Going Online – Getting Local Traction Where It Counts
So, you’ve got a business. Maybe it’s a cozy café where locals swear by your espresso, or a home repair service that’s been running on word-of-mouth since dial-up was a thing. Either way, if your business isn’t online yet—or it’s online but lonely—this one’s for you.
Because here’s the truth: being online isn’t optional anymore. It’s essential. But we’re not just talking about launching a generic website or claiming a dusty Google Business listing. We’re talking about using the digital space to actually get local traction. You know, the kind of online presence that brings in real people from your neighborhood, not just internet traffic from five time zones away.
Let’s dig in.
Why “Going Online” Doesn’t Mean “Going Global”
One of the biggest myths out there is that taking your business online means you need to compete with everyone, everywhere. Spoiler alert: you don’t. In fact, if you’re a local business, your job is to win local search. That means showing up when someone nearby types “best tacos near me,” not “authentic street tacos in Mexico City.”
Stat check: According to Google, 46% of all searches have “local intent.” That means nearly half the time, people are looking for something around them. If you’re not showing up there, someone else is—and they’re probably getting your foot traffic.
Step One: Make It Easy for Locals to Find You
This might sound obvious, but you’d be shocked how many businesses forget the basics. Your business name, address, phone number, and hours? They need to be the same everywhere. Google’s not a fan of guesswork.
Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile
Get listed on local directories (like ours—wink)
Encourage happy customers to leave reviews (they’re digital word-of-mouth)
Think of it this way: the more consistent and accurate your online info is, the more likely Google is to trust you. And when Google trusts you, it sends people your way. Like a friendly robot concierge.
Step Two: Local SEO Isn’t Just a Buzzword
Yes, SEO sounds like something a guy with a man bun and too many Chrome extensions talks about at a startup brunch. But local SEO is just good sense.
You want your business to show up in the “local pack”—that box with three businesses that appears right under the map when someone searches locally. To get there, you’ll want to:
Use location-specific keywords on your site (e.g., “plumber in Fort Worth”)
Add locally relevant content (event sponsorships, community blog posts, etc.)
Build backlinks from local news sites, blogs, and even chambers of commerce
It’s a little bit science, a little bit storytelling. And it works.
Step Three: Engage, Don’t Just Broadcast
Look, just posting your lunch specials on Facebook isn’t going to bring the crowds. You need to actually engage with your community. Reply to comments. Share posts from other local businesses. Use Instagram Stories to showcase behind-the-scenes moments. It’s the little things that make your business feel like part of the neighborhood online.
Also—don’t sleep on Nextdoor. It’s local, it’s niche, and it’s where neighbors go to find recommendations when their fridge makes a weird noise at 11 p.m.
Bonus Tip: Use Local Directories (Yes, Like This One)
Getting listed on a local business directory isn’t just about ticking a box. It helps with SEO, builds credibility, and makes you more discoverable. The best directories (ahem) do more than just list your info—they promote you, connect you, and help you shine among your peers.
Some even offer extras like:
Featured listings
Customer reviews and rating tools
Social media promotion
Community event tie-ins
If you’re not listed yet, you’re basically waving from the sidelines.
Wrap-Up: Your Community Is Online—You Should Be Too
Taking your business online isn’t about flashy websites or viral TikToks (though hey, if you go viral, ride that wave). It’s about being found by the people already looking for you.
Get the basics right, focus on your local audience, and treat your online presence the way you treat your storefront: welcoming, polished, and uniquely you.
Your neighbors are searching. Make sure they find you, not the competition.