Local SEO for Marketing Agencies: Boost Visibility and Land More Local Clients
Last updated Nov. 17, 2024
Written by Iftekhar Chowdhury. In collaboration with oDeskStudio
Horizon Marketing was a boutique digital agency known for delivering stellar results. They had a killer portfolio, rave reviews from clients, and a slick website.
But there was one problem: they were invisible in local search results.
When potential clients Googled “marketing agencies near me” or “digital marketing in [city],” Horizon Marketing was nowhere to be found.
Competitors with less experience—and worse results—were eating their lunch. That’s when Horizon decided to tackle Local SEO, and within six months, they were dominating local search.
Let’s break down the exact strategy they used.
Why Local SEO Matters for Marketing Agencies
If you run a marketing agency, you know competition is fierce. Big agencies, niche firms, and freelancers are all vying for attention.
But here’s the kicker: 97% of consumers search online to find local businesses.
When businesses in your area search for terms like “marketing agency near me” or “social media marketing in [city],” your agency should be at the top of the results.
Without local SEO, you’re leaving money—and dream clients—on the table.
Step 1: Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
The foundation of every local SEO strategy is Google Business Profile (GBP). Why? Because Google uses it to decide who shows up in local search results.
Horizon Marketing started by fully optimizing their GBP. Here’s how you can do the same:
GBP Optimization Checklist for Marketing Agencies:
- Accurate NAP (Name, Address, Phone): Ensure your business info matches exactly across your website and other directories.
- Add High-Impact Categories: Use categories like Marketing Agency, Advertising Agency, or Digital Marketing Services.
- Include Service Details: Highlight your key offerings like SEO, PPC, and social media management in the “Services” section.
- Upload Eye-Catching Photos: Post pictures of your office, team, client events, or even successful campaign results.
- Leverage the Q&A Section: Answer questions like “Do you offer local SEO services?” or “What’s your pricing for small businesses?”
Step 2: Use Reviews to Build Credibility
For marketing agencies, reviews aren’t just a trust signal—they’re a deal-clincher.
Potential clients want to see proof that you deliver results, and nothing says that better than glowing testimonials.
How Horizon Got Stellar Reviews:
- Ask Every Satisfied Client: After a successful campaign, ask for a review while the excitement is still fresh.
- Provide a Direct Link: Make it ridiculously easy by sending a link to your GBP review page.
- Highlight Results in Reviews: Encourage clients to mention specifics like, “They helped us grow website traffic by 50% in 3 months!”
Step 3: Research the Right Local Keywords
Horizon’s first breakthrough came when they stopped trying to rank for generic terms like “marketing agency” and focused on localized keywords.
Examples of Local Keywords for Marketing Agencies:
- “Marketing agency near [City]”
- “SEO services in [Neighborhood]”
- “Social media marketing for small businesses in [City]”
Use tools like Google’s Keyword Planner or Semrush to find location-specific keywords with high search intent.
Step 4: Create Localized Landing Pages
Here’s the deal: Google loves content that’s hyper-relevant to searchers. That’s why localized landing pages are a game-changer.
How to Build Local Landing Pages That Convert:
- Target Each City or Neighborhood: If you serve multiple areas, create individual pages for each. For example, “Digital Marketing Services in Los Angeles” and “SEO Services in Santa Monica.”
- Highlight Local Success Stories: Showcase client results from that area. For instance, “We helped [Client] in [City] achieve a 5X ROI with PPC ads.”
- Local CTAs: Add action-driven CTAs like “Request a Free Marketing Audit in [City].”
Pro Tip: Use geo-specific keywords naturally in your headers, content, and meta tags.
Step 5: Leverage Content Marketing for Local Authority
Horizon Marketing saw a 200% increase in website traffic after they started publishing localized blog content.
Content Ideas for Marketing Agencies:
- “Top Marketing Trends for Small Businesses in [City]”
- “How to Boost Your Local SEO in [City]”
- “Case Study: How We Helped a Local Business in [City] Double Their Revenue”
Blogs like these help your agency rank for long-tail keywords and position you as a local expert.
Step 6: Build Local Backlinks
Backlinks are the backbone of any strong SEO strategy, and local backlinks pack an extra punch.
How to Get Local Backlinks for Marketing Agencies:
- Sponsor Local Events: Partner with local organizations and get your agency listed on their event pages.
- Collaborate with Other Professionals: Partner with local PR firms, web designers, or copywriters and exchange backlinks.
- Submit to Local Directories: List your business in directories like the local chamber of commerce or industry-specific websites.
Step 7: Optimize On-Page SEO
Horizon Marketing revamped their website with on-page SEO best practices to ensure they ranked higher for local keywords.
On-Page Optimization Tips:
- Use Geo-Targeted Keywords: Incorporate phrases like “Digital Marketing in [City]” in your meta title, description, and headers.
- Internal Linking: Link your blog posts to service pages to strengthen site structure.
- Add Schema Markup: Use Local Business schema to help Google understand your agency’s location and services.
Step 8: Track and Refine Your Results
SEO isn’t a one-and-done effort—it’s an ongoing process. Horizon Marketing used tools like Google Analytics and BrightLocal to measure their progress.
Metrics to Monitor:
- Search Rankings: Are you climbing for key local terms?
- Website Traffic: Are you getting more organic visitors?
- Leads: Are clients booking consultations through your GBP or website?
The Results: Horizon Marketing’s Local SEO Success Story
After implementing these strategies, Horizon Marketing saw their GBP views skyrocket by 300%. Their localized landing pages ranked #1 for multiple keywords, and they went from chasing clients to having a waitlist.
The takeaway? Local SEO works—if you work it.
Conclusion: Your Blueprint for Local SEO Success
If you want your marketing agency to dominate local search results and attract dream clients, follow this playbook.
Start by optimizing your GBP, targeting local keywords, and creating content that resonates with your community. With consistent effort, you’ll see your rankings—and your revenue—take off.