How Businesses Can Improve Their Local SEO in Maryland
- Harford Digital
- Jun 28
- 4 min read

For small business owners in Maryland, competing with larger brands can be tough, but focusing on local SEO can make all the difference. With strategic efforts, you can attract nearby customers searching for your services.
Here’s how to boost your local SEO and drive more traffic to your website and storefront!
Create Engaging Video Content (and Know Where to Post It)
One of the most effective ways to improve your local SEO and engage with your audience is through video content. Video is not only highly shareable, but it’s incredibly powerful for helping your business rank locally because search engines like Google love videos.
But how do you create the right videos, and where should you post them?
What Kind of Videos Work?
Create videos that address common customer questions, such as tutorials, behind-the-scenes clips, or testimonials. Highlight your location in the video and title, like "5 Best Hairstyles for Annapolis Summers by XYZ Salon," to engage viewers and boost local SEO. Geographically specific content helps attract local audiences and improves search visibility.
Where Should You Post?
YouTube: Host videos on YouTube, the second-largest search engine, and include location-based titles like “Patio Design Ideas for Homes in Rockville, Maryland.”
Your Website: Embed videos to boost visitor engagement and rankings. Add a "Videos" or "Resources" section to showcase your content.
Social Media: Share videos on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to connect with your audience and enhance your brand's visibility.
Consistent, high-quality videos build trust, engagement, and SEO performance.
Optimizing Your Google Business Profile for Local SEO in Maryland
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the most powerful tools in your local SEO toolkit. For the uninitiated, this is the profile that appears to users when they search for local businesses on Google. If you've ever Googled “coffee shop near me” and seen a list of businesses with their addresses, reviews, and operating hours, you’ve seen this in action.
Here’s how to optimize your GBP for better local rankings:
Complete Every Section of the Profile
Think of your GBP like your online storefront. The more details you provide, the easier it is for both Google and potential customers to know exactly who you are and what you do. Fill out all the fields, including:
Your business name (exactly as it appears elsewhere, such as on your website and social media)
Address
Phone number
Business hours
Website URL
Description (use this space to sprinkle in local keywords like "Baltimore plumber" or “Bethesda outdoor gear shop”)
Photos and videos that showcase your business
Regularly Post Updates
You can post updates on your Google Business Profile, such as sales, events, or new services, to keep it dynamic and boost visibility, like sharing photos from a community event in Frederick or Laurel.
Gather Positive Customer Reviews
Reviews are one of the first things potential customers notice on your profile, playing a key role in their decision-making and boosting local rankings. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews by providing a direct link in emails or asking in person. Go the extra mile by responding to every review, positive or negative, to show you value feedback and improve your engagement with both customers and Google..
Know the Importance of Building Quality Backlinks with Location Keywords
Backlinks (or inbound links) remain one of the most powerful ways to boost your website’s authority in the eyes of Google. However, the key here is to focus on quality over quantity and to use location-specific keywords whenever possible.
What Are Backlinks?
A backlink is simply a hyperlink from another website that points to your site. Google uses these backlinks as a signal of credibility. It’s like other websites saying, “This business is worth checking out!”
How to Get Local, High-Quality Backlinks in Maryland
Partner With Local Organizations
Build community relationships by partnering with local blogs, nonprofits, and businesses. For instance, a fitness studio could sponsor a charity 5K in Bethesda and request a backlink in return.
Guest Blogging
Pitch guest blog ideas to popular local blogs in areas like Annapolis, Silver Spring, or Towson. For example, a bakery in Silver Spring might write about “Top Wedding Cake Trends in Maryland” and earn a backlink.
Get Listed in Local Directories
Ensure your business is listed in online directories like the Maryland Chamber of Commerce or niche directories in your industry, many of which allow backlinks.
Newsworthy Content or Events
Host events, join community initiatives, or launch unique products to attract local journalists and bloggers, potentially earning backlinks from high-authority news sites.
Always include Maryland-focused keywords. A local news outlet backlinking to your site with anchor text like “best crab cakes in Baltimore” can not only improve your SEO but also drive highly relevant traffic.
Consistency is Key for Local SEO Success
Consistency is key for local SEO. Ensure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are identical across your website, Google Business Profile, social media, and online directories to avoid confusing customers and search engines. Regularly update your content, such as videos or GBP posts, and stay engaged with reviews to maintain strong rankings.
Start implementing these strategies today to boost your local visibility and connect with more customers. Contact us for expert guidance on optimizing your local SEO!
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