Local SEO for Service Area Businesses: Guide 2025

Local SEO is essential for Service Area Businesses (SABs) like plumbers, electricians, and cleaning services that don’t have physical storefronts but serve specific regions.

In 2025, 46% of Google searches focus on local information, and 72% of users visit a business within 5 miles after searching. To stay competitive, SABs need to optimise their online presence.

Key Strategies for SABs:

• Optimise Google Business Profile (GBP): Set service areas, hide physical addresses, and upload high-quality images. Businesses with 100+ images get 520% more calls.
• Build Service Area Landing Pages: Use location-specific keywords, unique content, and local testimonials.
• Ensure NAP Consistency: Keep Name, Address, and Phone details accurate across all platforms to build trust.
• Generate Reviews: Ask satisfied customers for reviews. 88% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
• Use Local Schema Markup: Help search engines understand your service areas and business details.

Why It Matters:

• 92% of users choose businesses on the first page of local search results.
• A mobile-friendly website, strong backlinks, and local content amplify visibility.

By focusing on these strategies, SABs can boost visibility, attract leads, and grow their customer base in 2025.

Google Business Profile Optimisation: 10 Expert Tips to Dominate Local Search in 2025

Optimising Google Business Profile for Service Area Businesses

Having a well-prepared Google Business Profile (GBP) can make all the difference for service area businesses aiming to improve their local visibility. In fact, research indicates that customers are almost three times more likely to trust a business when they find a complete profile on Google Search and Maps.

Setting Service Areas in Google Business Profile

To define your service areas, head to the ‘Info’ tab in your Google Business Profile.

You can add up to 20 locations – this could include cities, postal codes, or neighborhoods. If your business doesn’t serve customers at a physical location, be sure to hide your address.

Keep in mind that your service area should stay within a 2-hour driving radius to avoid issues with your profile, including potential suspension.

"Local SEO is a must in 2025 for connecting with customers when they need you."

Tips for Google Business Profile Content

Optimising your profile content is just as important as setting service areas. Did you know that businesses with 100+ images get 520% more calls compared to average listings?

Visual Content:

• Upload sharp, high-quality photos of your team and completed projects.
• Use before-and-after images or videos to showcase your work.

Profile Optimisation:

• Choose up to 10 business categories (1 primary category and 9 secondary ones).
• Craft a detailed business description that includes relevant local keywords.
• Make sure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) details are consistent across platforms.
• Turn on messaging to enable direct communication with potential customers.

Regular Updates: Post weekly updates, address FAQs, ensure your business hours are accurate, and respond to customer reviews promptly. These actions show you’re active and engaged.

While optimising your Google Business Profile is a key step to improving local visibility, don’t overlook the importance of a strong website to drive traffic and turn visitors into customers.

Building a Local SEO-Friendly Website for SABs

Your website plays a key role in turning local search traffic into paying customers.

While optimising your Google Business Profile is important, your site acts as the central hub, helping search engines understand your services and offering a smooth experience for visitors.

Creating Service Area Landing Pages

Service area landing pages are a great way to target specific locations. Here’s what each page should include:

• Clear, keyword-rich URLs and page titles that mention both the service and the location.
• Location-specific details that are helpful and relevant to local customers.
• Local testimonials and case studies to build trust.
• Unique content tailored to each service area.
• Solutions for regional customer needs, addressing what matters most in that area.

Using Local Schema Markup

Schema markup helps search engines understand your local business better. Use the JSON-LD format (preferred by Google) to provide key business details like this:

{   "@type": "LocalBusiness",   "name": "Your Business Name",   "areaServed": "Your Service Areas",   "telephone": "Your Phone" } 

For step-by-step guidance, check out Google’s structured data documentation.

Ensuring Mobile-Friendly Design

Most local searches happen on mobile devices, so optimising for mobile is critical. To make your site mobile-friendly:

• Keep loading times fast by compressing images and reducing unnecessary scripts.
• Use a responsive design that adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes.
• Make navigation simple and intuitive.
• Place important information where users can easily find it.
• Use touch-friendly buttons and interfaces for an easy browsing experience.

A well-structured website is the backbone of local SEO, but don’t overlook the importance of consistent citations and maintaining a strong online reputation. Both are key for service area businesses.

sbb-itb-c74901f

Managing Local Citations and Online Reputation

Creating a strong online presence goes beyond just having a well-optimised website. While your website serves as your digital home base, citations and reviews help establish credibility and authority on external platforms.

Keeping NAP (Name, Address, Phone) Consistent

Accurate and consistent NAP details are a cornerstone of local SEO. Studies show that 80% of customers lose trust in businesses when they encounter inconsistent contact information online.

Key Citation Platforms

To ensure your citations are consistent:

• Keep a master document with your official NAP details.
• Regularly audit your listings across platforms.
• Promptly update information if changes occur.
• Focus on listing your business in quality directories related to your industry or location.
• Eliminate or correct duplicate listings to avoid confusion.

