I was recently talking about AI’s impact on SEO for small, local businesses with a customer. She was anxious about AI and digital marketing shaking up how customers find her. She asked, “With all this tech, how do I keep my salon
showing up on Google when people search nearby?”
That question is the heartbeat of local marketing today. The good news? The fundamentals of local SEO are still your best friends — and with a little smart use of AI tools, you can work smarter, not harder.
Here are 5 practical tips every local marketer should focus on to build and protect your online presence:
1. Keep Your Google Business Profile (GBP) Updated and Optimized
Your Google Business Profile is the front door of your digital storefront. It’s often the first thing potential customers see when searching locally.
- Ensure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are accurate and consistent across all platforms.
- Add detailed business hours, photos, and your website URL.
- Post regular updates or offers to keep your profile active and engaging.
- Use the Q&A section to address common questions proactively.
- Respond to reviews promptly — this shows you care and boosts your local ranking.
Pro Tip: AI tools can help generate engaging post ideas and automate review responses, but always keep your tone authentic.
2. Encourage and Leverage Genuine Customer Reviews
Reviews are social proof gold. They build trust for your business and are a critical ranking factor in local search.
- Ask happy customers for reviews in person, via email, or through SMS follow-ups.
- Make it easy by providing direct links to your Google review page.
- Always respond to reviews — thank the positive ones and address concerns in the negative ones respectfully.
- Showcase reviews on your website and social media.
Pro Tip: Use AI-driven sentiment analysis tools to monitor review trends and flag urgent issues early.
3. Create Localized Content That Resonates
Content isn’t just for big national sites. Local blogs and updates connect your business to the community and improve your local SEO.
- Write about local events, news, or partnerships relevant to your audience.
- Share guides like “Top 5 Things to Do Near [Your Town]” featuring your business.
- Highlight customer stories or local causes you support.
- Incorporate local keywords naturally into your content.
Pro Tip: AI can help generate drafts or ideas based on trending local topics — just personalize before publishing.
4. Build Local Partnerships and Backlinks
Google values trusted signals from local websites and directories.
- Get listed in reputable local business directories and chambers of commerce websites.
- Partner with local bloggers, news sites, or community organizations for backlinks.
- Sponsor events or charities and get mentions on their sites.
- Collaborate with neighboring businesses for cross-promotion.
Pro Tip: Use AI-powered SEO tools to identify quality backlink opportunities in your area.
5. Use AI Tools to Support Your Marketing — Not Replace Your Voice
AI is a powerful assistant for local marketers, but it should never replace your authentic voice or personal touch.
- Automate repetitive tasks like scheduling posts, email follow-ups, or basic content generation.
- Use AI for data analysis to spot trends or areas for improvement.
- Leverage chatbots for instant customer FAQs but always provide easy access to human support.
- Experiment with AI tools for keyword research and competitor analysis.
Pro Tip: Always review and customize AI-generated content to ensure it sounds like you.
Wrapping It Up
Local SEO success is about combining tried-and-true fundamentals with smart technology use. Keep your Google Business Profile sharp, nurture authentic reviews, produce meaningful local content, build your local network, and use AI thoughtfully to enhance—not replace—your human touch.
These steps not only improve your search rankings but build lasting connections with your community — the real secret sauce of local marketing.
Are you already using some of these tactics? What’s worked best for your business? Share your wins or questions below — let’s learn from each other!