If you’re in the local SEO game, you know this field is competitive—both for consultants trying to land clients and for businesses looking to top Google’s search results. With more businesses realizing they need to optimize locally, the demand for SEO services is skyrocketing. But how do you stand out in a sea of SEO pros and secure clients who’ll stick with you for the long haul?
Here are five easy ways to find local SEO clients that’ll get your business growing faster than you can say “Google My Business.”
1. Perfect Your Own Local SEO
Obvious, right? Yet so many SEO consultants overlook this critical step. If your local SEO game isn’t tight, how can you expect a business to trust you with theirs?
"97% of consumers search online for local businesses," according to a 2017 Local Consumer Review Survey. If you aren’t showing up for your own services in your area, you’re missing out on potential clients who could be coming straight to you.
Local SEO is one of those “show, don’t tell” skills. If you rank well locally, it’s instant proof you know what you’re doing. The simple truth: demonstrating your success in local search builds trust faster than any sales pitch ever could.
The strategy is simple: optimize for your zip code first, then expand outward. If a business owner searches “SEO consultant near me” and sees your agency pop up, guess what? You’re halfway to closing the deal.
2. Level Up Your Networking Game
We’ve all been to those painful networking events where you leave with nothing but a bunch of business cards you’ll never use. Time to flip the script. Local business events are still a goldmine for finding clients, but you’ve got to modernize your approach.
Ari Zoldan, CEO of Quantum Media Group, says it best: “Traditional forms of networking often lack cohesion, agenda, and purpose.” But here’s the deal—if you can find smaller, more targeted events, you’ll walk away with solid leads. Think entrepreneurial meet-ups, local mastermind groups, and even niche conferences.
These events are filled with local businesses that need better visibility. Strike up genuine conversations, ask smart questions about their online presence, and casually mention how you can help. You’re not just another salesperson—they’ll remember you as the expert who gave them actionable advice.
3. Spy on Your Competitors
Your competitors aren’t just rivals—they’re also a treasure trove of information. Find out who your local SEO competitors are working with by checking out their case studies. What industries are they focusing on? How are they positioning their services? Are there gaps in their offerings you could exploit?
Once you’ve analyzed what’s working for your competitors, you can refine your pitch to target similar businesses in your area. This method allows you to spot potential clients who are likely to say “yes” because they’ve already been sold on the value of local SEO—now, it’s about showing them you can do it better.
4. Scour Local Search Results for Weak Spots
Here’s a killer way to find prospects: start searching. Look up local businesses in industries you know need SEO help—plumbers, salons, restaurants, you name it. Go beyond page one of Google. Businesses sitting on page two or three are often aware they need SEO help but don’t know where to start.
Once you find a business that’s not ranking well, don’t just cold-call them out of the blue. Instead, spend a few minutes researching their competition. What keywords are they missing out on? How can you help them leapfrog the competition? When you approach them with this data, you’re positioning yourself as a problem solver—not just another SEO vendor.
5. Offer a Solution to Bad Reviews
Bad reviews are like kryptonite for local businesses. And for you? They’re a golden opportunity. Businesses with poor online reviews are usually struggling not just with their reputation but with their search rankings, too.
Reach out to businesses with a dual pitch: help them clean up their reputation and boost their local SEO rankings. It’s a one-two punch they won’t be able to ignore.
Final Thoughts
Finding local SEO clients doesn’t have to be a grind. Focus on these simple strategies, and you’ll have a steady stream of businesses eager to work with you.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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