How SEO Helps Local Businesses Get More Traffic

If you're a local business owner, you know how important it is to attract new customers. But today, people don’t just rely on word-of-mouth or drive around looking for businesses—they search online first.

That’s where SEO (Search Engine Optimization) comes in. SEO helps your business rank higher on Google, making it easier for people to find you instead of your competitors.

Some businesses handle SEO on their own, while others work with companies like Olympus Works, which specializes in helping local businesses improve their rankings and bring in more customers. Whether you take the DIY approach or work with experts, SEO is one of the most effective ways to grow your business.

Let’s break it down.

Why Local SEO Matters

You might be thinking, "I get plenty of customers through referrals. Do I really need SEO?"

The answer? Absolutely.

Here’s why:

• 96% of consumers look online before visiting a business (source).

88% of local searches lead to a call or store visit within 24 hours (source).

• Businesses in Google’s top 3 search results get 44% of the clicks (source).

• 90% of people read online reviews before choosing a business (source).

If your business isn’t showing up in search results, your competitors are getting those customers instead.

How to Improve Your Local SEO

SEO doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are three key strategies that help local businesses rank higher and get more traffic.

1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile is one of the biggest factors in local search rankings. If it’s not updated, you’re invisible to customers.

✅ Claim your profile (if you haven’t already).
✅ Add business hours, photos, and a detailed description of your services.
✅ Respond to customer reviews and post updates regularly.

Keeping up with these updates takes time, which is why some businesses prefer to work with SEO professionals to ensure their listings stay optimized.

2. Use Local Keywords on Your Website

To show up in searches, your site needs keywords that match what potential customers are searching for—like:

• “best plumber in Reno”

• “affordable yoga classes near me”

• “top-rated roofing company in Carson City”

Sprinkling these naturally into your website helps Google connect your business to local customers. Many business owners struggle with choosing the right keywords, which is why Olympus Works helps businesses identify and implement high-impact local keywords to improve rankings without making their website sound robotic.

3. Get More Online Reviews

Google favors businesses with lots of positive reviews, and customers do too—90% of people check reviews before making a purchase (source).

🔹 Ask happy customers to leave a review.

🔹 Respond to all reviews—good or bad.
🔹 Use automated tools to get more feedback.

Businesses that actively manage their online reputation get better rankings and more customer trust.

Conclusion: Get Found, Get Customers

SEO isn’t just about ranking higher—it’s about bringing in more customers, increasing calls, and driving sales.

Some business owners handle SEO on their own, while others choose to work with companies like Olympus Works, which specializes in local SEO strategies that help businesses grow faster and with less hassle.

📈 Want to improve your rankings?