SEO 102: Common Local SEO Mistakes for Small Businesses (And How to Avoid Them)
- Andrea Gross
- Jul 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 31
Search engine optimization (SEO) is one of the most effective ways to help new customers find your business online. But when it comes to local SEO, the kind that enables you to appear in Google searches near your location, many small business owners are unknowingly making mistakes that hurt their visibility.
We walked you through the basics in SEO 101: How to Help More Customers Find Your Business Online. The following are some of the most common errors and a few ways to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Not Claiming or Optimizing Your Google Business Profile
Google Business Profiles are one of the most powerful free tools for local SEO. However, many small businesses have either not claimed their listing or haven't optimized it properly. Online-only companies are generally exempt from this because a physical location is required for Google Business Profile verification.
A Little Nudge: Claim your profile, add accurate business info (name, address, hours, phone number), and encourage customers to leave reviews.
According to BrightLocal’s Local Consumer Review Survey 2024, 98% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses, and 87% won’t consider a company with low ratings or limited online information.
Mistake 2: Inconsistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) Across Listings
Your business name, address, and phone number should be the same across all online directories, right down to the placement of periods. Even minor discrepancies in formatting can confuse search engines and lower your rankings, such as typing your phone number with decimal points in one place and hyphens in another.
A Little Nudge: Use a consistent format for your NAP everywhere: Google, Yelp, Facebook, your website, and industry-specific directories.
Mistake 3: Neglecting Localized Website Content
If your website doesn’t mention your location or service area, search engines won’t know where to rank you.
A Little Nudge: Add a contact page with your full address and an embedded map.
According to Google, searches including “near me” have grown exponentially in recent years, especially searches performed on mobile devices.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Reviews or Responding Poorly
Google considers review quality, quantity, and responsiveness as ranking signals. A lack of reviews or failure to respond to them can negatively affect your online visibility and credibility with your customers.
A Little Nudge: Ask happy customers to leave a review.
60% of consumers say they’ve left a review when prompted by a business, according to BrightLocal.
Mistake 5: Skipping Mobile Optimization
More than half of local searches happen on mobile devices. Suppose your website is slow, hard to navigate, or not mobile-friendly. In that case, potential customers may leave before they even contact you.
Statista reports that over 63% of organic search traffic in the U.S. came from mobile in 2024.
Mistake 6: Forgetting About Backlinks and Local Partnerships
Local SEO isn’t just about what you do on your website. Backlinks (links from other websites to yours) can significantly boost your credibility and rankings, as long as those backlinks are from other reputable websites.
A Little Nudge: Partner with other small businesses or organizations, and exchange links or write guest posts.
Conclusion
Local SEO is complex and requires a lot of attention to detail. By avoiding the mistakes above and focusing on what is effective, you can improve your chances of showing up in search results when it matters most.
Keep in mind: every business is different. Your SEO strategy should reflect your goals, your audience, and your local community. Little Nudge Marketing is here to help with the expertise to get you found locally.
Need a second set of eyes on your local SEO? Book a free 15-minute consultation today to learn how we can help.
