Increase your leads with powerful local marketing

Both SEO and Local SEO aim to improve your visibility in Google search results, but they focus on different strategies and goals.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) typically focuses on improving rankings in the organic (non-local) search results. This approach relies heavily on high-quality content and backlinks (links from other websites to yours). It’s best suited for businesses that are not tied to a specific location or are targeting broader, national-level keywords—like “CRM software” or “email marketing tools.”

Local SEO, on the other hand, is tailored for businesses that serve specific geographic areas. Its primary goal is to improve visibility in the Google Maps section and local search results (for example, “dentist near me” or “Austin coffee shop”). Local SEO strategies include optimizing your Google Business Profile, managing local citations, and encouraging customer reviews.

While Local SEO isn’t necessarily easier, it often requires fewer resources than a traditional SEO campaign and focuses on different KPIs—like map pack visibility, driving directions, and call volume.

If there’s even a chance that a potential customer might go to Google and search for something related to your business, then yes, Local SEO is absolutely for you.

Google has become the go-to tool for finding information, and showing up in those local search results is one of the most effective ways to grow your business. Whether it’s through Google Search, Google Maps, Bing, or other platforms, people are actively looking for products, services, and businesses like yours every single day.

So, long story short: if you have a local presence or serve a specific area, Local SEO isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.

No, you don’t have to pay to be listed on Google. Unless you’re specifically running paid ads, your business can show up in search results organically and for free.

Google’s goal is to connect users with the most relevant information. So if your website is live and accessible to search engines (meaning it’s crawlable), chances are it’s already listed somewhere on Google.

Now, if you want to promote your business further, you can run Google Ads — a paid form of search marketing known as PPC (Pay-Per-Click). This is separate from SEO. With PPC, you pay when someone clicks on your ad. With SEO, any costs go toward things like content creation, link building, and ongoing site optimization, not to Google directly.

The Google 3-Pack is the map section that appears when you search for a local service — like “best movers in Austin” or “coffee shop near me.” It’s the box near the top of the search results that highlights three local businesses, showing their location, reviews, business hours, and a direct link to their website or directions.

Also known as the map pack or local pack, this is one of the most visible spots in local search — and it’s prime real estate for any business trying to attract nearby customers. That’s why it’s a key focus in our Local SEO campaigns — helping your business show up right where your potential customers are looking.

Yes — reviews absolutely play a role in your local rankings. While they’re not the only factor, having consistent, positive reviews shows Google that you’re a real, active business that’s providing value to customers. It’s one of the strongest trust signals you can have.

That said, reviews are just one piece of the puzzle. Other key factors that influence local rankings include your website content and technical setup, business listings (like your Google Business Profile), and link building. Together, these elements help build your overall visibility in local search — and reviews help support it by showing real-world credibility.

Preferably, yes — but it’s not required.

Google has evolved to offer what’s known as “zero-click” search experiences, where users can find what they need without ever leaving the search results. That means people can call your business, get directions, read reviews, or even book a service directly from Google, without clicking through to your website.

That said, having a website still gives you a big advantage. It gives Google more content to understand your business, helps you rank for a wider range of searches, and gives potential customers a place to learn more, view your offerings, and take action. So while it’s possible to appear in local search without one, having a website can make your local marketing efforts a lot more effective.

Google Guaranteed is a program designed to help build trust between local businesses and customers. When a business is “Google Guaranteed,” it means they’ve passed Google’s background checks and meet certain quality standards. You’ll see a green checkmark badge next to their name in search results, especially within the Local Services Ads section.

This badge gives potential customers extra confidence, since Google backs the service with a money-back guarantee (up to a certain amount) if the customer isn’t satisfied. It’s a powerful way to stand out in competitive local markets and increase trust right from the first impression.

If you’re eligible, getting Google Guaranteed can be a great add-on to your local marketing strategy — and yes, we help with that too.

As of 2025, AI is still fairly new in the world of local search, but it’s already starting to make an impact. Google has begun rolling out more AI-powered features in search results — and they’ve made it clear that the future of search is heading toward more “zero-click” experiences, where users get answers directly on the results page without needing to visit a website.

These AI features often pull in information from across the web — including business details, services, reviews, and FAQs — and display it right in the search results. The good news? The types of optimizations needed to show up in these AI-powered areas are things we already focus on in our Local SEO and broader SEO campaigns.

So when it comes to AI and local search, you’re in good hands. We’re keeping a close eye on how it evolves — and making sure your business stays ahead of the curve.