Every year, the world of SEO dramatically changes with the trends. Old school on-site tactics and keywords are no longer the priority.
The rise of artificial intelligence, voice search, and Google Maps integrations has completely changed how customers find local businesses in their area. Customers no longer need to look through the SERPs for what they need. They can quickly find content in the Google AI overview or search for local companies using Google Maps. The only way to ensure your brand stands out over your competitors in the area is to implement the right local SEO strategies.
Local SEO strategies help small businesses improve discoverability for local searches. With the right tactics, you can outrank your competitors and ensure your business shows at the top of the search engine results page.
Not sure where to get started? Here are seven new local SEO strategies your small business can implement today. Here’s everything you need to know:
7 New Local SEO Strategies To Try in 2026
The best way to keep up with trends and maintain your positioning in the SERPs for local queries is to stay innovative.You’ll want to test and optimize your strategy to find new opportunities. The more you test, the better you’ll understand your opportunities and challenges.
Here are seven strategies to consider exploring in 2026:
1. Develop a Strategy for Gathering Reviews
Reviews are a ranking signal that can help your brand rank for local queries. Companies with more reviews are prioritized over others with few or no.
Reviews on your website and Google Business Profile build trust and establish authority. Google also takes reviews, as well as distance and location, into consideration when ranking businesses on Google Maps.
The best way to ensure your company can maintain its rankings is to have a strategy in place for gathering reviews from clients. You’ll want to offer incentives for reviews to encourage customers to share their experience. You can also automate follow-ups to ensure every customer you work with is reminded to leave a review. With automation, you can rest assured knowing your survey strategy is working in the background of your day-to-day.
2. AI-Friendly Content and Structuring
The Google AI overview has completely changed how customers interact with the SERPs. If you want your company to rank for the Google AI Overview, you’ll need to get organized. Google is looking for concise content that is well structured with the correct H1s, H2s, and H3s.
You’ll also want to ensure your content is AI-friendly. To do this, keep content short, concise, and informative. Try to keep paragraphs to a minimum of two to three sentences. You’ll also want to use descriptive language in the titles and headers. When making content AI-friendly, always take a human-first approach to your content strategy. Content should always be written for the customer, not artificial intelligence.
3. Position Yourself as the Trusted Source
Google’s algorithm values authority and prioritizes content that follows E-E-A-T standards. To ensure your local listing and landing pages rank for common search queries, you’ll want to position your brand as the trusted source in your area.
To get started, optimize your Google Business Profile by adding photos, updating NAP, and actively replying to reviews. For all location-centric landing pages, you’ll want to add an author and byline, and only use credible sources.
4. Optimize For Voice Search
Voice search continues to grow in popularity. To ensure that your company shows up for these types of searches, you’ll want to use natural language that mimics the way someone would speak. For example, add questions like “barbershop in San Diego” or “Local bakery near me.” This will help your company rank for local voice searches.
5. Prioritize Structured Content
Structured content takes big ideas and turns them into easy-to-digest formats. This content is prioritized by Google AI overviews and is more likely to rank for common local search queries.
A popular structured content type that can help you rank higher is adding a frequently asked questions section to your landing pages. Consider adding location-based FAQs into the mix to rank for relevant local queries.
6. Using Conversational Language
Content should be written for humans, not AI. The best way to connect with your audience and ensure your ranking for local search queries is to use conversational language that appeals to your readers. Write like you’re having a conversation, offering helpful advice while using an active voice.
7. Optimize Google Business Profile
For many customers, your Google Business Profile will be the first impression of your brand. When they look for a local bakery or auto repair shop, they’ll search Google Maps or at the top of the search engine results page. To ensure your company is included in these local searches, you’ll want to keep your Google Business Profile optimized.
Start by updating NAP information, adding photos, and including holiday hours. You’ll also want to update your description to include local-centric keywords, which can help improve discoverability.
Stay Ahead of SEO Changes in 2026
Whether you own an auto repair shop or a local boutique, your business can benefit from implementing new local SEO strategies.
At Townsquare Interactive, we specialize in developing SEO strategies for small businesses across various industries. We’re here to help you implement and optimize for SEO changes in 2026, ensuring you maintain your spot in the SERPs. We also offer services to help with paid advertising, organic social media, and web development.