When people think of SEO, they usually jump straight to the big-ticket items—backlinks, high-volume keywords, and Google Business Profiles. But what if we told you that some of the most impactful local SEO tactics are the ones no one’s really talking about?
If your business is struggling to stand out locally despite having all the “basic” SEO done, these lesser-known tricks might be the missing puzzle pieces. So grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive into seven underrated local SEO strategies that still work like magic.
1. Optimize for Image Search — It’s More Valuable Than You Think
When was the last time you searched something on Google and clicked on the “Images” tab? Probably more recently than you think. Now imagine your customers doing the same, looking for products, store fronts, or examples of your work.
That’s why image SEO matters.
- Geo-tag your images: Add location metadata to photos, especially if they show your business location or local events.
- Use descriptive file names: Instead of uploading “IMG_123.jpg”, rename it to something like “custom-sofa-dubai-store.jpg”.
- Add keyword-rich alt text: This helps visually impaired users and boosts your local search relevance.
- Create location-based image content: Showcase your store, local customers, or city-specific landmarks in photos you use on your website and GMB listing.
Image search can bring targeted, ready-to-buy users straight to your site, especially if you’re in food, fashion, events, or local services.
2. Implement Content Pruning — Less Can Be More
Ever heard of the saying, “Too much of a good thing can be bad”? That applies to your website too.
If your website is cluttered with outdated blog posts, irrelevant landing pages, or duplicate content, it’s dragging down your entire SEO performance.
Content pruning is the process of removing, updating, or consolidating underperforming pages.
- Use tools like Google Search Console or Ahrefs to identify pages with little to no traffic.
- Update outdated info or combine weak pages into stronger, more comprehensive content.
- Remove thin, irrelevant content that adds no value.
Think of it like spring cleaning for your site, fewer but higher-quality pages = better SEO rankings.
3. Optimize for Local Voice Search — Speak Your Customers’ Language
“Hey Google, where’s the best pizza near me?”
Voice search is no longer a futuristic concept. It’s already here, and it’s changing how people look for local businesses.
To optimize for local voice search:
- Use natural, conversational keywords: Think “Where can I get my phone repaired in Islamabad?” instead of “phone repair Islamabad.”
- Answer FAQs clearly: Voice assistants love direct answers. Add a detailed FAQ section with location-specific questions.
- Speed up your site: Voice search users expect fast answers. Slow sites get ignored.
- Make sure your Google Business Profile is 100% accurate and complete.
Voice search optimization is the key to being found in those “near me” and “open now” moments.
4. Enhance User Engagement Signals — Make Them Stay and Click More
Here’s a little secret: Google pays attention to how visitors interact with your website.
If users bounce back quickly, don’t click anything, or spend only a few seconds, it sends a signal that your content might not be valuable.
But if visitors stick around, scroll, click internal links, or watch videos, it tells Google your site deserves to rank.
How to boost engagement:
- Add internal links to guide visitors through your content journey.
- Use strong calls to action that invite users to explore more or contact you.
- Improve readability with short paragraphs, bullet points, and engaging visuals.
- Embed local testimonials or video content that connects with your audience.
Better engagement = better rankings. It's that simple.
5. Create Localized Service Pages for Each Location or Area
If your business serves more than one area, lumping everything into a single page is a mistake.
Instead, create unique service pages for each city, neighborhood, or district you serve.
For example:
- yoursitecom/plumber-dubai
- yoursitecom/plumber-abu-dhabi
Each page should:
- Use location-specific keywords
- Include local testimonials or case studies
- Mention local landmarks or community references
- Have unique content (don’t copy-paste!)
Localized service pages help you rank for geo-specific searches and connect better with local customers.
6. Build Local Citations — Beyond Just Google Business Profile
Sure, Google Business Profile is essential, but it’s not the only citation that matters.
Local citations are online mentions of your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) across directories, websites, and social platforms.
But here’s the underrated part: Consistency is everything.
Tips:
- Ensure your NAP is identical across Yelp, Facebook, Apple Maps, Bing Places, Foursquare, and local directories.
- Submit your business to industry-specific directories (e.g., medical directories, food delivery platforms, or real estate listings).
- Don’t forget local blogs or community websites as these smaller platforms can drive big SEO wins.
Google trusts businesses that are mentioned consistently across the web. More mentions = more credibility.
7. Leverage Hyperlocal Content , Go Beyond General Topics
You don’t have to compete with national websites. Focus on hyperlocal content that resonates with your immediate community.
Here’s what you can do:
- Write about local events, news, or seasonal trends.
- Collaborate with other local businesses or interview community leaders.
- Share stories about your employees, customers, or community projects.
- Highlight how your service helps solve local problems.
This kind of content builds trust and helps you rank for long-tail, location-based keywords.
Ready to Take Your Local SEO to the Next Level?
Now that you know these seven underrated local SEO tactics, you’re one step ahead of most businesses. But knowing is only half the battle, implementing these strategies is where the real magic happens.
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start ranking, Seven Koncepts has the skills and tools to make it happen . Whether you need full-scale SEO, local content creation, voice search optimization, or technical fixes, we've got the team, tools, and talent to make it happen.
Let’s put your business on the local map, contact Seven Koncepts today and dominate your local SEO.