No time to handle this or not sure how to do it correctly? Let our team handle this for you through our SEO audit services.

Building Customer Reviews

Customer reviews play a big role in both search rankings and building trust. A BrightLocal report found that 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.

Tips for Generating Reviews

• Ask at the Right Time: Request reviews right after completing a service. Around 70% of customers are willing to leave a review if asked.
• Make It Easy: Share direct review links through follow-up emails, text messages, QR codes, or even business cards.

Handling Feedback Well

• Respond professionally to all reviews, whether they’re glowing or critical. Nearly 97% of consumers check how businesses respond to reviews.

Advanced Tactics for Local SEO Success

Once you’ve nailed the basics of local SEO, it’s time to step up your game. For service area businesses, advanced strategies can help you stand out in crowded local search results.

These approaches focus on building stronger local connections and making the most of digital tools.

Building Local Backlinks

A solid backlink profile starts with forming smart partnerships within your community. The goal? Build connections that lead to high-quality, local links.

How to Build Local Partnerships

• Work with local stores or suppliers to create educational content.
• Participate in or sponsor local events and community initiatives to increase visibility.
• Sponsor local spots clubs or art events.
• Team up with business owners in similar or non-competing niches.

Using Local Directories

Adding your business to the right directories can boost your authority and local presence. Here’s a quick guide:

Once you’ve built these connections, the next step is to solidify your presence with targeted, locally relevant content.

Creating Local Content

Your content should address the unique needs and challenges of your community. By doing this, you not only show off your expertise but also build a stronger connection with your audience.

Types of Local Content That Work

• Detailed local service and pricing guides.
• Maintenance tips tailored to your area’s climate.
• Case studies and success stories from local projects.

Adding a local touch to your content – like using community-specific terms or addressing local concerns – can make a big difference in engagement and search performance.

But don’t stop at written content. Social media is another powerful tool for connecting with your local audience.

Read our article on local SEO strategy to rank in Perth.

Using Social Media for Local SEO

Social media can amplify your local SEO efforts by helping you engage directly with your community. The trick is to focus on the platforms your customers actually use and stay consistent.

Platform-Specific Tips

Make sure your social profiles include accurate business info and service area details to strengthen your local SEO signals and build trust.

How to Engage Effectively

• Share customer success stories tied to specific locations.
• Use local hashtags and join community groups to reach the right audience.
• Post updates about local projects or services to keep your audience informed.

Lastly, don’t forget about mobile optimisation. Your content should load quickly and look great on any device. This not only improves user experience but also boosts your rankings in local search.

Conclusion and Action Steps

Local search continues to evolve, and staying ahead with the right strategies is key. The numbers don’t lie: 92% of searchers choose businesses listed on the first page of local search results. For service area businesses (SABs), being visible is not just important – it’s essential.

Key Strategies for SABs in 2025

Combining these approaches with consistent effort can make all the difference:

Critical Areas to Focus On:

• Technical Setup: Use schema markup and ensure service area details are accurate.
• Content Creation: Develop locally-focused content that connects with community needs.
• Building Authority: Partner with local organisations to earn natural backlinks.
• Reputation Oversight: Actively monitor reviews and respond promptly.

How Search Scope Can Help SABs

While these strategies can drive results, teaming up with experts can fast-track your success. Search Scope offers:

• Tailored local SEO strategies for specific service areas
• Expertise in Google Business Profile and Maps optimisation
• Development of location-targeted content
• Strategic review monitoring and management
• Analytics-driven performance tracking

With a proven track record in Western Australia and beyond, Search Scope has helped service area businesses increase local visibility and attract more organic traffic.

Our comprehensive approach equips businesses with the tools to build a strong online presence, bringing in qualified leads and fostering long-term growth.

FAQs

What is a service area on Google My Business?

In Google Business Profile, the service area feature allows businesses like plumbers or electricians to highlight the regions they serve.

Instead of focusing on a physical location, they can list cities or zip codes where their services are available. This ensures they show up in local search results when potential customers in those areas are looking for their services.

Do service area businesses show up on Google Maps?

Yes, service area businesses (SABs) are visible on Google Maps and in the Local Pack. However, unlike storefront businesses, they don’t display a physical address. Instead, they highlight their service radius or the areas they cover.

Key Points to Note: SABs are limited to one profile per metropolitan area. Their visibility depends on how accurately the service area is set up.

Here’s a compelling stat: 76% of local mobile searchers visit a business within a day of their search. This makes it essential to optimise your Google Business Profile to capture local customers effectively.

Related posts

• 10 Local SEO Tactics That Drive Customer Traffic in 2025
• Small Business SEO Guide: Essential Strategies for Growth
• Google Algorithm Updates Impact Local SEO Rankings
• How to Create Location Pages for Local SEO