Local SEO

Q: How does Local SEO work?

Google uses three main signals: Proximity (how close you are to the searcher), Relevance (how well your business matches the search), and Prominence (how much the internet “trusts” your business based on reviews and links).

Q: Why is Local SEO important for my business?

Because “near me” searches are high-intent. When someone searches for a “plumber in Christchurch” or “best coffee near me,” they aren’t just browsing; they are ready to act. If you aren’t visible in those moments, you’re essentially handing that customer to your competitor.

Q: How does my Google Business Profile impact local SEO?

It’s massive. For local Christchurch businesses, your Google Business Profile (GBP) is often the first thing people see. We optimise your profile with the right categories, photos, and engagement strategies to get you into the “local map pack”.

Proximity, Relevance, Prominence

Outrank your local competitors in search results.

SEO

Your local competitors are showing up before you in Google’s result page – and it’s time for your business to get ahead. Time to tee up a Local SEO meeting with Empire9, and craft a strategy to bring.

What is Local SEO?

Local SEO is a part of the broader Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) umbrella – one that is particularly paramount for businesses with a physical presence. The focus being helping businesses show up higher in search results, and on Google maps – relevant to their area.

This is accomplished by optimising a website and other online assets for relevant local keywords and phrases. Local SEO can help businesses of all sizes attract more customers from their local area – be that via foot traffic, enquiries, leads or anything else.

Our Local SEO Services:

At Empire9 provide comprehensive Local SEO services to ensure your business is easily discoverable by customers in your immediate vicinity.

For the most part – we focus on optimising key elements like your Google Business Profile, local citations, and various data-driven & location-specific keywords. This ensures that when potential customers search for “coffee shops near me” or “plumbers in [your town],” your business is among the top results.

How does Local SEO work?

Local SEO is a specialised form of search engine optimisation (SEO) that helps businesses rank higher in local search results. To succeed with Local SEO, you need to provide accurate and consistent information across all platforms. This includes your address, phone number, opening hours, and customer reviews.

Or job is ensuring your data is optimised for local search algorithms, increasing your chances of appearing in the coveted “local 3-pack” on Google. – as shown above…

Let us help with your Local SEO – and outrank your competition!

At Empire9 we don’t muck around – and our results speak for themselves, local SEO is a great way to make some quick wins, and an excellent spring board to kick off a longer-term SEO strategy or roadmap.

We’d be stoked to answer any of your questions, and are happy to sit down and korero.

Get in touch, and let’s get you on the map – local SEO style.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Local SEO work?

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Google uses three main signals: Proximity (how close you are to the searcher), Relevance (how well your business matches the search), and Prominence (how much the internet “trusts” your business based on reviews and links).

Why is Local SEO important for my business?

Because “near me” searches are high-intent. When someone searches for a “plumber in Christchurch” or “best coffee near me,” they aren’t just browsing; they are ready to act.

If you aren’t visible in those moments, you’re essentially handing that customer to your competitor.

How does my Google Business Profile impact local SEO?

It’s massive. For local Christchurch businesses, your Google Business Profile (GBP) is often the first thing people see. We optimise your profile with the right categories, photos, and engagement strategies to get you into the “Local Map Pack”.

How does Local SEO differ from general SEO?

General SEO is about being an authority on a topic. Local SEO is about being an authority in a place.

The tactics differ: general SEO relies heavily on backlink power, while Local SEO relies on location consistency and local reputation.

How do local citations affect SEO?

Citations are mentions of your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) on other websites.

In the age of AI, citations are more important than ever. AI models use these “digital footprints” to verify that your business is real and reputable. If AI engines can’t find consistent citations for your business, they won’t recommend you as a trusted local source.