Marketing library · Local SEO
Local search, answered.
Plain answers on Google Maps, reviews, near-me searches and getting a storefront found. Part of the Mention Group marketing library.
Google Maps and your profile
How do I rank higher on Google Maps?
Relevance, distance and prominence. Choose the right categories, keep your profile complete and current, earn steady reviews, and make sure your website and listings agree with each other. Read more
What is the local pack?
The map with three businesses that shows above regular results for local searches. It gets a large share of the clicks for searches with local intent. Read more
Which Google Business Profile categories should I pick?
The primary category matters most. Pick the one that matches what people search for, then add secondary categories only for things you really do. Read more
Do Google Business Profile posts help?
They keep your profile fresh and give people a reason to act, like an offer or event. Small effort, real upside. Read more
Why did my profile get suspended?
Usually a mismatch: an address that does not qualify, a name with extra keywords, or a big edit that triggered review. It can be fixed, and the fix starts with the guidelines. Read more
I serve customers at their location. How should my profile work?
Set up as a service-area business, hide your address if customers do not visit, and list the areas you actually serve. Read more
Reviews and reputation
How many reviews do I need?
More than the businesses you compete with, and recent. A steady flow beats a burst. Recency and replies matter as much as the total. Read more
How do I get more Google reviews?
Ask every happy customer, at the right moment, with a direct link. Make it a habit, not a campaign. Read more
How should I respond to bad reviews?
Quickly, calmly and briefly. Thank them, take it offline, and fix what is fixable. Future customers read your reply more than the complaint. Read more
Can I offer incentives for reviews?
No. Google prohibits incentivized reviews, and fake reviews can break the law. Earn them honestly. Read more
Do reviews affect AI recommendations?
Yes. AI tools lean on what customers and other sites say about you, not just what you say about yourself. Read more
Near-me searches and listings
How do I show up for near-me searches?
Be clear about what you do and where, on your site and your profile, and be close enough to the searcher. Your hours and categories need to be right. Read more
What is NAP consistency?
Your name, address and phone number written the same way everywhere. Mismatches confuse search engines and AI tools. Read more
What are local citations?
Mentions of your business on directories, chambers, maps and news sites. They confirm you are real and where you are. Read more
Should I make a page for every city?
Only where you genuinely serve and have something specific to say. Thin copies of the same page hurt more than they help. Read more
Does Bing matter for local?
Yes. Bing powers Copilot and other assistants, and Bing Places is free. It is low effort for real reach. Read more
Retail, events and AI answers
How do retail stores get found?
Accurate products, prices, hours and stock where people search, plus photos of the real store. Shoppers decide fast.
How do I promote an event so people find it?
Give the event its own page with date, time, place and price, and get it listed on local calendars. AI tools read those too. Read more
How does AI answer local questions?
It blends your profile, your site, reviews and what local sites say about you. Be clear and consistent in all of them. Read more
How do I track my local rankings?
Track by neighborhood, not just city, because results change block to block. Then watch calls and direction requests, not just ranks. Read more
What does local SEO cost?
It depends on locations and competition. We scope it in writing after a free visibility check. Read more
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