How to Rank Higher in Google Local: 6 Simple Wins for Small Business Visibility
Want your business to show up first when someone Googles “best pizza in Brookings” or “plumber near me”? You’re not alone—and the secret isn’t just a great website. It’s about Local SEO, and it starts with your Google Business Page.
Here’s a no-fluff guide to help you boost your Google Ranking, show up in Google Maps, and turn searches into sales.
1. Nail Your Google Business Page Management
Your Google Business Profile is your storefront on Google—and it needs to be active, optimized, and consistent.
Tips for managing your listing like a pro:
Use your exact business name (no keyword stuffing).
Double-check hours, address, and phone number.
Add services and descriptions with keywords like “website design in Brookings” or “Oregon Coast photographer.”
Upload fresh photos regularly—your storefront, team, and products.
🛠 Need help? At Oregon Coast VIP Marketing, we offer Google Business Page Management as part of our Local SEO services. Just say the word.
2. Google Reviews: Quantity + Quality = Ranking Gold
Google loves trust—and nothing builds trust faster than authentic reviews.
How to boost your review game:
Ask happy clients right after a great experience.
Send a direct link (you can generate one in your Google Business dashboard).
Respond to every review—good or bad. It shows you care.
💡 Pro Tip: Include a call-to-action in your thank-you email: “Enjoying your website? Leave us a review and help us grow!”
3. Local SEO: Keywords With a Local Twist
Want to show up for “marketing company near me”? Your content needs Local SEO love.
What to include on your website:
City/town names in headers and page titles (“Social Media Marketing in Gold Beach”).
Embed a Google Map on your contact page.
Add a location-based FAQ section: “Do you serve Port Orford?” – Yes, you do!
Google connects location cues from your website, Business Profile, and backlinks. The more consistent, the better.
4. Use Google Maps to Your Advantage
Showing up on Google Maps isn’t just about proximity—it’s about optimization.
Here’s how to stay visible:
Choose the correct business categories (you can select more than one!).
Use geo-tagged images.
Collect reviews that mention your town (Ex: “Best spa in Brookings!”)
This builds relevance and tells Google, “Hey, this business is local and popular.”
5. Add ChatGPT Listings (Wait, What?)
Yes, people are searching businesses using AI tools like ChatGPT, not just Google.
Why this matters:
ChatGPT pulls info from your website, social profiles, and well-optimized directories.
Make sure your business is listed on sites like Yelp, Facebook, Bing, and local chamber directories.
Keep your “About” info clean, keyword-rich, and up to date.
We can help ensure you’re listed correctly across all AI-powered search tools—this is next-level visibility.
6. Post Weekly Updates
Posting regularly on your Google Business Page signals to Google that you're active and legit.
Ideas to post:
New service launch
Promotions
Blog teasers (like this one!)
Photos from a client project
Customer testimonials
✨ Pro Tip: Use Canva and schedule a month of posts in advance. We do this for our clients so they don’t have to think about it.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read) – Your Local SEO Checklist
✅ Optimize your Google Business Page
✅ Ask for and respond to Google Reviews
✅ Use local keywords on your website
✅ Leverage Google Maps with proper tagging
✅ Keep your listings ChatGPT- and AI-friendly
✅ Post updates weekly
Need a Local SEO Wingwoman?
At Oregon Coast VIP Marketing, we help small businesses like yours get found—with done-for-you Google Business Management, content creation, and local visibility strategy that actually moves the needle.
👉 Book your free visibility audit at www.oregoncoastvip.com
Let’s take you from hidden gem to local legend. 💼📍
