When was the last time you searched for something like 'best pizza near me' or 'electrician in my area'? Probably not that long ago, right?
What if I told you that getting your business to show up at the top of those search results is easier than you think?
Today, I’m breaking down 5 simple steps to rank #1 on Google in 2025.
Whether you run a coffee shop, a life insurance agency, or anything in between, these tips are going to get you noticed.
In this blog post, we’ll explain how local SEO works, why it matters for your business, and the easiest steps you can take to improve your rankings. Watch the video below for a full walkthrough, or check out the transcript if you prefer reading.
What Is Local SEO and Why Does It Matter for Your Business?
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Local SEO is all about making sure your business appears in local search results — and not just your website, but on Google Maps and business listings too.
Let’s say you’re an insurance company in Vancouver, and someone searches “insurance company Vancouver”, you want to show up here, right?
We’ve got the tips for that to happen. But first, why does local SEO matter?
Understanding the Importance of Local Search Results
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46% of all Google searches are local. That means when someone searches for something near them, they’re probably ready to act. So local SEO doesn’t just drive traffic, it drives real customers to your door.
So how do you get started? The first step in local SEO is targeting the right keywords.
So let’s keep with the insurance business example. If you have your own insurance business in Vancouver, keywords like “house insurance Vancouver” or “life insurance Vancouver” and even nearby neighborhoods like ‘life insurance Kitsilano’ are game-changers.
Tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, and Durable can help you identify and integrate these keywords quickly.
With Durable, we actually generate these keywords for you based on your business name, type, and location. We use SEO best practices and list out the keywords that are likely to rank! And then we include those keywords automatically in your content, so you don’t need to worry about whether you’ve done it right or not.
You should give Durable a try, I’ve included a link in the description to generate your website to get started.
How to Improve Your Local SEO: 4 Simple Steps
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I’m going to walk through 4 steps you can take to improve your local SEO and, therefore your Google rankings.
- Create a Google Business Profile
- Create Local-friendly Content
- Create Location-Specific Pages and Blog Content
- Get Reviews
Step #1: Create and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
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Your Google Business Profile is the foundation of local SEO. This is what shows up when someone searches for your business or related services near them. It can either come up like this or like this.
To set it up, go to Google and search “Google Business Profile” to start. Claim your business and verify it.
Then, fill it out completely. Add your business hours, phone number, website, and photos.
And make sure to add your keywords in your description. So if we keep to our same example, If you’re a life insurance provider in Vancouver, include phrases like “Life insurance plans in Vancouver” or “Affordable life insurance near me.”
For a Vancouver life insurance business, you could write: “We offer comprehensive life insurance solutions tailored to families and individuals in Vancouver. Visit our office in blank on blank Street or contact us online.”
And remember to keep your profile updated. Add new photos, your updated hours, or promotions.
Step #2: Write Local-Friendly Content to Boost Your SEO
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Google loves content that’s specific to your area. Think about local topics your audience cares about. For example:
- Write about common questions your clients ask
- Use local data or stats to make your content more relevant
- Share tips specific to your city or neighborhood
This kind of content builds trust with your audience and helps you rank higher in local search results.
Step #3: Create Location-Specific Pages and Blog Content
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If you serve multiple areas or neighborhoods in your city, creating location-specific pages can help boost your rankings.
Here’s what we recommend:
The first is to make separate pages. Create a dedicated page for each area you serve, like “Life Insurance Services in Downtown Vancouver” or “Kitsilano Life Insurance Experts.”
Next, highlight local features. Mention landmarks, neighborhoods, or local events. Example: “Conveniently located near Stanley Park. This makes your business more relatable to local customers and boosts your SEO.
And lastly, create blog content. Write posts like “Why Kitsilano Families Are Choosing Life Insurance in 2025.”
And if writing isn’t your thing, Durable’s Blog Builder can handle this for you. It even optimizes the content for SEO!
Step #4: Get Reviews to Improve Your Local SEO Ranking
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Customer reviews are a game-changer for local SEO. They show Google and potential customers that your business is trusted.
Here’s how to get them:
- Ask happy clients for a quick Google review. You can even send them a direct link
- Respond to all reviews. Make sure to thank people for positive ones and address concerns in negative ones
- Share your reviews on your website and social media
Here’s a simple script to ask for a review on screen:
Hi [Client Name], we’re so glad we could help you! If you have a moment, could you leave us a quick review on Google? It would mean a lot.’
And make sure to aim for steady reviews over time, not a flood all at once. This could look spammy to Google!
And there you have it — four easy steps to rank #1 on Google in 2025! Remember, local SEO is all about consistency. The more you show Google that you’re the go-to business in your area, the more customers you’ll attract.
If you found this helpful, give this video a thumbs up, subscribe for more SEO tips, and let me know in the comments which step you’ll tackle first.
And don’t forget, Durable’s Website Generator makes SEO simple. Check out the link in the description to try it for free.
Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you in the next video!