How to Make Sure Your Website Shows Up in Local Search Results

If you run a local business, you don’t need to rank nationwide.

You need to show up when someone nearby searches:

“coffee shop near me”
“hair stylist in Overland Park”
“plumber in Kansas City”

That’s local search — and it’s more achievable than most people think.

Here’s how to make sure your website is set up properly to show up where it matters.

1. Clearly Say What You Do — and Where You Do It

Google needs two things:

• What you offer
• Where you offer it

Make sure your city or service area is mentioned naturally on your homepage and services page.

If you’re a photographer in Lee’s Summit, say that.
If you’re a contractor serving Johnson County, make it clear.

Simple. Direct. Obvious.

2. Set Up Your Google Business Profile

If you haven’t claimed your Google Business Profile, do that first.

Make sure everything is accurate and up to date:
• Business name
• Address or service area
• Phone number
• Website
• Hours

This is what helps you show up in local map results.

3. Keep Your Contact Info Consistent Everywhere

Your business name, address, and phone number should match exactly on:

• Your website
• Google
• Facebook
• Any local directories

Consistency helps Google (and customers) trust your business.

4. Create a Clear Services Page

Don’t hide everything on your homepage.

Have a dedicated services page that clearly explains:
• What you offer
• Who you serve
• Where you operate

The clearer you are, the easier it is for Google to match you with searches.

5. Make Sure Your Site Works on Mobile

Most local searches happen on phones.

Your website should:
• Load quickly (here’s a free tool to test!)
• Be easy to scroll
• Have clear buttons
• Make it simple to contact you

If it’s hard to use, people leave.

Final Thoughts, TL;DR

Local SEO isn’t complicated, but it does require clarity and consistency.

Most small businesses don’t struggle because they’re doing something wrong. They struggle because no one set their website up strategically from the beginning.

If reading through this feels like one more thing on your already full plate, that’s exactly why I offer streamlined website builds. I handle the structure, the SEO setup, and the local optimization so your site is built correctly from day one, and you don’t have to think about it again.

Ready to get started?

I am offering a simple 4-page website, all copywriting included, fully SEO optimized and ready to go in two weeks.