Why Do Other Local Businesses Rank Higher Than Mine?

You’ve got a great-looking website, a Google Business profile, and decent reviews - but your competitors still outrank you.

The truth? Local SEO isn’t just about having a site; It’s about how your online presence talks to Google.

In this article, I’ll break down the five most common reasons local businesses struggle to show up in search results.

1. Your Google Business Profile Isn’t Fully Optimized

Most small businesses set it up once and forget it.

• Fill out every field (hours, photos, services, descriptions).

• Add weekly posts - Google sees this as activity.

• Make sure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) match your website exactly.

This is the first step to perfecting Local SEO.

2. Your Website Doesn’t Match Local Search Intent

Google favors pages that clearly mention your city, region, and services.

• Add your service areas to your homepage + footer.

• Use a few “near me” keywords naturally in your copy.

• Create a unique landing page for each major city you serve if you want to really scale rankings.

3. Your Site Loads Slowly or Isn’t Mobile-Optimized

Google now ranks based on mobile-first performance.

• Test your site on PageSpeed Insights.

• Compress images, simplify design, reduce script load.

• Use fast hosting and modern building tools.

4. You’re Missing Key Local Signals (Citations & Reviews)

• Make sure you’re listed consistently on Yelp, BBB, Facebook, and local directories.

• Encourage reviews on Google - they’re one of the top ranking signals.

• Respond to every review (it boosts activity and trust).

5. You Don’t Have Enough Local Content

Most Businesses stop at “About Us” or “Contact”

Create short, keyword-rich posts about:

• Local projects you’ve done.

• Community events or partnerships.

• Helpful guides for your audience (like this one)

Conclusion

Local SEO isn’t complicated - It’s just often ignored. The businesses ranking highest in your area aren’t better; they’re just more visible.

Start by optimizing your Google profile, fixing your on-site keywords, and creating consistent local content.

And if you’d rather have a site that’s built to rank and convert from day one - see if you’re a match for a new website.