“The best place to hide a dead body? Page two of Google.” – Anonymous SEO Pro
Let that sink in. Because if your business isn’t ranking on page one, you might as well be invisible.
At L.A. Creative Marketing, we’ve seen it all. As a digital marketing agency rooted in New Orleans, helping brands rise in the local search game is our bread and butter. But even the best-intentioned businesses fall into some seriously avoidable traps when it comes to local SEO.
Let’s break down the most common mistakes and how to fix them fast.
Mistake #1: Neglecting Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
Your Google Business Profile isn’t just a box on the map. It’s your digital storefront. And if it’s not optimized? You’re leaving money on the table.
Common slip-ups:
- Incomplete or outdated info
- Wrong business category
- No photos (or poor ones)
- Missing reviews or worse, no responses to reviews
Quick Fix:
- Double-check every field in your GBP. Ensure your address, hours, and contact info match exactly with your website and other listings.
- Use high-quality photos that reflect your brand’s personality. (Hint: We shoot custom video & photo content right here in NOLA!)
- Choose the most specific, relevant categories.
- Respond to every review, yes, even the bad ones. It shows you care.
Mistake #2: Inconsistent NAP Citations
Your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) need to be the same everywhere on your website, Yelp, Facebook, Apple Maps, Yellow Pages, and beyond. If Google sees inconsistency, it gets confused.
And a confused Google doesn’t rank.
Quick Fix:
- Use tools like BrightLocal or Whitespark to track down incorrect or duplicate listings.
- Clean them up one by one, or outsource to a team (ahem, that’s us 👋).
- Lock in a standard format (e.g., “Street” vs. “St.”) and stick to it.
Mistake #3: Thin or Generic Location Pages
Slapping a city name into a page title and calling it “local content” doesn’t cut it anymore. Google wants geo-targeted content that’s rich, unique, and locally relevant.
We’re talking about content that screams New Orleans, not something that could’ve been written from a cubicle in Ohio.
Quick Fix:
- Create custom landing pages for each service area.
- Include location-specific keywords, neighborhood mentions, client stories, maps, and even local landmarks.
- Bonus points for adding original photos from actual client projects or events in those areas.
Mistake #4: Skipping Schema Markup
Schema what?
Schema markup is structured data that helps Google understand your business like your location, reviews, business hours, and services. It’s a powerful boost to your visibility in search results.
Quick Fix:
- Use free tools like Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper to tag your content.
- Focus on LocalBusiness schema, especially for service-based businesses.
- If you’re not comfortable with code, we’ve got your back. Our dev team can handle it.
Mistake #5: Not Optimizing for Mobile Search
76% of people who search for something nearby on their smartphone visit a related business within a day. That’s not a stat, it’s a wake-up call.
If your site isn’t mobile-friendly? You’re basically handing over leads to your competition.
Quick Fix:
- Test your website using Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.
- Speed matters. Compress images, remove bulky code, and streamline design.
- Prioritize fast, clear navigation and mobile-first layouts. (Need help? Our web design crew specializes in responsive sites that convert.)
Mistake #6: Ignoring Reviews & Social Proof
Reviews don’t just sway customers, they boost your rankings. Google sees them as a trust signal.
Quick Fix:
- Ask for reviews after every successful job. A simple email or text goes a long way.
- Build reviews into your workflow.
- Respond promptly with gratitude or empathy, if it’s not a 5-star.
- Share those glowing reviews on your site and social media. Leverage them everywhere.
Bonus Pro Tip: Use Geo-Tagged Content on Social Media
This is where your local SEO and social media strategy can work hand in hand. Geo-tag your posts. Mention neighborhoods. Hashtag locally.
You’re not just posting, you’re building local relevance across platforms. And yes, it helps SEO.
Final Thoughts
We’ve helped dozens of businesses in New Orleans and beyond escape the SEO graveyard. Why? Because we obsess over the details most people miss. From Google My Business optimization to local citations and high-impact geo-targeted content, we leave no stone unturned.
Local SEO isn’t just a checklist. It’s an ongoing strategy. And if you’re serious about being found when it matters most we should talk.
Based in New Orleans? Let’s meet for coffee and talk about growth.
Prefer a quick chat? Call us at (504) 214-0552.
Want us to audit your local SEO? Email grow@shahroza55.sg-host.com
