🟤 Step 5: Build Local Authority Over Time

What to do

Submit your business to directories that are relevant for your industry and location.

Why it matters

These listings help search engines verify your business’s existence and location—improving trust and local rankings.

How to do it

Common mistakes to avoid

❌ Submitting inconsistent contact info

❌ Creating duplicate listings

❌ Ignoring free listings opportunities

Pro Tip

Make sure your NAP (name, address, phone) is consistent with your Google Business Profile—including suite numbers or unit identifiers exactly as listed.

✅ Once done, your business will have stronger signals of trust across the web.

What to do

Ask your customers to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile and other major platforms.

Why it matters

Reviews are one of the strongest local ranking factors. More reviews (and better ones) help build your reputation and visibility.

How to do it

Common mistakes to avoid

❌ Asking everyone at once (looks suspicious)

❌ Offering incentives (against Google’s guidelines)

❌ Ignoring negative reviews

Pro Tip

Make it easy: give customers the direct link and a gentle prompt at the right moment.

✅ Once done, your profile will gain relevance and trust—both for users and for Google.

What to do

Get mentioned on other local websites or blogs—and ideally, include a link back to your site.

Why it matters

Backlinks are a core SEO signal. Local links show Google that others in your community trust and acknowledge your business.

How to do it

Common mistakes to avoid

❌ Buying backlinks

❌ Linking from irrelevant or spammy sites

❌ Over-optimizing with exact match anchor text

Pro Tip

Start by checking who already links to you—then expand locally with relationship-driven outreach. Use branded or natural anchor text when others link to your site (e.g., “Visit Alex Plumbing in Austin”).

✅ Once done, you’ll improve your website’s credibility and local presence.