The Power of Local SEO: How Small Businesses Can Compete with Big Brands

Kristen Latimer • March 26, 2025

Using local SEO strategies, you can get in front of customers who are ready to spend money – and who are close by.

Let’s cut to the chase. Small businesses can beat big brands online with the power of local SEO. It’s all about showing up in the right place when people in your area search for what you offer. If you're a small business owner, you might think competing with huge companies online is hopeless. But here’s the truth: local SEO puts you on a level playing field.

Here’s what matters: people are searching for local businesses all the time. Whether it’s “best coffee near me” or “plumbing services in [your town],” the vast majority of searches are location-based. And this is where you, the local business, can shine. By using local SEO strategies, you can get in front of customers who are ready to spend money – and who are close by.


Step 1: Claim and Optimize Your Google My Business Profile

If you haven’t done this already, what are you waiting for? Google My Business (GMB) is a must. When people search for your business on Google, your GMB listing is usually one of the first things they’ll see. So, make sure it’s accurate, up-to-date, and complete.


This is what you need to do:

  • Claim your listing if you haven’t yet.
  • Add your business name, address, phone number, website, hours of operation, and any other relevant details.
  • Use high-quality photos of your business, products, or services.
  • Encourage reviews from satisfied customers – and respond to them!


Pro tip: Google loves fresh content, so regularly update your GMB profile with posts, promotions, or events. This boosts your chances of showing up in local search results.


Step 2: Optimize for Local Keywords

Local SEO is all about targeting the right keywords. Instead of competing with massive companies on generic terms like “plumbing services” or “best pizza,” focus on phrases that include your location.


For example:

  • "Best coffee in [Your City]"
  • "Top-rated electricians near [Neighborhood]"
  • "[Your Business Type] in [Zip Code]"


To find these keywords, start by brainstorming terms your customers might use. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to see what people are searching for in your area. Once you have a list, add these local keywords to your website content, page titles, meta descriptions, and blog posts.


Step 3: Get Local Backlinks

Let’s be real – backlinks from other websites are one of the top-ranking factors for SEO. But you don’t need backlinks from big, international sites to compete. Local backlinks from other small businesses, local blogs, or even your town’s chamber of commerce can work wonders.


Here’s how you do it:

  • Partner with other local businesses for cross-promotion.
  • Sponsor a local event or charity and get a mention on their website.
  • Write guest posts for local blogs or offer to be featured in local media.
  • Join local directories like Yelp or Yellow Pages.


Every local backlink is a signal to Google that you’re a trusted, relevant business in your area.


Step 4: Make Your Website Mobile-Friendly

Here’s something you should know: more people are searching from their phones than ever before. Google knows this, so it prioritizes mobile-friendly websites in local search results. If your website isn’t optimized for mobile, you're losing out on potential customers.


Make sure:

  • Your website loads quickly on mobile.
  • It’s easy to navigate on a smaller screen.
  • Your contact information and location are easy to find.


A website that’s easy to use will keep visitors around longer, which can improve your rankings. Plus, happy customers are more likely to leave reviews or share your site with others.


Step 5: Use Local Reviews to Your Advantage

Reviews matter. A lot. In fact, nearly 90% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Google considers reviews as a ranking factor, so the more positive reviews you have, the better your chances of showing up in local searches.


Here’s how to build a solid review profile:

  • Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews on your GMB listing, Yelp, or Facebook.
  • Make it easy for them by sending a direct link to your review page.
  • Don’t ignore negative reviews – respond professionally and try to resolve any issues.


Positive reviews will not only improve your SEO but also build trust with potential customers.


Final Thoughts

The big brands might have huge marketing budgets, but you have something they don’t: local knowledge. With local SEO, you can target the people who are most likely to walk through your door or make a purchase. So, get started with these simple steps, and watch your business rise in local search results. You’ve got this!

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How to Repurpose One Piece of Content into Ten

By Kristen Latimer • June 20, 2025
The key? Repurposing. One strong piece of content—like a blog post, podcast episode, or video—can fuel an entire week (or month!) of marketing with minimal extra effort. Here’s how to turn one great piece into ten powerful touchpoints: 1. Break It Into a Series of Social Posts Pull 3–5 key insights or tips from your content and turn each one into its own post. Use a mix of carousels, text graphics, or short captions to keep things visually fresh. 💡 Example: A blog on “5 Website Must-Haves” becomes five quick-fire LinkedIn or Instagram posts—each one focused on one must-have. 2. Create a Short-Form Video Turn the content into a 30–60 second reel or TikTok. Highlight a stat, bust a myth, or explain a key idea. You don’t need fancy equipment—just a decent phone camera and good lighting. 3. Film a Talking Head Video for LinkedIn Take your top takeaway and explain it in a professional but friendly video. This adds a human face to your brand and boosts reach through native video. 4. Send It as an Email Newsletter Summarize the content into a digestible email for your audience. Use a clear headline, a few bullet points, and a strong CTA (like "Read the full post" or "Book a strategy call"). 5. Turn It Into an Infographic or Visual If your content has steps, comparisons, or lists—make it visual. Tools like Canva make it easy to build eye-catching graphics your audience will want to save or share. 6. Record a Quick Podcast or Audio Snippet Use the content as a jumping-off point for a podcast episode or voice note. It doesn’t need to be long—5–10 minutes is perfect for driving deeper engagement. 7. Expand One Point into a New Blog Post Often one section of a blog could become its own standalone post. Dive deeper, add examples, and give readers more value. 8. Create a Lead Magnet or Download Package your content into a checklist, mini guide, or template. This is perfect for list-building and offering added value. 9. Use It as a Script for a Webinar or Live Training Got a juicy topic with strong takeaways? Expand it into a 15- to 30-minute live session on Instagram, Facebook, or Zoom. It’s a great way to connect with your audience in real time. 10. Answer FAQs in the Comments or Stories Use comments or DMs from the original content to spark Q&A posts or Instagram Stories. This keeps the conversation going and shows you’re paying attention. Final Thought: You don’t need more content. You need smarter content. When you repurpose, you’re not repeating—you’re reinforcing. You’re meeting your audience where they are, in the format they prefer, while staying top-of-mind without burning out. Need help building a repurposing strategy? 👉 Let’s talk. Supernova Marketing can help you get more mileage from every idea.

Google’s AI Overviews Are Eating Your Clicks—Here’s What That Really Means

By Kristen Latimer • April 29, 2025
Let’s talk about something that’s quietly shaking up search as we know it: Google’s new AI Overviews.
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