Have you ever searched for a “bookkeeper near me” or “accountant in Gosford,”?
Congratulations — you’ve used local SEO! 🥳
Is your business showing up in those searches?
If not, you’re missing out on potential clients who are ready to take action.
Local SEO is a specific slice of the broader search engine optimisation (SEO) pie.
It helps your business appear in search results (Google results) when people are looking for services in their area. This often means that have a high intent to purchase and there is an element of urgency – they are not “just looking”…
Let’s break it down…
What is local SEO for serviced-based businesses?
At its core, local SEO helps your business “show up” when people search for what you do + where you do it.
Think:
- “Financial planner Central Coast”
- “Legal advisor near me”
- “Tax return help Gosford”
These aren’t vague searches.
These are people actively trying to find someone NOW, and Google wants to serve them the most relevant, trustworthy, and nearby options.
Why does local SEO matter so much?
Because these searches usually convert.
We often talk about only 3 percent of people who visit a website are actually ready to buy.
👉🏻 These are the 3% 👈🏻
They’re not from someone “just browsing” in another state.
They’re people who are ready to pick up the phone, click the link, or read your reviews.
It also matters because Google prioritises local results for local intent.
That little map pack that shows up before regular listings – that’s local SEO at work.
The 5 foundations of local SEO (that you can do yourself)
You don’t need an agency, a course, or a magic wand.
Just tick off the basics:
1. Claim and verify your Google Business Profile (GBP)
This is the profile that shows up on the side of the page or in the maps results. Make sure it’s accurate and complete.
2. Keep your name, address, and phone number consistent everywhere
That includes your website, social media, directories, and even email footers.
3. Set your service area properly
Even if you work from home or meet online, Google allows you to define where your clients are.
4. Collect reviews from happy clients
Just a few genuine ones can build trust — and improve your rankings.
5. Include your location naturally on your website
You don’t need to “stuff” keywords. Just write normally — mention where you’re based, who you work with, and what areas you cover.
Want a step by step guide to creating a Google Business Page? Visit our article here.
What you can skip (for now)
You don’t need:
- 100 backlinks from random directories
- To rank #1 for “accountant” (with no location)
- An expensive SEO plugin if you’re not using the basics
Focus on the humans you want to attract, not the robots you’re trying to please.
Want a quick win?
Google your own business from an incognito browser.
- What do you see?
- Do you show up at all?
- Are your details correct?
If not, start with your Google Business Profile.
It’s free — and it’s powerful.
Bonus: Grab our “Foundations That Scale” checklist
Local SEO should be part of your wider digital marketing strategy.
If you want to see where your digital presence is strong – and where it needs support – download our free checklist here.
✅ Score yourself across 8 essential areas
✅ Spot the gaps before you spend time or money
✅ Build a foundation that actually scales
👉 Download the checklist here
Your journey awaits!
Want to chat to someone who can help you work out your next step?
Book your free strategy chat today
