customers.
Local SEO in 2024: 6 simple ways to dominate local search
New to local search? Wondering where to start? Here are six tactics to help you kick off your local SEO campaign.
How to create local business content that converts
Establish your local business as the industry authority by being authentic in your content and connecting with your community.
Google Business Profiles tools are temporarily unavailable
Verification status, managing appeals and managing reviews currently may not be working.
Google Business Profile websites are now redirected to Google Maps
Eventually these redirects will go away and the website URLs will lead users to a dead end.
Google removes option to see more local results in the search results
It is unclear if this was intentionally removed or if this is a bug that Google will fix soon.
How SMBs are approaching digital marketing in 2024
A new report reveals key digital marketing trends, goals and pain points for SMBs in 2024.
Local search in 2024: Key trends and tactics for marketers
Location-based businesses must focus on five areas – discovery, relevancy, experience, engagement and conversions – to drive impact today.
Google gets tough on third-party ordering and booking providers hogging GBP listings
Google mandates third parties to let merchants easily disconnect services from Business Profiles. Learn more about the new opt-out process.
Google local pack not showing for many searchers
In some regions outside of the US, some are seeing local packs in the Google search results but in many regions they are not.
Google says it took down 45% more fake reviews in 2023 thanks to new algorithm
Google also shared new stats on actions it took in 2023 to block fake reviews and local listings.
Local SEO success: How to track rankings, conversions, calls
Learn tips for setting up and analyzing local SEO ranking reports to uncover opportunities and measure success.
Google tests Nearby Events and Deals local search feature
The newly introduced search box features four tiles showcasing promotions and events from nearby businesses.
Google Business Profile performance insights: What you need to know
Learn how to access and understand your Google Business Profile's performance. See metrics for views, calls, directions, bookings, and more.
Local SEO for new physical locations
Here's why and how to set up digital properties early to help maximize online visibility for brands opening new locations.