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The Power of Local SEO for Generating More Customers

With the rise of mobile search and the increasing relevance of local businesses in today’s on-the-go world, local search engine optimization (or Local SEO) has become more important than ever. But what is Local SEO and why should businesses care about it?

What is Local SEO?
Local SEO refers to the process of optimizing your online presence to attract more business from relevant local searches. These searches take place on Google and other search engines. Essentially, if someone nearby searches for a product or service you offer, you want your business to pop up.

Did you know? According to a study by GoGulf, over 58% of mobile users use their phone to search for local businesses every week. This indicates the urgency for businesses to leverage Local SEO.

Why is Local SEO Important?

1. Increasing Mobile Usage: With smartphones being the primary medium for search, the significance of local intent searches has soared. People are often looking for businesses “near me” or within their city.

2. Local Results Get Higher Clicks: Search results with localized intent often get preference on search engines. A local listing can beat a global competitor if optimized correctly.

3. Build Trust: When you appear in local listings with positive reviews and accurate information, it increases the trustworthiness of your brand in the eyes of the customer.

For a deep dive, join the discussion at the Freelance Training Academy.

The Pillars of Local SEO

1. Google My Business: Setting up and optimizing your Google My Business (GMB) listing is fundamental. This free tool from Google allows businesses to manage their online presence across the search engine and its growing portfolio, including Maps.

2. Reviews and Ratings: Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews. Responding to reviews shows that you value your customers and their feedback.

3. Local Citations: Ensure that your business details are consistent across all online directories. Inconsistencies can confuse search engines and potential customers alike.

4. On-Page SEO Techniques: Make sure to optimize your website content, meta descriptions, and title tags for local keywords. For example, “Italian restaurant in Brooklyn” instead of just “Italian restaurant.”

5. Local Backlinks: Just as in traditional SEO, backlinks play a role in local SEO. However, for Local SEO, it’s more about getting links from other local businesses or publications.

Tips to Boost Your Local SEO

1. Optimize for Voice Search: As per PwC, 65% of 25-49 year-olds speak to their voice-enabled devices at least once a day. Voice searches tend to be more conversational, so your SEO strategy should account for these types of queries.

2. Engage on Social Media: Engage with local audiences through social media. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow businesses to target ads based on user locations.

3. Mobile Optimization: Ensure your website is mobile-friendly. This improves user experience, and with Google’s mobile-first indexing, it’s a ranking factor.

4. Create Local Content: Host local events or write blog posts about local news or activities. Not only does this attract local traffic, but it also solidifies your position as a local authority.

5. Leverage Local PR: Getting featured in local newspapers, magazines, or blogs can give you high-quality backlinks and position you as a community figure.

The Future of Local SEO

Local SEO is continuously evolving. With augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) becoming more popular, businesses will soon have to think about how to show up in these digital landscapes. Moreover, as search becomes more AI-driven, personalized user experiences will dictate local search results.

Conclusion
Local SEO isn’t just for small businesses. Even larger corporations with multiple locations can benefit from local SEO strategies. Being visible in local searches can boost brand awareness, drive foot traffic, and increase sales.

To succeed in the current digital landscape, it’s essential for businesses to prioritize and invest in local SEO. It’s not just about being seen, but about being seen by the right people: your local customers.

Michael Fleischner

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Corine RigbyCorine Rigby
SEO Specialist

Corine Rigby is the technical heart of Big Fin SEO’s search engine optimization practice. From deep-dive audits to link acquisition strategy, Corine brings precision and insight to every project, helping clients rank higher and stay visible in an ever-changing search landscape.

What do you do at Big Fin SEO?

At Big Fin SEO, I work behind the scenes to help our clients’ websites sail smoothly and rank higher. From deep-dive technical SEO audits and onsite optimizations to strategic keyword mapping, I make sure everything’s shipshape. I also lead our link acquisition efforts to help boost domain authority and increase organic visibility, so our clients stay ahead of the current.

What do you like about working at Big Fin SEO?

