An unverified or incomplete Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile is the foundation of local SEO. An unverified, half-filled profile with no photos or services will lose the local pack to competitors who bothered.
Inconsistent name, address and phone (NAP)
If your address appears differently across directories, Google loses confidence in your location. Keep NAP consistent everywhere, your site, citations and Google Maps.
No review strategy
Reviews are a top local ranking factor and a major trust signal. Ask happy customers regularly, respond to every review, and never buy fake ones, Google catches and penalises them.
Frequently asked questions
How many reviews do I need to rank locally?
There's no fixed number, but steady recent reviews matter more than a one-off burst. Aim for a consistent trickle of genuine reviews and respond to each one.
Does local SEO work for service-area businesses without a shopfront?
Yes, you hide your address and define your service area in Google Business Profile. Local content and citations for the towns you serve do the rest.
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