If your local business isn’t appearing online, you’re leaving money on the table. Nowadays, relying solely on conventional marketing strategies is insufficient; embracing local online marketing is crucial for competition and business expansion.
According to BrightLocal’s 2024 survey, nearly 9 in 10 consumers begin their local search online, and over 90% of those searches start on Google. That means if your business is not appearing in search results, you are not just losing visibility—you are missing out on potential revenue.
At Minerva Digital Marketing, we specialize in marketing for small businesses, helping you get found, get booked, and grow through smart, data-driven strategies. Whether you’re a law firm, dental office, home service provider, or boutique salon, these three quick tips can help you boost your visibility and dominate your local market.
1. Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
One of the most powerful tools in your local marketing arsenal is your Google Business Profile (GBP). It’s free, it’s visible, and when optimized correctly, it can put your business front and center in the Local Map Pack, Google Maps, and organic search results.
Why does that matter? Because those top 3 Map Pack spots receive 48.1% of all clicks, with the top result alone snagging 17.6% CTR. If you’re not showing up there, you’re likely losing potential customers to your competitors.
Here’s what Minerva Digital Marketing Consultants does to fully optimize your Google Business Profile:
- Ensure all contact details, categories, and service areas are accurate and complete
- Add high-quality images and short videos to enhance credibility
- Post updates regularly to signal business activity
- Incorporate local SEO keywords in your business description and services
- Respond to reviews and encourage new ones to boost trust and relevance
Pro Tip: Google loves businesses that stay active. Frequent updates and engaged reviews send strong trust signals that help boost your rankings.
2. Use Location-Based Keywords on Your Website
If your site just says “barber shop” or “plumber,” you’re missing a massive opportunity. To win in local SEO, you need to speak your customers’ language, and that includes location.
When your site includes location-based keywords, you boost your chances of appearing in both the Map Pack and organic results. Here’s the math:
- 17.6% CTR from the Map Pack
- 23.7% CTR from the #1 organic result
- That’s a total 41.3% CTR for one local search term. Just imagine the impact that could have on your business.
Say this instead of generic terms:
- “Premium barber shop in Orlando”
- “Top-rated family dentist in Longwood, FL”
- “Atlanta criminal defense lawyer”
- “Personal Injury lawyer near me”
Minerva’s affordable local SEO services include:
- In-depth keyword research tailored to your industry and area
- On-page SEO updates including meta tags and headings
- Location-specific landing pages that help you rank in multiple nearby areas
This type of optimization doesn’t just increase traffic—it drives qualified local leads ready to take action.
3. Stay Active on Social Media
Many small business owners know they need social media—but finding the time, strategy, and content can be overwhelming. That’s where local social media marketing comes in.
Did you know that 76% of small businesses use social media as part of their marketing plan, and 41% are generating revenue directly from it? Social platforms aren’t just for likes and comments—they’re engines for building visibility, trust, and loyalty.
Minerva can handle your local social media marketing by:
- Creating custom content tailored to your local audience
- Managing your content calendar and keeping your posts consistent
- Monitoring comments and messages to keep engagement high
- Running geo-targeted social ads to attract nearby customers
Social media is often the first place new customers discover local businesses. In fact, 55% of consumers say they first learn about brands on social, and customers who engage with businesses on social media spend 40% more than those who don’t.
Too Busy to Do It All? We’ve Got You Covered.
Running a business is already a full-time job. Managing your Google Business Profile, staying on top of local SEO, and keeping up with local social media marketing takes time and expertise.
Let Minerva Digital Marketing be your trusted partner. We offer affordable local SEO and digital marketing solutions built specifically for small businesses. Whether you need help showing up in search, posting on social, or building a site that converts—we’ve got your back.
Ready to grow your local visibility and revenue?
Let us help your business thrive online.
Contact us today to get started.
