SEO for Business: Why You're Not Showing Up on Google (And How to Fix It)
Customers search 'business near me' 70,000 times per month. If you're not ranking on page 1, you're invisible. Here's how to dominate local SEO.
When someone searches "service provider near me" or "consultant in Austin TX", are YOU showing up?
If the answer is no, you're handing thousands of potential clients to your competitors every single month.
Key Takeaways
- Local SEO is 80% Google Business Profile: Your website matters less than your map listing.
- Reviews Drive Rankings: Consistent, fresh reviews are the #1 signal of trust to Google.
- Consistency Wins: A weekly blog post and accurate business hours can double your visibility in 90 days.
Why Are Local Service Businesses Invisible on Google?
Local SEO isn't about stuffing keywords into your website. It's about proving to Google that you're the most relevant, trustworthy result for a specific search.
Here's what actually matters:
Does Google Business Profile Really Matter for Local SEO?
Your GBP profile is more important than your website for local search. If it's not optimized, you're done.
Must-haves:
- Accurate business hours
- High-quality photos (exterior, interior, team)
- 20+ recent reviews with 4.5+ stars
- Weekly posts (yes, really)
What On-Page SEO Basics Does My Website Need?
Your website needs:
- Title tags with location + specialty: "Austin Consultant | Marketing & Strategy Specialist"
- H1 headers that match search intent
- Service pages for EACH service you offer
- Schema markup (this tells Google you're a local business)
How Much Do Google Reviews Actually Impact SEO Rankings?
Google rewards businesses with fresh, consistent reviews. Automate your review request process. We recommend asking every client 2 days after their service.
What Does a 90-Day Local SEO Plan Look Like?
- Week 1-2: Claim and optimize GBP
- Week 3-4: Audit your website for technical SEO
- Week 5-12: Publish 1 blog post per week targeting client questions
If you do this consistently, you'll see results within 90 days. That's not a guess—that's what we've seen with 100+ businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to see results from Local SEO?
Typically, you will see initial movement in 30-45 days, with significant impact on lead generation between days 60-90.
Do I really need to post on my Google Business Profile?
Yes. Google views active profiles as "alive" and relevant. A dormant profile signals to Google that the business might be closed or inactive.
Can I do SEO myself?
AEO and SEO principles are simple, but execution is time-consuming. You can do it yourself, but most business owners find higher ROI by delegating it to specialists who can ensure consistency.