Rankrebels
Registered Member
- Jan 23, 2025
- 90
- 63
I've been running local SEO campaigns for the past few years, and I've learned something that most agencies won't tell you: the real money isn't in quick wins. It's in the clients who stick around for years.
Last month, I renewed a contract with a client I've been working with for 5 years. When I started with them, they were struggling to rank for basic local terms. Today, they dominate their market across multiple locations. The difference wasn't some magic trick or black hat technique - it was patience and strategic thinking.
The Long Game Changes Everything
Most businesses want results yesterday. They'll throw money at PPC campaigns that deliver instant traffic but disappear the moment you stop paying. I've watched competitors chase these clients, promising overnight success with local pack rankings. Sure, you might see some quick movement, but sustainable local dominance requires a different approach.
I learned this lesson the hard way with a retail client who fired me after six months because they weren't seeing "fast enough" results. Two years later, they came back. Their quick-fix agency had gotten them penalized, and they were ranking worse than when we started. We spent another year just recovering from the damage.
Technical Foundation First, Content Strategy Second
In local SEO, I always start with technical audits. Google Business Profile optimization, citation consistency, schema markup - these aren't glamorous, but they're essential. I use tools like BrightLocal and Whitespark to track citation health across hundreds of directories.
Once the foundation is solid, I focus on content that demonstrates local expertise. Not just "best pizza in Chicago" fluff pieces, but genuinely helpful content that answers real customer questions. This builds the authority signals Google looks for in local rankings.
Why Digital PR Matters for Local
Here's where most local SEO strategies fall short - they ignore digital PR entirely. I've found that securing mentions in local publications, sponsoring community events, and building relationships with local influencers creates backlinks that traditional local SEO tactics can't match.
One client saw their local pack rankings jump from position 8 to position 2 after we secured coverage in three regional publications. The backlinks were valuable, but the brand recognition boost was even more important for long-term success.
The clients who understand this long-term approach become your biggest advocates. They refer other businesses, provide case study opportunities, and actually become partners in growth rather than just customers demanding quick fixes.
Last month, I renewed a contract with a client I've been working with for 5 years. When I started with them, they were struggling to rank for basic local terms. Today, they dominate their market across multiple locations. The difference wasn't some magic trick or black hat technique - it was patience and strategic thinking.
The Long Game Changes Everything
Most businesses want results yesterday. They'll throw money at PPC campaigns that deliver instant traffic but disappear the moment you stop paying. I've watched competitors chase these clients, promising overnight success with local pack rankings. Sure, you might see some quick movement, but sustainable local dominance requires a different approach.
I learned this lesson the hard way with a retail client who fired me after six months because they weren't seeing "fast enough" results. Two years later, they came back. Their quick-fix agency had gotten them penalized, and they were ranking worse than when we started. We spent another year just recovering from the damage.
Technical Foundation First, Content Strategy Second
In local SEO, I always start with technical audits. Google Business Profile optimization, citation consistency, schema markup - these aren't glamorous, but they're essential. I use tools like BrightLocal and Whitespark to track citation health across hundreds of directories.
Once the foundation is solid, I focus on content that demonstrates local expertise. Not just "best pizza in Chicago" fluff pieces, but genuinely helpful content that answers real customer questions. This builds the authority signals Google looks for in local rankings.
Why Digital PR Matters for Local
Here's where most local SEO strategies fall short - they ignore digital PR entirely. I've found that securing mentions in local publications, sponsoring community events, and building relationships with local influencers creates backlinks that traditional local SEO tactics can't match.
One client saw their local pack rankings jump from position 8 to position 2 after we secured coverage in three regional publications. The backlinks were valuable, but the brand recognition boost was even more important for long-term success.
The clients who understand this long-term approach become your biggest advocates. They refer other businesses, provide case study opportunities, and actually become partners in growth rather than just customers demanding quick fixes.
