Outrank Local Businesses with These 5 AI-Driven SEO Techniques

When comparing two plumbers in Houston, Texas—one with over 5,000 glowing reviews and another with just 12—it may surprise you to learn that the business with only 12 reviews ranks higher on Google. This example highlights common misconceptions about local SEO and what truly impacts rankings.

In this guide, Caleb Ulku shares actionable insights and AI-driven techniques to rank any local business in the top three positions on Google. Based on years of SEO experience and proven results, this blueprint breaks down what works, what doesn’t, and how to optimize effectively.

The Heart of Local SEO: Your Google Business Profile (GBP)

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is critical for local searches with map displays. For these searches, 60-70% of users click or call one of the top three businesses shown. The ranking factors for GBPs go beyond just the number of reviews. Let’s explore what truly drives results.

1. Category Optimization
• Use three to four relevant categories to ensure comprehensive coverage.
• Example: For a plumber, include categories like "Emergency Plumbing" or "Drain Cleaning."

Prompt for AI (e.g., ChatGPT): Generate a list of relevant secondary categories for my GBP based on my business.



2. Complete Your GBP Profile
• Fill out every section, including the business description, hours, services, photos, and more.
• Use AI to write compelling descriptions.

Prompt for AI: Write a 750-character description for my business, highlighting services, benefits, and local focus.



3. Post Weekly on GBP
• Create posts showcasing special offers, seasonal events, or specific services.
• Use tools like GoHighLevel to schedule and automate posts for the entire year.

Tip: Use AI to generate 15-30 posts, schedule them weekly, and set them to repeat.

Building a Digital Footprint with Citations

Citations—online mentions of your business name, address, and phone number—are essential for local SEO. They signal to Google that your business is trustworthy and well-established.

1. Manual Citations
• Submit your business to as many directories as possible (e.g., Yelp, Yellow Pages).
• Create social media profiles for your business and link them to your website.
2. Schema Markup
• Add JSON-LD schema code to the page linked to your GBP. This code helps Google understand your business and location.
• Tip: Use AI to generate the schema code and ensure it matches your GBP information exactly. Test it using Google’s structured data testing tool to eliminate errors.

Website Optimization Strategies for Local Relevance

Google’s blended algorithm means that your organic website ranking impacts your GBP ranking. To improve, focus on building:

1. Geographic Relevance
• Optimize your homepage for local intent. Mention your city and surrounding neighborhoods.


2. Topical Relevance
• Create supporting content for your primary keyword and local neighborhoods.
• Use the "People Also Ask" section in Google to generate ideas for articles.

Example Prompt for AI: Generate a list of blog topics for a plumber in Houston, using the "People Also Ask" questions on Google.



3. Content with External Links
• For each new article, source a high-quality external link. These links signal to Google that your content is authoritative.

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How to Generate Reviews Effectively

Customer reviews are a critical component of local SEO, but getting them doesn’t have to be complicated.

1. Use Your GBP Review Link
• Log in to your Google account, select your business, and copy the "Ask for Review" link.


2. Send Personalized Texts
• Text your prior customers from the same phone number they already know. Use a simple message like:
  "Hi [Customer Name], hope you're doing well! If you were happy with our services at [Business Name], could you leave us a quick review? Here's the link: [Insert Link]. Thank you for your support!"

Tip: Text campaigns achieve over a 50% conversion rate compared to less than 5% with email.



3. Make Reviews a Routine
• Include review requests as a regular part of your customer follow-up process. This method can generate dozens of reviews in just weeks.

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AI Hacks for Streamlining Local SEO

AI tools like ChatGPT can significantly simplify and speed up your local SEO efforts. Here’s how:

• Category Identification: Use AI to identify secondary GBP categories relevant to your business.
• Post Creation: Automate weekly posts for your GBP.
• Schema Code Generation: Create and validate JSON-LD schema for your website.
• Content Ideas: Generate hyper-local blog topics using Google’s "People Also Ask" section.

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Steps to Outrank Competitors

Here’s a seven-step checklist for dominating local SEO:

1. Fully Optimize Your GBP: Fill out every field and include multiple categories.
2. Focus on Citations: Build as many directory and social media listings as possible.
3. Use Schema Markup: Add accurate schema code to the page linked to your GBP.
4. Create Locally Relevant Content: Write articles targeting specific neighborhoods and keywords.
5. Structure Your Website for Authority: Ensure your site comprehensively covers your niche.
6. Understand the Blended Algorithm: Improve your organic website ranking to boost your GBP.
7. Track Progress: Use tools like Local Dominator to monitor rankings and adjust your strategy.

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Key Takeaway

Ranking in the top three for local searches is achievable with the right strategy and tools. Local SEO is not a mystery; it’s a process of optimizing for Google’s algorithm and consistently providing value. Follow these steps to establish your business as a local authority and drive calls, clicks, and conversions.

Source: YouTube

"OUTRANK 99% of Local Businesses with THESE 5 AI Hacks"

- Caleb Ulku

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