Have you ever wondered why some local businesses show up at the top of Google when you search for services in your area—while others are buried on page 5? In this episode, we’ll break down 6 proven tips that can help your business climb Google’s search results and get found by more customers.

Who I Am & Why This Matters

My name is Napoleon Russ, and I help small businesses leverage digital strategies and AI-powered tools to generate more leads, customers, and revenue. I’ve seen too many great businesses struggle simply because they weren’t showing up online where customers are already searching. That’s why I created this episode—to share what I’ve learned about local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and how you can apply it to your business starting today.

Why Getting to the Top of Google Matters

Before we dive into the tips, let’s get clear on why this is important.

When someone searches for “plumber near me” or “best insurance agent in [city],” where do you think they click? Studies show that the top 3 results on Google get over 70% of all clicks. If your business isn’t showing up there, you’re leaving money on the table and sending customers straight to your competitors.

That’s why these 6 tips aren’t just “nice to have”—they could be the difference between a struggling business and one that thrives.

Tip #1: Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile

If you do nothing else, do this. Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is the single most important factor for showing up in local search results and on Google Maps.

Make sure you’ve claimed your profile.

Fill out every section—business hours, phone number, website, services, products, and a compelling description.
Upload high-quality photos and videos.
Keep your information up-to-date.
Pro tip: Add posts to your profile weekly, just like social media. Google rewards activity.

Tip #2: Get More Reviews (and Respond to Them)

Reviews are one of the strongest ranking signals for local search. But they’re also a huge trust factor for potential customers.

Ask happy customers to leave you a review.
Make it easy—send them a direct link.
Respond to every review, good or bad, to show you care.
Pro tip: Even negative reviews can help if you respond professionally. People want to see how you handle feedback.

Google needs to know where you do business. If your website doesn’t mention your city, neighborhood, or service area, you’re invisible to local searches.

Include your city and service keywords in page titles, headings, and meta descriptions.
Create location-based service pages (ex: “Roof Repair in Atlanta” instead of just “Roof Repair”).
Write blog posts that tie into your community (ex: “5 Common Plumbing Problems in Dallas Homes”).
Pro tip: Don’t just stuff keywords—make sure the content is helpful and natural.

Tip #3: Use Local Keywords on Your Website

Tip #4: Build Local Citations

A citation is any online mention of your business’s Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP). Consistency is key—Google checks these against your website and Google Business Profile.

List your business on major directories like Yelp, Bing Places, Yellow Pages, Angie’s List, etc.
Double-check that your NAP is identical everywhere.
Fix any old or incorrect listings.
Pro tip: There are affordable tools and services that can automate citation building for you.

Tip #5: Create High-Quality, Helpful Content

Google wants to rank businesses that are useful to searchers. If your website is just a digital business card, you’ll struggle.

Instead:

Write blog posts answering common customer questions.
Create videos showcasing your work or explaining your services.
Add FAQs directly to your service pages.
Pro tip: Think about what people are Googling before they hire someone like you, then create content that answers those questions.

Tip #6: Build Local Backlinks

Backlinks (other websites linking to yours) are like votes of confidence in Google’s eyes. The more high-quality links you have, the more authority your website gets.

For local businesses:

Partner with local charities, chambers of commerce, or community events to earn backlinks.
Sponsor local sports teams or nonprofits—they’ll often list your website on their pages.
Reach out to local bloggers or news outlets when you have a story to share.
Pro tip: Even one strong local backlink can make a huge difference in rankings.

Bringing It All Together
Here’s the truth: SEO isn’t about quick hacks. It’s about consistently showing Google (and your customers) that you’re trustworthy, relevant, and active in your community.

When you:

Optimize your Google Business Profile
Collect and respond to reviews
Use local keywords
Build citations
Publish helpful content
Earn local backlinks
…you create a powerful online presence that attracts customers 24/7—even while you sleep.

What’s Next?

If you’re serious about growing your business, don’t wait. Start with one of these tips today. Even small improvements can compound over time and push you closer to the top of Google.

In future episodes, I’ll go deeper into specific strategies like AI-powered SEO, content marketing hacks, and automated review systems that can give your business an extra edge.

But for now, ask yourself: Which of these 6 tips will I implement first?

That’s the episode. Thanks for joining me, and I’ll see you in the next one!