Winning Local Digital Marketing Tactics: Get Found, Get Clicks, Get Customers

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with local business leaders here in the Coachella Valley about one of my favorite topics, how to improve your local marketing results.

If there’s one thing I emphasized during that conversation, it’s this: local digital marketing isn’t optional anymore, it’s essential for business survival.

If your business doesn’t have a strong local presence online, you’re practically invisible to the people searching for you right in your own community. Think about it, 97% of people learn about a local business online first, and 72% of them visit a store within five miles, usually within two days of searching.

And the landscape is changing fast. Google’s now prioritizing AI-powered results, local map listings dominate mobile, and AI Overviews appear in nearly 40% of local business searches. Even platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot are serving up local recommendations directly.

So the question I always get asked is: how do you make sure your business doesn’t get left behind?

At Spring Digital, we’ve identified four areas every business needs to focus on to grow locally: your website, your digital presence, how you communicate with customers, and your Google Business Profile (GBP).

1. Optimize Your Website – Your Digital Storefront

Your website is your digital storefront, it’s the first impression most people will get of your business.

Here’s what to focus on:

The Technical Stuff: Make sure your site loads fast, your URLs are clean, your sitemap works, and your metadata is complete.

The User Stuff: Your site should look great on mobile, be easy to navigate, have clear calls to action, and always feature up-to-date content.

The Search Stuff: Create location and service pages, keep your name, address, phone, and email consistent, and build authority with reviews and backlinks.

A strong website doesn’t just attract visitors—it converts them into customers.

2. Sharpen Your Digital Presence – Be Everywhere They Search

Your website isn’t the only place customers are looking. They’re checking maps, directories, and review sites before they ever decide to call you.

Here’s what helps you stand out:

Claim Your Listings: Make sure you’ve claimed and completed profiles on Yelp, BBB, Angi’s, and other relevant directories.

Stay Consistent: Double-check that your business information matches everywhere online.

Build Local Links: Partner with local organizations, events, or vendors to strengthen your local authority.

The more consistent and visible your digital presence, the easier it is for both customers—and search engines—to trust you.

3. Communicate with Customers & Prospects – Build Real Relationships

Being found is step one. Building real relationships is what keeps your business growing.

Build Your Contact List: Collect emails and phone numbers in-store and online.

Engage Regularly: Use those contacts for promotions, review requests, or to reconnect with past customers.

Get Personal: Send birthday offers, quick surveys, or loyalty perks—those small touches go a long way.

Automate What You Can: Use tools to keep outreach consistent without adding more to your plate.

The businesses that win locally don’t just show up—they stay connected and memorable.

4. Your Google Business Profile – The MVP of Local Search

If there’s one tool I can’t stress enough, it’s your Google Business Profile (GBP). This is hands down the most important factor in how you show up on Maps and local search results.

Here’s what to focus on:

Essentials: Claim & Optimize

• Claim and verify your profile.
• Choose the right primary category (and skip irrelevant ones).
• Fill out every section—hours, photos, services, links, everything.

Keep It Active:

• Ask for Reviews: They build trust and rankings.
• Post Regularly: Share updates, offers, or short success stories.
• Add Photos & Videos: Fresh visuals always get more engagement.
• Q&As: Add common questions and answer them directly.

Google loves activity and consistency. The more you engage, the better your visibility.

Local search has never been more competitive—or more full of opportunity. With AI reshaping how people find local businesses, those who adapt early will win big.

The formula is simple: optimize your website, build your presence, communicate consistently, and keep your Google Business Profile active. Do those four things well, and you’ll get found, get clicks, and turn those clicks into customers.

Next Steps

Want to know how your business stacks up? We offer a free local digital audit at Spring Digital to help you pinpoint what’s working, what’s missing, and where to focus next.