What is local SEO?
Local SEO is the work of getting a business with a physical location or service area to rank high in Google Maps and near-me searches.
Open this screen in the panelLocal SEO targets searches with a location in them, like "dentist brooklyn" or "furniture store near me". For these, Google shows a map and a three-business list (the local pack) above the results. The order there depends on how complete your Google Business Profile is, how far you are from the searcher, your reviews and how well known the business is across the web.
Why it matters
- Many local searches turn into a visit, call or directions request within a short time.
- The map result sits above the organic results; a small business can outrank large sites.
- Rankings change with where the search is made from; you can be first at one end of town and missing at the other.
The core work: a complete, accurate Business Profile, the right category, steady reviews and replies, consistent NAP details and LocalBusiness structured data on the site.
Where you see it in SEOAsist
The Local SEO page has three tabs:
| Tab | What it does |
|---|---|
| Map rankings | Measures your Google Maps rank at N×N points around a centre (Run grid). Requires DataForSEO; each point is one call. |
| Business profile | Links a Google Business Profile location to the site and creates posts |
| Reviews | Lists reviews and lets you reply or ask the AI for a draft |
DataForSEO setup: DataForSEO.
Example
A 5×5 grid, 2 km radius, keyword "dentist": position 1 in the centre, 9 at the northern edge, not in the top 20 in the south. That points to pages, reviews and local links aimed at the southern area.
Common mistakes
- Adding keywords to the business name ("Example Dental Best Implants"); it breaks Google's guidelines.
- Measuring rankings only by searching from your own location.
- Never replying to reviews.
- Using different addresses or phone numbers on the site and on profiles.
Related articles
- What is NAP consistency?NAP consistency means writing the business name, address and phone number exactly the same on the site, the Google Business Profile and other listings.
- Connect DataForSEO: API credentials, costs and balanceConnect your DataForSEO account to SEOAsist and learn which modules it powers, how many calls each action uses and where to keep an eye on your balance.
- What is structured data (schema)?Structured data is machine-readable markup, based on the schema.org vocabulary, that tells search engines what the information on a page actually is.