local seo bakan marketing

Local SEO

What Is Local SEO?

Local SEO is the strategic application of SEO principles focused on businesses with a location or service area to dominate visibility across Google Maps, Apple Maps, and local search queries.

local search grid gif from brightlocal

Local SEO Steps For Success

The foundation starts here:

  • Bing Business Profile
  • Apple Business Profile
  • Consistent NAP (name, address, phone)
  • Organic and legitimate reviews

But what if you are doing these things? There is much more to the effort.

Bakan Marketing Can Help Your Business Grow

We specialize in foundational SEO efforts to help your business gain more visibility in local search results and on maps. Some clients need some website optimizations before their visibility improves. Others need citations and links from must-have business directories.

We can help you identify these gaps and come up with a game plan at no cost. If you want our help, we would be happy to carve out a custom plan to accelerate your efforts.

For many starting out, it is a combination of foundation setup across the ecosystem you control, content, time, and repeating the process.

Whatever stage you may be in, we can help you succeed in Local SEO.

What we do – Local SEO

We take care of the hard stuff behind the scenes so your business shows up where it matters most—on Google, maps, and local searches. Here’s how we make it happen:

Optimize Your Profiles

– Google Business, Bing, and Apple Maps are set up the right way
– Consistent name, address, phone across the web
– Eye-catching photos, services, and posts that convert

Build Local Trust

– Gather organic reviews from real customers
– Respond the right way to boost credibility
– Showcase a reputation that competitors can’t fake

Boost Your Visibility

– City/service-specific landing pages
– Local schema and mobile-friendly performance
– Content that wins “near me” and map pack searches

Track What Matters

– Transparent reporting on calls, clicks, and leads
– Google Insights and analytics tied to ROI
– Data-backed improvements that compound over time


FAQ – Local SEO

How long does Local SEO take to work?

Local SEO isn’t instant—it’s momentum. Most businesses start to see traction within 3–6 months. Quick wins can come sooner (like review growth or fixing inconsistent listings), but the biggest gains happen when multiple efforts compound over time.

What’s the difference between Local SEO and running ads?

Ads stop working the second you stop paying. Local SEO builds equity in your brand online—it’s long-term visibility. The map pack, reviews, and organic listings you earn through Local SEO don’t disappear when the ad budget dries up. Ideally, they work together, but Local SEO gives you staying power.

Do I really need citations and directory listings?

Yes—but not in the old-school “submit your site to 500 directories” way. Google uses consistency in your name, address, and phone (NAP) as a trust signal. Being listed on major directories like Yelp, Bing Places, and Apple Maps helps confirm your business is real and legitimate.

How important are reviews for ranking?

Critical. Reviews are one of the strongest ranking factors in local search. Just as important: how you respond to them. A steady stream of legitimate reviews tells Google and your customers you’re active, trusted, and worth choosing over competitors.

What if I already have a Google Business Profile—why do I need you?

A profile alone doesn’t guarantee visibility. It’s the foundation, not the strategy. We optimize every detail—categories, services, photos, posts—and connect it with your website, citations, and review strategy so Google sees you as the best local option.

Can I do Local SEO myself?

Sure—you could learn the playbook, manage listings, chase reviews, build content, and track rankings. But most business owners don’t have time to do all of that consistently. That’s where we come in: we systemize it, so you can focus on running your business while we handle the visibility.

How do you track success with Local SEO?

We don’t just say “rankings went up.” We track phone calls, form fills, map clicks, driving directions—real outcomes tied to revenue. Our reporting shows you exactly how your visibility is improving and how many leads it’s producing.

Is Local SEO worth it if I only serve one city?

Yes. In fact, it’s even more important. When customers in your area search “near me,” you want to be the first option. Even if you don’t expand, dominating your immediate market makes your business the obvious local choice.

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