These Local SEO Tactics Are the Secret to Outranking Big Competitors

Editor’s Note: This is a sponsored article created in partnership with webFEAT Complete.

Sometimes businesses focus so much on SEO that they don’t realize that ads take up the entire first page of search results.

The problem is that SEO or organic results are rendered practically invisible, pushed to a part of the search engine results page (SERP) where users rarely scroll.

This is according to Ray Cheselka at webFEAT Complete, a full-service digital marketing agency.

“If speaking strictly for SEO purposes, a common blind spot is getting in listings that appear on relevant searches, like Yelp, and driving great reviews. It’s hard to trust a local business with no reviews or a weak review score these days.”

While big brands often dominate the top of search results, Ray explained that smaller or multi-location businesses could still win clicks by focusing on smart local SEO strategies like:

• Hyper-localized content
• Optimized Google Business profiles
• Strong customer reviews

For example, webFEAT Complete prefers to keep its listings informative and regularly updated, both of which consistently drive new reviews.

It’s also important to keep the name of the business, address, and phone number consistent across pages.

Failing to maintain accurate and consistent listings can hurt your local SEO performance, confuse customers, and potentially lead to lost business opportunities.

When it comes to reviews, treat them like the holy grail. Ray said they are not only influential in driving rankings, but they also have the potential to convert prospects to customers.

If you were thinking about working with a business and they had 2.3 out of 5 stars on 50+ reviews, would you trust them?

Smart Systems Win Local Search

So, what can businesses do to consistently earn the high-quality reviews Google values?

The key is to build a system that consistently drives reviews and reinforces positive signals to Google.

“This will make sure you’re active, reviews are current, and both Google and prospects can trust your business. An example is requesting a review with invoices, or if you’re a retail business, putting a review link on your printed/emailed receipts,” Ray explained.

Our COO, Ray Cheselka, was recently interviewed by DesignRush on how businesses can thrive in the era of AI-driven SEO.

Here are some of Ray's key takeaways:
-Boost traffic w/ AI
-Avoid outdated site pitfalls
-Future-proof your strategy
-Track what matters in 2025#LinkInBiopic.twitter.com/ly5YrE5z7f

— webFEAT Complete (@webFEATComplete) April 14, 2025

That strategic focus on local SEO has helped webFEAT Complete’s clients outperform national competitors and win top spots in search results.

“We’ve had some clients that compete with big box stores, who have seemingly unlimited budgets. In situations like that, we might take a hyper-local approach,” Ray said.

That approach includes a mix of targeted tactics designed to boost local visibility and help smaller businesses stand out against competitors:

• Focus on the local area and surrounding towns to maximize relevance
• Run keyword and backlink gap analyses in Semrush to uncover opportunities to compete directly with larger brands
• Update existing content and create new content tailored to local search intent
• Actively pursue backlinks to strengthen domain authority and improve rankings

“[With these strategies], we’ve had instances where we outranked the big box stores. One of those businesses ended up being acquired!” Ray added.

As local businesses start to see the impact of smart SEO systems, there's another shift on the horizon they can’t afford to ignore.

Want more local customers to find your business online? 🔍

From optimizing your website for local SEO to leveraging Google Business and social media, these expert tips will boost your visibility in your community. 📍

👉 Learn more in our recent blog: https://t.co/AAIRzRjhy4pic.twitter.com/GwfaSO9mh2

— webFEAT Complete (@webFEATComplete) March 31, 2025

Google’s algorithm is evolving, and with it, the rules of local SEO are changing fast.

“Local SEO and all facets of SEO, really, are changing with the rollout of AI bots and AI Overviews in search results. We reference it as AEO or Answer Engine Optimization. Local businesses need to be leveraging AI and considering AEO in their digital marketing strategy,” Ray pointed out.

Staying ahead in local SEO means doubling down on what works and staying alert to where Google’s heading next. Businesses must adapt quickly and take action before their competitors do.