If you’re a small business owner in the Southeast, you already know a few things for sure: the summers are hot, the humidity is relentless, and competition—whether you’re in Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Savannah, or anywhere in between—is no joke. Whether you’re running a boutique, restaurant, HVAC company, or wellness clinic, getting found by the right customers at the right time can make all the difference. That’s where local SEO comes in.
At Flyt Creative, we work with businesses across the region to help them rise above the noise (and the heat), using smart local SEO strategies tailored to the unique rhythm and climate of the Southeast. Ready to bring in more local traffic—both online and on foot? Let’s dive in.
What Is Local SEO and Why Does It Matter?
Local SEO is the process of optimizing your online presence so that your business shows up in local search results. When someone searches for “best seafood in Murrells Inlet” or “AC repair near me,” local SEO helps make sure your business is in the mix. Google considers relevance, distance, and prominence—so your job is to clearly communicate who you are, what you do, and where you’re located.
Benefits of Local SEO
Helps customers find you in real time
Builds trust and credibility
Drives more foot traffic to your physical location
Improves rankings in Google’s Local Pack and Maps
1. Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
If you haven’t already claimed your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business), start there. This free tool is crucial for showing up in local search results and on Google Maps.
Tips for Optimization
Fill out every field: hours, address, phone number, website
Use relevant keywords in your business description
Choose the right business category
Upload high-quality, seasonal photos
Update your profile regularly (especially for weather closures or holiday hours)
2. Encourage and Respond to Customer Reviews
Customer reviews don’t just build trust—they also signal to Google that your business is active, reliable, and worth ranking. Asking for reviews should be part of your standard workflow.
Best Practices for Reviews
Ask happy customers to leave a Google review
Respond to all reviews (yes, even the not-so-great ones)
Use reviews to highlight popular services or products
Incorporate keywords in your responses when appropriate
3. Build Consistent Local Citations
Local citations are listings of your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) on other websites and directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and Bing Places. Google uses these to confirm your legitimacy.
Citation Tips
Keep your NAP info consistent across all platforms
Fix incorrect or outdated listings
Use tools like Moz Local or Yext to audit and manage citations
Don’t forget social media profiles—they count too
4. Create Location-Specific Landing Pages
If your business serves multiple cities or towns, create separate landing pages for each location. This helps you rank in searches specific to those areas.
What to Include on Each Page
Localized keywords (e.g. “HVAC services in Columbia SC”)
Unique content for each location (don’t just copy/paste)
Customer testimonials from that area
Embedded map and driving directions
5. Do Local Keyword Research
Knowing what your customers are searching for is key to showing up in local results. Use keyword research tools to discover phrases specific to your region and industry.
How to Find the Right Keywords
Use Google Autocomplete to spot trending terms
Try Ubersuggest, Google Trends, or AnswerThePublic
Include seasonal search terms (like “summer lawn care” or “hurricane prep tips”)
Use long-tail keywords for less competitive searches
6. Publish Locally Relevant Content
One of the best ways to improve local SEO? Create content that connects with your community. Think blog posts, social media updates, and videos tied to local events, weather, or regional topics.
Content Ideas for Southeast Businesses
“How to Beat the Heat: Summer Skincare Tips from a Myrtle Beach Spa”
“Top 5 Events in Charleston This July (And What to Wear)”
“Preparing Your HVAC System for Peak Humidity Season”
“Beach Cleanup Recap: How Our Team Gave Back This Summer”
7. Make Sure Your Website Is Mobile-Friendly
With so many people searching from their phones, especially while out and about, your website needs to load fast and look great on any device. A slow or clunky mobile experience can seriously hurt your rankings—and your reputation.
Mobile Optimization Checklist
Fast page load times
Clickable buttons and clear menus
Responsive design for all screen sizes
Easy-to-find contact info
8. Embed a Google Map on Your Contact Page
This simple step helps both users and search engines. Embedding a Google Map validates your physical location and adds another layer of trust for potential customers.
9. Use Schema Markup for Local Businesses
Schema markup is a type of code you add to your website that gives search engines extra details about your business. It can boost your visibility in search results with rich snippets.
Why Schema Helps
Highlights your business hours, address, and phone
Increases your chances of showing up in featured snippets
Helps Google “understand” your site better
10. Stay Consistent and Keep Measuring
Local SEO isn’t a one-time project—it’s an ongoing process. Make time every month to review your analytics, update your content, and monitor your Google Business insights. What worked last summer might need a refresh this year.
Track These Metrics
Website traffic from local searches
Clicks and calls from your Google Business Profile
Ranking improvements for key local terms
Engagement on location-based content
Let Flyt Creative Help You Stand Out Locally
We get it—local SEO can feel like a lot, especially when you’re running a business and trying to stay cool in the summer heat. But the payoff is worth it. When done right, local SEO drives real traffic, builds community trust, and helps you outrank the competition—whether they’re across town or a national chain with a big ad budget.
At Flyt Creative, we specialize in helping small businesses in the Southeast get found and grow with smart, effective digital strategies. From Google Business Profile optimization and local content creation to mobile-friendly web design and citation management, we handle the technical stuff so you can focus on what you do best.