You've decided it's time. After working a regular 9 to 5 job for what seems like all your life, you've had enough.

After taking the leap of faith, you began your very own small business, equipped with nothing but a grand idea and few pounds to get you started. Knowing that 20% of small businesses fail within the first year, that didn't deter you. You decided to take it as a challenge and jump in anyway.

No matter what kind of business you have, you'll need a solid plan. To gain traffic, you need to know about local SEO for small business. It's the key to exposing your business to the digital world, where most people live nowadays.

Ready to find out how to grow your small business through SEO? Here we go!

Utilize Google My Business Listing

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of local SEO, the first thing that needs to be done is to get your free profile on Google My Business. This allows you to show up first for Google search results whenever someone is in your area looking for a business like yours.

For example, let's say you own a fashion boutique. Those looking for one through Google will see your business listed as one of the first results (if there isn't much competition in your area).

Setting up a profile takes seconds and makes you look more professional.

Get Local Backlinks

To grow your business online, it helps to have a few mentions under your belt. Getting to know someone who's in with the local crowd and happens to have an online publication will work in your favour.

Ask them to try your product or service then let their audience know what they think.

Another way to get local citations is to get your business posted on an online directory. This will expose you to people around the area looking for products or services like yours.

Build a Social Media Presence

Social media is one way to stay relevant, especially when you're active. You can list your address on platforms like Facebook and Instagram to let fans and followers know where you're located.

The most important thing to remember when it comes to social media is to engage! Your customers can be engaged directly and you can host live videos showcasing your newest product or answer their most burning questions through Instagram Stories.

Showcase Reviews

To put it simply: Google loves when people talk about businesses. When others are raving about your services or products, it's a huge SEO boost for you.

That said, ask happy customers to supply reviews. You can then choose a website design with room to display customer's thoughts.

Avoid using black hat tactics like buying reviews--that's one way to gain a penalty from Google.

It'll also work in your favour if these reviews are from locals in your area. Aside from the digital world, they'll let their friends and family members know about your awesome products or services as well.

Master Local SEO for Small Business

While SEO can't be conquered overnight, you'll be off to a good start when you utilize local SEO for small business. It's the difference between a thriving small business and one that fails.

Still lost when it comes to SEO? We've got you covered! Check out how we can help you today!