Here’s a wild fact: 46% of all Google searches are looking for local information. If your business isn’t showing up in those searches, you’re leaving money on the table. Good news? On-page SEO can help fix that—fast.
I’m going to walk you through 10 actionable SEO tips that can get your local business ranking higher, driving more leads, and staying ahead of competitors. Let’s dive in!
1. Nail Your Title Tags (They’re Like Your Storefront Sign)
Your title tag is often the first thing potential customers see on Google. Make it count!
- Actionable Tip: Include your primary keyword and location (e.g., “Airdrie HVAC Repair | 24/7 Emergency Service”).
- Why it Works: Google loves clear, relevant titles—and so do searchers. A precise title increases clicks, which boosts your rankings.
2. Write Meta Descriptions That Sell
Your meta description isn’t just filler text. It’s your chance to persuade.
- Actionable Tip: Use action verbs, local keywords, and keep it under 160 characters. Example: “Trusted Airdrie HVAC repair. Quick response, great prices—call us today!”
- Pro Tip: Think of it as your elevator pitch to searchers. Keep it snappy but enticing!
3. Use Local Keywords Like a Pro
Keywords are your bread and butter. But overstuffing them? That’s SEO sabotage.
- Actionable Tip: Sprinkle city names, neighborhoods, and services naturally in your content. Example: “We offer landscaping services in Austin, Cedar Park, and Round Rock.”
- Pro Tip: Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to find phrases your audience is already searching for.
4. Make Your Headings Pop
Clear, keyword-rich headings help readers AND search engines.
- Actionable Tip: Use H1 for your main title and H2s/H3s for subtopics. Example: H1: “Best Plumbers in Calgary,” H2: “Our Plumbing Services,” H3: “24/7 Emergency Repairs.”
- Why it Matters: It makes your content scannable and signals relevance to Google.
5. Keep Your URLs Clean and Keyword-Friendly
Your URL is like a breadcrumb trail for search engines.
- Actionable Tip: Use short, descriptive URLs with keywords. Example: “example.com/plumbing-services-calgary” instead of “example.com/page1234.”
- Pro Tip: Avoid special characters or random numbers—they confuse both users and Google.
6. Add Alt Text to Your Images
Images tell stories, but search engines can’t “see” them without a little help.
- Actionable Tip: Add descriptive alt text to all images. Example: “Photo of our team fixing a leaky faucet in Calgary.”
- Why it Matters: It boosts accessibility and helps your images rank in Google’s image search.
7. Embed a Google Map on Your Contact Page
Let’s make it ridiculously easy for customers to find you.
- Actionable Tip: Add an interactive Google Map on your contact page, showing your exact location.
- Pro Tip: Use the same address here as on your Google Business Profile to boost credibility.
8. Leverage Internal Links to Keep Visitors Around
Internal links are like breadcrumbs that guide visitors across your site.
- Actionable Tip: Link to key pages like services, contact info, and FAQs. Example: “Learn more on our [landscaping services page].”
- Why it Matters: This improves navigation, keeps visitors engaged, and spreads page authority.
9. Implement Schema Markup for Local SEO Wins
Schema markup sounds technical, but it’s your secret weapon.
- Actionable Tip: Use local business schema to highlight your address, phone, hours, and reviews in search results. Tools like Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper make it easy.
- Pro Tip: This makes your search listing stand out with rich snippets like star ratings.
10. Speed Up Your Website (Because Nobody Likes Slow)
A slow site isn’t just annoying—it’s a dealbreaker.
- Actionable Tip: Compress images, use a reliable hosting provider, and enable caching.
- Pro Tip: Test your speed on Google PageSpeed Insights and aim for a score of 90+ on mobile and desktop.
Conclusion: Take Action Today!
There you have it—10 actionable on-page SEO tips to get your local business soaring on Google. Implement these today, and you’ll see results faster than you think. If you need help putting any of these tips into action, contact your trusted local Airdrie Web Designer (AKA Moi) and I’ll be happy to help get your business from invisible to visible on the world wide web!
SEO isn’t rocket science, but it does require consistency. Start with these steps, keep refining, and watch as your rankings (and customer base) grow. Ready to dominate Google? Let’s make it happen! 🚀