What are Best Practices for Local Landing Pages?

Best Practices for Local Landing Pages

When was the last time you grabbed your phone to look for a nearby place to eat, shop, or get a service? Chances are, you found what you needed within seconds — and that’s the power of a well-optimized local landing page.

A 2022 Localized Marketing Benchmark Report found that top-ranking local businesses on Google saw a 612% increase in search traffic and a 397% boost in actions compared to those ranked 10th. That’s a huge difference.

But here’s the problem — local landing pages don’t always get the attention they deserve. Poor SEO can make it harder for your page to get noticed, which means lost traffic and potential customers.

So, how can you make sure your local landing page shows up when people are searching? Let’s walk through how to create and improve your local SEO strategy step by step.

What Are Local Landing Pages?

A local landing page is a web page designed to help people in a specific area find your business. It tells Google (and potential customers) where you’re located, what you offer, and which areas you serve.

Best Practices for Local Landing Pages
Best Practices for Local Landing Pages

According to Think with Google, today’s customers expect fast and accurate results — they search with urgency, often using phrases like “near me.” A strong local landing page helps you meet that need and turn quick searches into loyal customers.

But surprisingly, many businesses are still missing out:

  • 58% of businesses haven’t focused on local SEO.
  • Only 30% have a plan to increase local traffic.

Why Local Landing Pages Matter for SEO

Google loves local landing pages — that’s why they often rank high for location-based searches like “best pizza near me.”

Best Practices for Local Landing Pages

When someone searches for a local service, here’s what usually shows up:

  1. Sponsored ads – Paid results at the top.
  2. Google 3-Pack – Three local business listings with a map.
  3. Organic search results – This is where your local landing page can shine.

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) helps you show up in the 3-Pack, but your local landing page helps you rank higher in the organic search results below it. The top organic result typically gets 27.6% of clicks — so ranking here gives you a big advantage.

Who Needs Local Landing Pages?

  • Single-location businesses – Link your homepage to a localized landing page with details about your area.
  • Multi-location businesses – Create separate landing pages for each location.
  • Virtual businesses – Even if you don’t have a physical location, you can still target local searches with a well-optimized landing page.

How to Create a High-Performing Local Landing Page

Best Practices for Local Landing Pages
Best Practices for Local Landing Pages

1. Understand Your Local Audience

First, figure out who your audience is and where they’re located.

👉 Use Google Analytics (GA4) to see where your current visitors are coming from:

  • Go to Reports → User → User Attributes → Demographic Details
  • Select “Country” or “Town/City” to see where your audience is concentrated.

This helps you focus on the right areas when optimizing your landing page.

Also Read: How can I Fix Common Local SEO Mistakes?

2. Choose the Right Keywords

Good keyword research is key to local SEO success. Focus on location-specific keywords that people actually search for.

Example:
✅ “Dermatologist in Dallas” → High search volume, lower competition
❌ “Dermatologist” → High competition, harder to rank

Use tools like Ahrefs or Google Keyword Planner to find location-based keywords with a balance of good search volume and lower competition.

3. Optimize Your Meta Tags

Your meta title and meta description tell Google and searchers what your page is about. Keep it clear and focused:

  • Meta title – Include your main keyword within 60 characters.
  • Meta description – Summarize your page in 160 characters or less.

Example:
“Top Dentist in Florence, SC – Book Your Appointment Today”
“We’re the Best Dentist You’ll Ever Find in Florence, South Carolina”

4. Clean Up Your URL

A short, readable URL improves both SEO and user experience. Follow these rules:
✅ Include your location and target keyword
✅ Use hyphens instead of underscores or spaces
❌ Avoid special characters or uppercase letters

Example:
example.com/dentist-florence-sc
example.com/BEST_DENTIST_FLORENCE_404

Also Read: What are the Key Ranking Factors for Local SEO?

5. Focus on “Above the Fold” Content

The content people see without scrolling should include key business details and a strong call to action (CTA).

Must-haves:

  • Headline – Include your main keyword naturally
  • Subheadline – Explain why your business stands out
  • Hero image – High-quality photo of your business or product
  • CTA – Make it easy to contact you (“Call Now,” “Get Directions”)

Example:
“Top Dermatologist in Dallas – Get Clearer Skin Today!”

6. Optimize Your Images with Alt Tags

Rename your image files to reflect your location and service. Use descriptive alt tags to help Google understand what’s in the image.

✅ Filename: best-dermatologist-dallas.jpg
✅ Alt tag: “Best dermatologist in Dallas, Texas offering cosmetic treatments.”

❌ Filename: IMG_2984721.jpg
❌ Alt tag: “Image 1”

7. Add Your NAP (Name, Address, Phone)

Make sure your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) match what’s on your Google Business Profile.

👉 Embed a Google Map to make it easy for customers to find you.

  • Open Google Maps
  • Search for your business
  • Click “Share” → “Embed a Map”
  • Paste the HTML code onto your landing page

8. Add Social Proof (Reviews & Testimonials)

Positive reviews help build trust and boost your ranking. Include local customer reviews and encourage people to leave feedback on your Google Business Profile.

Example:
“John Doe – Best pizza in town! Fast delivery and amazing service.”

Also Read: How do I Create Locally Targeted Content?

9. Use Schema Markup

Schema markup helps Google understand your business better. Use the LocalBusiness schema to tag your NAP details and improve your visibility in search results.

Final Thoughts

Local landing pages are powerful tools for improving search rankings and driving targeted traffic. By focusing on smart keyword use, strong on-page SEO, and a seamless user experience, you’ll make it easier for customers to find you — and convert them into loyal customers.

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