If you’re a small business trying to get found online, local SEO is not optional—it’s essential. Customers are searching for services “near me” every single day, and if your business isn’t showing up, you’re handing revenue to your competitors. At Butterfly Blood Studios, a full-service digital marketing and creative studio based in Colorado, we help small businesses harness the power of local search to drive foot traffic, phone calls, and leads. Here’s how you can do the same.
1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is the foundation of your local SEO strategy. Make sure your profile is complete, accurate, and compelling:
- Use your exact business name, address, and phone number (NAP) consistently.
- Choose the right primary and secondary categories.
- Add high-quality photos and videos.
- Include keywords in your business description.
- Enable messaging and respond to reviews promptly.
Google prioritizes businesses that are active and relevant—keep your profile updated and post regularly.
2. Use Local Keywords Strategically
Local searchers use location-based keywords like “florist in Boulder” or “best pizza near Golden, CO.” Do keyword research with tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or Ubersuggest to identify what your customers are searching for. Then, use those keywords in:
- Page titles and meta descriptions
- Header tags (H1, H2, etc.)
- Website content and blog posts
- Alt text for images
- Internal links
At Butterfly Blood Studios, we weave these keywords naturally into web content to help our clients rank higher without sounding forced.
3. Create Location-Specific Landing Pages
If you serve multiple locations, don’t cram them all onto one page. Create individual landing pages for each city or service area with unique content tailored to the local audience. Include:
- A map or embedded Google location
- Local testimonials or case studies
- Location-based keywords in titles, headers, and copy
- Clear CTAs like “Call our Fort Collins office today”
This strategy helps Google understand exactly where you operate—and helps customers trust your local presence.
4. Get Listed in Online Directories
Citations (your business info on other websites) help build authority and consistency. Submit your business to reputable directories like:
- Yelp
- Bing Places
- Apple Maps
- Chamber of Commerce directories
- Industry-specific sites (e.g., Houzz, Avvo, or Zocdoc depending on your niche)
Pro tip: Make sure your NAP information matches exactly across all listings.
5. Earn and Manage Online Reviews
Reviews are a major ranking factor in local search—and a trust signal for potential customers.
- Ask happy customers to leave a Google review right after their experience.
- Respond to all reviews (positive or negative) in a timely, professional manner.
- Use keywords in your responses when possible (e.g., “Thank you for choosing our Denver photography studio!”).
Positive reviews not only boost your rankings but also increase conversion rates.
6. Embed Local Schema Markup
Schema markup is structured data that helps search engines better understand your site. Add local business schema to your website’s code to highlight your business name, location, hours, and services. This can improve your visibility in rich results (like featured snippets or map packs).
Don’t know how? At Butterfly Blood Studios, our web development team integrates schema seamlessly as part of our local SEO services.
7. Create Locally Relevant Content
Blogging isn’t just for general topics. Write content that speaks directly to your community. Examples:
- “Top 5 Coffee Shops in Colorado Springs (Chosen by Locals)”
- “What to Expect When Hiring a Home Renovation Pro in Fort Collins”
- “Local SEO Tips for Boulder Businesses”
Local content builds topical authority and keeps your site active—two things Google loves.
Dominate Local Search with Butterfly Blood Studios
Ranking locally doesn’t happen by accident. It requires a consistent, strategic approach that touches everything from on-page SEO to community engagement. Whether you’re a boutique in Denver or a service provider in Colorado Springs, Butterfly Blood Studios can help you get found, get noticed, and get results.
Ready to rise in the local search rankings? Let’s talk strategy.
Image courtesy of Canva