I really enjoy the collaborative vibe and the chance to make a measurable impact on our clients’ growth. It’s rewarding to be part of a tight-knit crew that values both smart strategy and solid execution, and where every win feels like a team victory.

When you go to the beach, what do you love to do?

I love walking along the shore collecting shells, soaking in the sound of the waves, and watching the sunset. It’s the perfect reset.

Laura AyresLaura Ayres
Chief of Operations

Laura Ayres is the operational backbone of Big Fin SEO, ensuring that every client engagement runs on time, on budget, and above expectations. As Chief of Operations, she oversees the day-to-day functions of the agency, supports account managers in delivering standout results, and keeps the entire crew aligned and moving in the same direction.

Before joining Big Fin SEO, Laura served as Executive Director at The CIO Initiative, a leadership organization dedicated to advancing senior technology executives. She held that role for nearly six years across two tenures, developing deep expertise in organizational operations, stakeholder management, and executive-level program delivery.

Background

  • Chief of Operations, Big Fin SEO (current)
  • Executive Director, The CIO Initiative (2018–2021, 2023–2025)
  • Experienced in operations leadership, account management, and team development

LinkedIn Profile

What do you do at Big Fin SEO?

As Chief of Operations at Big Fin SEO, I’m the one making sure the ship runs smoothly. I support our account managers in delivering standout results for clients, assist with day-to-day operations, and help keep everything sailing in the right direction. My role touches nearly every part of the business, ensuring we stay efficient, effective, and ready to ride the next wave of growth.

What do you like about working at Big Fin SEO?

The people, hands down. Our crew is smart, supportive, and genuinely fun to work with, and the same goes for our clients. Big Fin SEO is the kind of place where collaboration, flexibility, and good vibes come naturally. It makes every day feel purposeful (and just a little bit fun, too).

When you go to the beach, what do you love to do?

The beach is my favorite place; it energizes me. When I go, I love to lay in my favorite chair and watch the ocean while my daughter builds sand castles at my feet. Then as a family, we walk the shore to collect shells.

Michael FleischnerMichael Fleischner
Founder & CEO

Michael Fleischner is a digital marketing entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience helping businesses grow their online visibility. He founded Big Fin SEO in 2014 after seeing firsthand that agencies were being asked to deliver services they could not staff, and businesses were being sold SEO programs that produced reports but not results.

Today, Big Fin operates as a white-label GEO and SEO fulfillment partner for marketing agencies nationwide, helping over 1,000 brands achieve measurable search visibility without building internal teams. Michael leads strategy across the agency’s GEO, SEO, paid search, and website development programs.

Credentials & Recognition

  • TEDx Speaker, “The Freelance Journey”
  • Author of SEO Made Simple, The 7 Figure Freelancer, Local Marketing Made Simple, and Blogging Made Simple
  • Featured on the TODAY Show and in USA Today
  • President, American Marketing Association Professional Chapters Council (2022–2023), representing 15,000+ marketers across 70+ chapters
  • Executive Producer, “The Strange” (feature film)
  • Founder, CapitalQuest AI

LinkedIn Profile  |  Media Kit

What do you do at Big Fin SEO?

As Captain and CEO at Big Fin SEO, I navigate our skilled crew through the ever-changing tide of digital marketing solutions. My role involves charting a strategic course, anchoring solid client relationships, and ensuring we stay ahead of industry currents to reel in outstanding results.

What do you like about working at Big Fin SEO?

What I enjoy most about Big Fin SEO is our vibrant, collaborative crew. It’s rewarding to see our combined efforts help businesses ride the waves of online growth, helping them make a lasting impact. Watching our clients elevate their online visibility, expand their reach, and net significant revenue through the strategies we deploy is deeply gratifying.

When you go to the beach, what do you love to do?

At the beach, I love to explore the shoreline, relax under the sun, and dive into a captivating book. I’m always on the lookout for fresh inspiration, particularly anything that resonates with our shark-inspired branding or reminds me of adventures on the open sea!