Boost your Grand Rapids business’s local SEO with these 3 free tips (plus a pro trick!). From Google reviews to community pages, Launch Kit shares easy ways to increase your local visibility on Google
If you're a local business owner in Grand Rapids, Michigan looking to connect with more customers nearby, let’s talk about one of the most effective (and totally free) tools in your marketing toolbox—local SEO.
At Launch Kit, we’ve been running some interesting tests recently and seeing some positive trends that are worth sharing. Grab a cup of coffee and dive into these three straightforward tips (plus one advanced strategy) to help boost your visibility on Google in your area.
And the best part? These can all be implemented without spending a dime.
First things first: if you don’t have a fully built-out Google Business Profile, hit pause on this article and set that up right now! Your Google Business Profile is the absolute backbone of your local SEO. Now, if you already have your profile ready to go, you’re on the right track. But here’s the question we often get: what’s next? How do you use that profile to show up more often?
In simple terms, you want to show Google that your business is an excellent recommendation for local searches. Google’s job is to deliver the most relevant and reputable results, so if they see that you’re active and engaged, they’ll trust you more as a recommendation. We recommend treating your Google Business Profile like a social media account. Post regularly—use photos, videos, and even short updates about offers that your business is running.
At Launch Kit, when we handle social media management for businesses here in Grand Rapids, we treat their Google Business Profile just like Facebook or Instagram. We’re posting on there just as often, creating a lively and active digital footprint. A consistent presence signals to Google that your business is not just open but engaged and thriving. Compared to businesses that haven’t posted in six months, you’re much more likely to be seen as a top local recommendation.
By now, you’ve heard it a million times—Google reviews are key. We all know it, but let’s admit it; the importance of reviews can’t be overstated. If you want to rank locally, you need those customer reviews rolling in consistently. Think of it like training for a marathon: if you want results, you need a reliable routine.
A good system means you’re consistently asking for reviews, not just whenever you remember.
Here’s an example of how we do it at Launch Kit:
We use ClickUp for project management, and the last task in every project checklist is “ask the client for a review.” This small step keeps us accountable and ensures that we’re never missing a chance to gather valuable feedback.
For businesses with a high volume of transactions, you might consider automating the request, like setting up a text or email to go out after a purchase. Whatever method works best, the goal is the same: make it part of your process, so reviews come in regularly.
Earlier this year, we created a “Grand Rapids Marketing Agency Office” page on our website, primarily just to let clients know where our office is located. But a few weeks later, we noticed this page was ranking well in search results. The takeaway? A dedicated location page can really help you show up for local searches.
By building a page that clearly communicates your location and service area, you make it easy for Google to understand where you are and what you do. It’s SEO basics, but it’s effective because it creates a clear user experience and helps people in your area find you.
So if your business is focused on a specific region, make sure your website reflects that with a clear, localized page.
Here’s an advanced strategy that we’ve been experimenting with recently, and so far, it’s been working well: community pages.
After seeing that our Grand Rapids Marketing Agency page was ranking, we decided to replicate this tactic for other towns in the region where our clients are based. Each time we complete a project in a new town, we link it to a page dedicated to that community.
For example, we added a project in Hudsonville, Michigan, to our portfolio and linked it to a “Hudsonville Marketing Agency” page.
Over time, these community pages create a broader network of local SEO value, increasing our visibility in each area we service. If you want to expand your reach, consider creating specific pages for each community you work in, especially if you already have clients in those areas.
After seeing that our "Grand Rapids Marketing Agency Office" page began ranking, we decided to turn this up a notch. We created “Community Pages” for each local town that we do business in.
Knock on wood, the early results of this new SEO tactic seem to be quite promising. Hint - look up “Hudsonville Michigan marketing agency” :)
Based on our findings, this is now a tactic that we’re deploying with our website clients. Excited to see the impact it can make! Hint - if you don’t have a high performance website with a team to work on it, message us, we can get started on building you one.
There’s no secret formula here, just good old-fashioned, user-focused SEO. In a world obsessed with algorithms and hacks, sometimes it’s the straightforward, consistent approach that makes the difference. Like sticking to the basics in fitness—getting good sleep, eating well, doing the work—local SEO thrives on consistent, authentic efforts.
So, here’s to putting in the effort where it counts. If you’re a passionate local business owner in West Michigan, and you're ready to level up your online presence, give us a shout. From SEO to social media, branding, and web design, Launch Kit is here to help you connect with the customers who matter most in your community.
Let’s get started making your business easier to find—starting right here in Grand Rapids.
Each year, we take a fresh look at the various marketing efforts a small business can make. We've built this framework to get started optimizing your business's online presence.
