Local SEO Is Like Fitness. Ranking on Google Isn’t a Hack, It’s a System
When people talk about getting their business to the top of Google especially in the coveted local 3 pack on Google Maps they often think it’s about one silver bullet: backlinks, keywords, reviews, or citations. But local SEO isn’t magic, and it’s not about chasing tricks.
It’s a system, and the best way to understand that system is through a simple analogy.
SEO is like fitness.
You Can’t Hack Your Way to Fit Or to Page One
Think of the most in shape person you know. Are they fit because they lift weights only? Because they only run? Because they only eat healthy?
No they’re fit because they do a combination of the right things. Strength training, cardio, sleep, nutrition, hydration, consistency. That’s how SEO works too.
Businesses don’t rank just because they have one great page or a bunch of reviews. They rank because Google sees a pattern of activity that builds trust, and trust is what Google uses to decide who to show first.
What Google Really Looks For in Local SEO
Here’s the “fitness checklist” of local SEO. The things that together give your business a shot at the Google Map Pack.
1. A Fully Optimized Google Business Profile (GBP)
This is your foundation. Like your diet in fitness, it’s what makes everything else work.
Verified and complete
Services and products listed with descriptions
Photos added regularly
Weekly posts
Business hours and info updated
Without this, you’re invisible.
2. Real Online Presence Outside of Google
Are you showing up on other platforms like Yelp, Facebook, HomeAdvisor, Instagram?
These signals tell Google that this business is actively promoting itself online, not just passively existing and that matters.
3. A Structured, Helpful Website
Your website isn’t just for customers Google reads it too.
Pages for each service (e.g. driveway paving, sealcoating, striping)
Clear location based keywords (e.g. “Asphalt Driveway Paving in Toledo”)
Clean design, fast load time, mobile optimized
Google uses your website to understand what you offer and where. It’s the informational backup to your GBP.
4. Local, Ongoing Google Reviews
Reviews aren’t just social proof they’re a ranking factor.
Are you getting new reviews regularly?
Are they coming from people near your business area?
Google can see where the reviewer is, how often you get reviews, and whether people are engaging with your business over time.
5. Backlinks That Make Sense
Think of a backlink like a digital vote of confidence. It’s when another website mentions and links to your website like a trusted source saying, “Hey, these folks are legit.”
Think of it like getting endorsed by the mayor, or someone credible, givings credibility to that individual who was endorsed.
A backlink from a respected site tells Google your business is trustworthy and relevant.
But not all backlinks are created equal.
You need:
Industry relevant links (e.g., roofing blogs if you’re a roofer)
Locally relevant links (e.g., your Chamber of Commerce, local events, charities)
These links act like “votes of confidence” that say you’re a real, respected business.
6. Brand Recognition Signals
Here’s something most overlook. If people in your city search for your business by name, click your listing, and engage, Google sees that.
That’s a huge trust signal. Things like yard signs, social media, or local sponsorships that get people to search your name directly help send that signal.
So What’s the Takeaway?
You don’t rank because you “did SEO.” You rank because you
Showed up consistently
Built trust over time
Did the foundational things right
Just like fitness if you eat better, move more, sleep well, and stay consistent, you’ll get results. But skip one piece, and your progress suffers.
SEO isn’t about doing one thing well. It’s about doing the right things steadily. You can begin to implement this today for yourself.
If you want help putting this into place, with Steadi, we don’t just “do SEO” we install a simple system that turns your great service into reviews that we respond to, post on you socials, and keep your business information consistent and up to date across other websites.
All so Google sees that you’re the safe, trusted choice in your area which get you chosen more often by people searching on Google.
If you’re ready to stop chasing gimmicks and start building real visibility, let’s talk.
