Local Marketing

Behind the rankings: What makes a top local marketing expert

Take your local marketing to the next level with insights from those who have mastered the craft

Joshua SaxonApril 19, 20246 min read
Quick summary
  • Great local marketing experts have a deep understanding of both regional markets and digital marketing strategies.
  • Challenges in becoming a local marketing expert include the rapidly changing digital marketing landscape and local business culture.
  • Semrush Local offers comprehensive support for businesses and experts through its extensive array of tools.
Business owners often wear many hats, from running things day-to-day to executing local marketing strategies. But the dynamic nature of local marketing can be daunting for those unfamiliar with the latest trends and tactics.

Local marketing experts shoulder the responsibility so owners can focus on making the business the best it can be. With years of experience, they can propose solutions that have both stood the test of time and factor in the latest strategies. Whether hiring local marketing experts or learning from the top gurus, it's key to recognize their standout qualities and skills.

What does a local business marketing expert do?

Local marketing experts use a blend of traditional and digital marketing techniques to drive more conversions for small businesses. They might achieve this through a combination of improved website trafficsearch visibility, and social media engagement. A seasoned local marketing expert lays out a clear plan tailored to your business’s unique needs and goals. This strategy spans local keyword researchprofile optimization, and a content calendar.

Experts build local marketing strategies that resonate with local audiences so your business’s marketing drives greater impact. They also take responsibility for navigating Google and social media guidelines to keep clients compliant. A key strategy local marketing experts use is to optimize for local search to attract more targeted visitors. They ensure your business appears in local directories and Google results, boosting your online footprint.

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A local business marketing expert’s Google Business Profile results

Local marketing experts also:

  • Manage social media and engage with the local community to build brand loyalty
  • Analyze competitors' strategies to identify opportunities
  • Craft engaging local content that highlights your unique value proposition
  • Monitor online reviews and guide responses to enhance your reputation
  • Send email marketing campaigns to keep local customers informed and engaged

Experts often use tools like Semrush Local to get faster results and generate easy-to-understand reports for clients.

Free advice: Elevate your marketing with the Local Business Blog by Semrush. Get the actionable advice you need to boost your online visibility and audience connection.

Learning from the best: Local marketing experts you should know

Keeping up-to-date with the latest local marketing trends and strategies is key to staying ahead. And what better way to make sure you're at the forefront of industry innovation than by following the best in the business?

Greg Gifford

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A course by local business marketing expert Greg Gifford

Greg is the COO at SearchLab, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the company's strategic direction. Renowned for his extensive knowledge and engaging presentation style, Greg has become a sought-after speaker in local SEO. In fact, Greg has shared his top local marketing secrets in the Semrush Academy Local SEO Course.

Damon Gochneaur

Damon doesn’t just have the best beard in SEO, he is also the visionary founder behind Aspiro Agency. Under Damon’s leadership, Aspiro has carved out a reputation for enhancing businesses' local presence. His journey into digital marketing began at a time when it was a novel concept. Damon’s initial foray involved leveraging platforms like email and MySpace, demonstrating his ability to identify and capitalize on emerging channels. Follow Damon on LinkedIn for his latest hot take on the world of local marketing.

Wes McDowell

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A course by local marketing expert Wes McDowell

Wes is renowned for his comprehensive approach to digital marketing, emphasizing user experience and conversion optimization. His expertise spans web design, SEO, and content strategy, all tailored to meet the specific needs of local businesses.

Content that addresses the audience's needs and questions is a hot topic for Wes. Through his podcast and YouTube channel, Wes offers free advice on how to leverage digital marketing tools effectively. He also teaches the Semrush Academy course How to Outrank Your Competition in Local Search.

Greg Sterling

Sterling has been a prominent figure in local marketing for over two decades, boasting seasoned leadership in digital marketing with extensive expertise in market research, content development, and various other digital realms.

Additionally, he served as a Contributing Editor at Search Engine Land for 15 years. Most recently, he co-founded Near Media, a market research firm covering search, social media, and local digital commerce. For more insights, you can follow him on LinkedIn .

Local marketing masterclass: Semrush Academy offers an extensive range of in-depth courses. From beginners to experts, Semrush's educational resources offer a wealth of knowledge to explore.

Collaborating for success: Finding local marketing experts

Choosing the right local marketing consultant or expert to learn from comes down to determining their skill, experience, and understanding of your needs. Look for consultants who prioritize transparency and offer clear explanations of their strategies and the expected outcomes. Their approach should align with your business values and goals for a partnership that drives genuine growth.

For example, a trustworthy consultant never promises unrealistic review volumes, as this can do more harm than good. Their skill in crafting sincere, engaging responses is important for enhancing your business's rapport with its customers. Semrush’s Agency Partners is a good place to start looking for expert local marketing services. Search by industry, location, language, and company size, then sort by agency score to filter the best options.

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Profiles on Semrush Agency Partners

Or if you're not hiring, engage with experts through local marketing forums like Google Business Profile Help Community. The platform is great for connecting with local marketing experts, exchanging ideas, and asking questions.

Access to local marketing experts isn’t just for businesses that can afford to recruit professionals. Semrush regularly hosts webinars featuring insights from renowned local marketing professionals. These free online events offer actionable advice, updates on industry trends, and case studies that highlight successful strategies.

Complete transparency: Before committing to a consultant, audit your local presence so you know what you need help with.

Semrush Local: Elevating local marketing for experts and businesses alike

Whether you decide to hire a local marketing expert or take the reins yourself, Semrush Local is your ally. The platform simplifies complex SEO tasks, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes to compete in local markets.
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Great local marketing experts know their clients’ business information needs to be consistent across directories. Semrush's Listing Management streamlines the process so there are no obstacles to boosting your visibility and drawing in customers. Accurate, up-to-date listings help businesses dominate local search results, outperform the competition, and grow more effectively.
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