---
title: 4 Key Understandings For A Successful Local SEO Strategy� - 97 Display
description: The first understanding is�knowing the importance of Google My Business & understanding its guidelines�for representing a local business on Google.
image: https://blog.97display.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Propel-Your-New-Fitness-Facility-to-Success-with-a-Lead-Generating-Website-8-1-1.png
---

 May 19, 2021

# 4 Key Understandings For A Successful Local SEO Strategy�

By  Emily Naehring

![](https://blog.97display.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Propel-Your-New-Fitness-Facility-to-Success-with-a-Lead-Generating-Website-8-1-1.png)

#### 1- THE GUIDELINES FOR REPRESENTING A LOCAL BUSINESS ON GOOGLE

The first understanding is **knowing the importance of Google My Business & understanding its guidelines** for representing a local business on Google.

[https://support.google.com/business/answer/3038177?hl=en](https://support.google.com/business/answer/3038177?hl=en&fbclid=IwAR2AzhhXe7vB-i7mLUsS_TRApqVLLKp8Cq7ppGg4eNmvHD4OL_DUgb8XAu0)

**>> **For a successful local business SEO strategy, having both an optimized website & GMB listing is key. ![__](https://blog.97display.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/1f511-1-1.png?width=16&height=16&name=1f511-1-1.png)

*Remember, Google doesn�t want to send people to a website if they don�t have to.*

So, the most critical guidelines to understand for representing a local business on Google are the ones describing eligibility for inclusion in Google My Business. ![__](https://blog.97display.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/1f4d9-1-1.png?width=16&height=16&name=1f4d9-1-1.png)

Any location must meet this requirement:

> �In order to qualify for a Business Profile on Google, a business must make in-person contact with customers during its stated hours.�

In other words, if a location of a business doesn�t serve customers face-to-face during its open hours, it�s **not eligible** for a GMB listing and will not be able to conduct a local search marketing campaign.

**Local SEO depends on in-person service**, whether that�s in a store, curbside, or at customers� location. ![__](https://blog.97display.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/1f91d-1-1.png?width=16&height=16&name=1f91d-1-1.png)

#### 2- BASIC BUSINESS DATA

Be 100% certain that you have the **accurate name, address, phone number, URL,** hours, and other data for each location.

Inconsistencies can plague a local search marketing campaign from start to finish. ![__](https://blog.97display.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/1f631-1-1.png?width=16&height=16&name=1f631-1-1.png)

#### 3- CLEAR IDENTIFICATION OF THE BUSINESS MODEL

The guidelines for representing a local business on Google have **unique requirements and opportunities for each model. ![_](https://blog.97display.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/2705-1-1.png?width=16&height=16&name=2705-1-1.png)**

Business models include:

- Brick and mortar, that customers come to
- Service Area Business (SAB), like a plumber who goes to customers
- Hybrid, like a pizza restaurant which also delivers or a personal trainer who goes to clients homes & trains in a gym
- Home-based
- Co-located/co-branded business
- Multi-practitioner business, like a real estate firm or dental practice
- And more

*Essentially, the business model will determine how GMB & the website will be set up.*

#### 4- A CLEAR STATEMENT OF BUSINESS GOALS

It�s typically best when the business owner can state their goals by answering the question: **�What will success look like?� **![__](https://blog.97display.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/1f64c-1-1.png?width=16&height=16&name=1f64c-1-1.png)

Once we have the canonical business data, know the model and goals of the business, and have Google�s guidelines well in-hand, we�ll be able to formulate what you can expect on your local SEO journey. ![__](https://blog.97display.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/1f44d-1-1.png?width=16&height=16&name=1f44d-1-1.png)

 -Nicole

Find out more on our page! � > [Martial arts and Fitness Website Design and SEO ](https://97display.com/website-design-seo/)

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