Most local business owners I meet are doing their best to figure out marketing as they go.
They’ve got:
- A website (kind of)
- A Facebook page
- Maybe some posts on Instagram
- And a running list of things they should be doing but haven’t had the time to figure out yet
Sound familiar?
Here’s the truth: You don’t need to do everything online to grow.
But there are a few key things that — if you skip them — can hold your business back more than you realize.
And the wild part?
Most local businesses aren’t doing them.
So if you put just a few of these pieces in place, you instantly stand out.
Let’s break down the basics of what your local business should be doing online right now — no fluff, just strategy.
1. Show Up in Local Search
Before someone walks through your door, messages your page, or books a call… they’re probably searching for what you offer.
And if you’re not showing up in that search? You’re invisible.
Here’s where to start:
- Claim + optimize your Google Business Profile
- Add location-based keywords to your website copy (ex: “Massage Therapist Rockford IL”)
- Ask your happy clients for Google reviews — consistently
You don’t need to game the algorithm — you just need to be clear and consistent.
This is where small business SEO services can make a huge difference, even with just a few tweaks.
2. Keep Your Website Current (And Working)
Your website doesn’t need to be fancy.
But it does need to be:
- Clear
- Mobile-friendly
- Easy to navigate
- Updated with your current services and contact info
- Built with a purpose (aka not just a digital brochure)
If your site is more than 2–3 years old and hasn’t been touched? It’s probably costing you leads.
3. Create Content That Builds Trust
You don’t need to go viral.
You don’t need to post every day.
But you do need to show up with something valuable to say.
The goal isn’t just visibility — it’s credibility.
Here’s what works:
- Answer common questions you hear from potential clients
- Share behind-the-scenes stories that show how you work
- Highlight real results (client wins, before/afters, transformations)
Content doesn’t have to be complicated.
It just has to be consistent — and intentional.
4. Make It Easy to Take the Next Step
This one is so simple, but so overlooked.
Your online presence should make it crystal clear how to:
- Book a service
- Reach out
- Schedule a call
- Walk into your storefront
Most small businesses unintentionally make people work too hard to figure it out.
Your website, social media, and emails should all lead to one clear CTA.
No confusion. No friction.
5. Track What’s Actually Working
If you’re investing your time and energy into marketing, you deserve to know what’s working and what’s not.
Start with the basics:
- Where are your leads coming from?
- What pages are people visiting most?
- What posts are getting the most engagement?
Even just tracking those three things monthly can help you double down on what’s actually helping your business grow.
The Bottom Line?
Most local business owners aren’t doing these five things consistently — and it’s not because they’re lazy or don’t care.
It’s because they’re busy. Scrappy. Trying to juggle it all without a clear plan.
But when you have a strategy that’s built around local visibility, trust-building content, and simple conversions — that’s when your marketing starts to feel doable.
That’s where I come in.
Want Help Putting These Pieces in Place?
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start growing — with less chaos and more clarity — let’s talk.
→ Book a free consult call here
I’ll help you figure out what your business actually needs next — not what some marketing guru says you should be doing.
You don’t need to do it all.
You just need to do the right things — in the right order — with a little bit of support.
