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Home » Blog » Knowledge Hub » Digital & Online Basics » Beginner’s Guide to SEO and Local SEO

Beginner’s Guide to SEO and Local SEO

Beginner’s Guide to SEO and Local SEO

If you’re creating a website for your business and posting your services online for the first time, you’ve probably heard the term SEO. It sounds technical. Complicated. Overwhelming. But at its core, SEO is simple. SEO is how people find your business on Google.

This guide explains:

  • What SEO is
  • What local SEO is
  • How they differ
  • How to apply both as a beginner
  • What you should focus on first

No technical jargon. Just practical steps.

What Is SEO?

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It means improving your website so search engines like Google understand what you do and show your website to the right people.

For example:

If someone searches:

  • “mobile car detailing”

Google scans websites to find the most relevant and trustworthy pages. SEO helps your site become one of those pages.

For more information on other states and what is search click here:

Why SEO Matters for Small Businesses

When you launch a website, it does not automatically get visitors.

SEO helps you:

  • Appear in search results
  • Get free traffic
  • Attract people actively looking for your service
  • Build long-term visibility

Unlike paid ads, SEO traffic does not stop when you stop paying. It compounds over time.

What Is Local SEO?

Local SEO is a branch of SEO focused on location-based searches.

Examples:

  • “Plumber near me”
  • “Medical office cleaning in Riverside”
  • “Personal trainer in Vernon CA”

Local SEO helps your business show up in:

  • Google Maps
  • Local search results
  • The “map pack” (the 3 business listings at the top)

If you serve customers in a specific area, local SEO is critical.

The Difference Between SEO and Local SEO

SEO = Ranking for broader keywords, Local SEO = Ranking in your geographic area.

Example:

SEO keyword:

  • “How to clean medical offices”

Local SEO keyword:

  • “Medical office cleaning in Los Angeles”

If you run a local service business, local SEO is usually more important at the beginning.

Step 1: Start with Keyword Research

Before building pages, ask:

What would my customers search?

If you are a cleaning company, people may search:

  • Office cleaning services
  • Commercial cleaning near me
  • Medical office cleaning in [city]

Choose one main keyword per page. Do not try to rank for everything on one page.

Step 2: Optimize Your Website Pages

Each service page should include:

  • Your main keyword in the title
  • Your main keyword in a heading
  • Clear description of your service
  • Your service area
  • A call to action

Example page title:

  • “Medical Office Cleaning in Riverside County”

This tells Google exactly what you do and where you operate.

Step 3: Create a Google Business Profile

For local SEO, this is essential. Set up your profile on Google Business Profile.

This allows your business to appear in:

  • Google Maps
  • Local search results
  • Mobile searches

Make sure your:

  • Business name
  • Address
  • Phone number

match exactly what is on your website.

Consistency builds trust with search engines.

Step 4: Use Location Keywords Naturally

If you serve:

  • Vernon
  • Riverside
  • Corona
  • Ontario

Mention these cities naturally on your website.

Example:

  • “We provide professional medical office cleaning services in Riverside, Corona, and surrounding areas.”

Do not stuff keywords repeatedly. Keep it natural.

Step 5: Collect Reviews

Reviews are powerful for local SEO.

Google looks at:

  • Number of reviews
  • Quality of reviews
  • Frequency of reviews
  • Responses from the business

Encourage happy customers to leave reviews. Respond to every review professionally. This improves both rankings and trust.

Read More: How to Use Customer Reviews to Grow Your Brand

Step 6: Add Your Business to Quality Directories

List your business on reputable platforms such as:

  • Yelp
  • Bing Places
  • Apple Maps

Ensure your information is consistent across all listings. This is called NAP consistency (Name, Address, Phone).

Read More: Why Business Listings Matter: How Wakewall Helps You Get Found

Step 7: Create Helpful Content

Beyond service pages, write blog posts answering common questions.

Examples:

  • “How Often Should Medical Offices Be Cleaned?”
  • “What Does Commercial Cleaning Include?”
  • “Why Professional Cleaning Matters for Clinics”

This builds authority and improves SEO over time. Search engines reward helpful content.

Step 8: Improve Website Basics

Even beginners should focus on:

  • Fast loading speed
  • Mobile-friendly design
  • Clear navigation
  • Secure website (HTTPS)

Most local searches happen on mobile. If your site is hard to use on a phone, people will leave.

Common Beginner SEO Mistakes

  1. Trying to rank for too many keywords on one page
  2. Ignoring location keywords
  3. Not setting up a Google Business Profile
  4. Having inconsistent contact information
  5. Expecting results in one week

SEO takes time. Local SEO can show results faster, but consistency matters.

How Long Does SEO Take?

Typically:

  • 1–3 months to see movement
  • 3–6 months for noticeable growth
  • 6–12 months for strong traction

Local SEO often moves faster than national SEO because competition is smaller. Patience is key.

Tracking Your Progress

You should monitor:

  • Website traffic
  • Calls from Google Business Profile
  • Keyword rankings
  • Form submissions

Use basic analytics tools to track performance. If something is not generating traffic or calls, adjust it.

Where Platforms Like Wakewall Fit In

If you’re posting your business online through platforms like Wakewall, you can strengthen visibility by:

  • Creating a detailed business profile
  • Posting updates regularly
  • Sharing photos
  • Engaging with users
  • Keeping information organized

When combined with a structured website and strong local SEO, listings and engagement platforms create additional visibility layers. Think of your online presence as a system: Website + Google profile + business listings + engagement platform = stronger digital footprint. The more consistent and organized your online presence, the more trustworthy you appear. Trust improves clicks. Clicks improve rankings.

Final Thoughts

SEO and local SEO are not mysterious. They are about clarity. You must clearly communicate:

  • What you do
  • Where you operate
  • Who you serve
  • Why someone should choose you

If you are just starting a business website, focus on:

  1. One service per page
  2. Clear location keywords
  3. Google Business Profile setup
  4. Consistent contact information
  5. Collecting reviews

Start simple. Improve consistently. SEO rewards businesses that stay organized, helpful, and visible.

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Disclaimer: This content is for inspiration and informational purposes only — results may vary based on effort and circumstances. All monetary figures displayed may not reflect market rate and are subject to change. Click here to read full disclaimer.

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