If your small business isn’t showing up when customers search online, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of luck. Local SEO is one of the most effective (and affordable) ways to attract real, paying customers in your area—without relying on expensive ads.
At Duck Dive Digital, we help New Jersey small businesses get found and chosen by the right people. Here’s a simple guide to getting started.
What Is Local SEO (and Why Is It Different)?
Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is about making sure your business appears when people nearby search for the services you offer. Unlike traditional SEO, which targets broad or national searches, local SEO focuses on your community, service area, and neighbors.
If someone searches “plumber near me” or “best HVAC in Bergen County,” local SEO helps make sure you show up—and not just your big-name competitors.
Step 1: Claim and Verify Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is essential. If you haven’t claimed yours, it’s the first (and easiest) step to take.
✅ Go to google.com/business
✅ Claim your business
✅ Verify it via phone, email, or postcard
✅ Fill out all the details: hours, service area, phone number, and photos
This listing is what customers see in Google Maps and the local “3-pack” at the top of search results.
Step 2: Use Location-Based Keywords on Your Website
If your website only says “we offer roofing services,” it’s not doing enough. Try this instead:
“We offer affordable roofing repair and installation in Ocean County, NJ.”
Add your town names, counties, and service areas to pages, headers, and image alt text. This tells search engines exactly where you do business.
Step 3: Encourage Reviews (and Respond to Them)
Positive reviews on Google boost your credibility—and your ranking.
🗣️ Ask satisfied customers to leave a quick review
✍️ Always respond (even to the bad ones!)
💬 Use replies to include keywords like your service and location
Example:
“Thanks so much, Lisa! We’re glad you were happy with our plumbing service in Toms River.”
Step 4: Add Consistent NAP Info Everywhere
NAP = Name, Address, Phone
This information needs to be exactly the same on:
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Your website
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Google Business Profile
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Facebook page
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Yelp
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HomeAdvisor
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Any directories you’re listed on
Inconsistencies confuse Google and lower your trust rating.
Step 5: Post Regularly on Your Google Business Profile
Just like social media, your GBP lets you post updates—and Google likes active profiles.
📸 Post photos of your work
📅 Share specials or seasonal services
🛠️ Add FAQs or announcements
This shows Google (and customers) that your business is active, current, and trustworthy.
Bonus: Work With a Local Agency That Knows Your Market
You could spend hours figuring all of this out—or you could partner with a team who already knows the ropes.
At Duck Dive Digital, we help New Jersey small businesses show up, stand out, and grow with smart, targeted local SEO strategies. We don’t do fluff—we do what works.
📍 Want more local customers?
Book your free 15-minute strategy call and let’s talk about getting your business seen by the people who need you most.