Local SEO Strategies That Drive Foot Traffic

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Get Found Where It Matters Most: Right in Your Neighborhood

Ever feel like your business is a best-kept secret—even in your own neighborhood? If your storefront is quiet but your competition is buzzing, it’s time to invest in the power of Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization). This isn’t just about getting found—it’s about getting found right where you are and where it matters most.

At CMA, we’ve helped businesses of all sizes get on the local map—both literally and figuratively. These powerful strategies will help nearby customers discover you first—and keep them coming back for more.

6 Local SEO Tactics That Work Overtime for Your Business

1. Leverage Schema Markup for Local Clarity

Close-up of a dictionary definition of the word “schema” with spotlight focus

Schema markup is structured code that tells search engines exactly what your content means—not just what it says.

By implementing Local Business Schema, you can clearly define your business name, location, hours, services, and customer reviews. This helps search engines (like Google) feature your business in local results and rich snippets.

2. Use Local Keywords Strategically

Generic terms like “top dentist” or “marketing consultant” won’t cut it. Geo-specific language is your best friend.

Instead of using terms such as “Best Marketing Agency,” use:

  • “Best Advertising Agency in Sacramento”
  • “Folsom SEO Consultant for Local Businesses”

Pro Tip: Embed location keywords in your headers, meta descriptions, and image alt tags — and geo-tagyourimages whenever possible!

This not only boosts your visibility in local search results, but also helps your ideal clients find you faster.

3. Keep Website Content Fresh and Localized

Google loves fresh content—and so do your users.
Update your site regularly with:

  • Blog posts about local news and community relevance
  • Location pages with event tie-ins
  • Service pages featuring time-sensitive promotions

This kind of consistent, localized content signals to Google—and your customers—that you’re active, relevant, and deeply connected to your community.

4. Claim and Supercharge Your Google Business Profile (GBP)

A well-optimized GBP can be more impactful than your website homepage. To get the most out of it, make sure it’s not just claimed—but fully optimized. Here’s a quick checklist to guide you:

  • Complete every field (address, phone, category, hours)
  • Add high-quality interior and exterior photos
  • Post weekly updates or offers
  • Enable messaging and appointment booking where relevant
  • Encourage reviews and reply to them all – yes, every one!

Bonus Tip: When replying to reviews, include relevant keywords—this can give your SEO a subtle but meaningful boost.

An optimized GBP puts you on the map—literally—and gives potential customers a strong reason to choose you.

5. Ensure Consistent NAP Info Everywhere

Your Name, Address, and Phone (NAP) must match exactly across every online platform.  Even small discrepancies can confuse search engines and reduce your local visibility.  Start by checking the following places:

  • Your Website
  • Google Business Profile
  • Yelp
  • Facebook
  • Apple Maps
  • Any local directories
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Inconsistent listings don’t just frustrate customers—they send mixed signals to search engines and can hurt your local rankings.

Clean, consistent NAP info builds trust, boosts credibility, and gives you a better shot at showing up in the local map pack.

6. Build Local Backlinks with Intention

Every quality backlink is a vote of confidence in Google’s eyes—but local backlinks are event more powerful for local SEO. Focus on building links from sources that reflect your presence in the community, such as:

  • Local news websites
  • Community blogs
  • Chamber of Commerce listings
  • Local event sponsorships
  • Partner businesses and vendors

These links tell search engines you’re not just relevant—you’re trusted locally. That can mean higher rankings, more visibility, and stronger authority in your area.

Ready to Put Your Business on the Map?

Local SEO isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a game changer for businesses looking to increase foot traffic, build loyalty, and outshine the competition right in their own backyard.

Your Competitors Are Already Doing This. Are You? Every day you wait is another day customers are finding your competition instead of you. CMA’s local SEO experts are ready to put your business on the map—literally.

Schedule your complimentary local SEO consultation this week and discover the 3 biggest opportunities your business is missing right now.


AUTHOR

CMA Office Kim 4.3

Kim Kelley, Marketing Guru

Kim Kelley is the Principal at Creative Marketing Arts. With over 30 years in the Shopping Center industry, Kim offers creative ideas blended perfectly for REIT Advertising and Marketing. With an eye for perfection and creative flair, Kim offers all clients Out of the Box solutions.