Main Page / Courses / SEO / Local SEO Essentials with Semrush

Local SEO Essentials with Semrush

Master local SEO with Semrush's powerful tools and proven strategies. Learn to optimize your Google Business Profile, conduct local keyword research, build citations, and track local rankings to dominate search results in your area and drive more customers to your business.

Who is this сourse for?

Small business owners, local marketers, SEO professionals, and entrepreneurs who want to improve their local search visibility and attract more customers in their geographic area using Semrush's comprehensive local SEO toolkit.

What you’ll learn

Discover the 9 critical ranking factors that determine local search success, master Semrush's local SEO toolkit, implement proven review management strategies, and use competitor analysis to outrank your competition in Google Maps.

Earn Your Certificate from Semrush Academy

Semrush has been recognized by the search community across the globe, winning several accolades as the best SEO software suite. Learn more

Wes McDowell

Wes McDowell is a web strategy expert, and his aim is to help small business owners make the most of their websites and digital marketing for maximum client generation. He hosts a popular Youtube channel, where he teaches all his best methods to entrepreneurs around the globe.

Rita Cidre

Rita Cidre is a marketing leader, instructor, and storyteller with 15 years of experience working at the intersection of marketing and content. Rita has held growth marketing leadership roles at Zillow Group, Time Inc., and National Public Radio (NPR). Currently, as the Head of Academy at Semrush, she builds innovative educational programs and courses designed to empower digital marketers around the globe.

Course Structure

Strategy: Course Intro

Get a quick overview of local SEO fundamentals, meet instructor Rita, understand the course format, and access your downloadable handouts to maximize your learning experience.

1 video

2 minutes

Strategy: Local Ranking Factors Explained

Discover what matters the most in local search rankings, in order from most to least important. You'll also learn outdated practices that you shouldn’t waste time on anymore.

1 video

6 minutes

Exclusive Offer: Spotlight Conference 2025

Exclusive offer for Academy users! Level up your marketing career at Spotlight 2025 with our special pricing. Use code ACADEMY149 at checkout to grab your Conference Pass for €149 or ACADEMYBUNDLE to get our Conference and Bootcamp pass for €249 (our best value ticket!) Don’t miss Europe’s hottest marketing event—secure your spot now!

1 video

1 minute

Strategy: Sneaky (But PROVEN) Ways to Rank Higher in Local Search

Learn two tactics that have flown under the radar for most local business owners, but can make a HUGE difference in where you show up in the map.

1 video

8 minutes

Strategy: Local SEO Keyword Research Made Easy

Discover how to use Semrush to find the right keywords, and how to choose the best performing business categories to use within GBP.

1 video

8 minutes

Strategy: Maximizing Your Google Business Profile

Learn exactly how to create and optimize the perfect Google Business Profile for search AND conversions.

1 video

22 minutes

Walkthrough: Creating a Google Business Profile

Watch Rita create a Google Business Profile step by step using her local bilingual kindergarden as an example. Learn how to set up your profile, choose categories, add details, and get ready to manage everything directly from Semrush in upcoming lessons.

1 video

3 minutes

Walkthrough: Connecting Your Google Business Profile to the Local Toolkit

Learn how to connect your Google Business Profile to the Semrush Local Toolkit in just a few clicks. Follow Rita as she walks through setup, permissions, and syncing your data—so you can start optimizing your local presence right away.

1 video

4 minutes

Walkthrough: Reviewing and Optimizing Your Google Business Profile

Discover how to review and optimize your Google Business Profile using the Semrush Local Toolkit. Rita walks you through adding high-impact elements like logos, photos, and business details—boosting your visibility and helping your profile stand out in search.

1 video

3 minutes

Strategy: Harnessing Reviews for Higher Rankings & Conversions

In this lesson, Wes gives his best tips for getting more reviews, and how to respond to them to help you convert more browsers into customers.

1 video

12 minutes

Walkthrough: AI for Google Business Profile Management

Explore how to use Semrush’s AI tools to create engaging posts and manage reviews on your Google Business Profile. Rita shows you how to keep your profile fresh and customer-ready—faster and easier than ever.

1 video

5 minutes

Strategy: Optimizing Your Website for Local SEO

In this lesson, Wes shows the best overall site structure for local pages, where keywords should go, and how to increase behavioral signals that tell Google your website is worth showing.

1 video

11 minutes

Strategy: How to Build Local SEO Links & Citations

Discover how to build citations and links to your website using Semrush’s link building tool.

1 video

13 minutes

Walkthrough: Updating your GBP Info Across Directories

See how to keep your business information accurate across dozens of online directories using Semrush’s Listing Management tool. Rita walks you through fixing errors, removing duplicates, and ensuring your business details are always up to date and consistent everywhere.

1 video

3 minutes

Walkthrough: Discover How Your Business Ranks on Google Maps

Learn how your business ranks in Google Maps searches with the Map Rank Tracker in Semrush. Rita shows you how to set up a campaign, choose local keywords, and analyze location-based visibility—so you can outshine nearby competitors.

1 video

5 minutes

Strategy: Congratulations and Next Steps

You've mastered on-page SEO essentials! Review your journey from keyword research to optimized content, discover your next steps in SEO mastery, and learn about advanced courses that will take your skills even further.

1 video

1 minute

Would You Recсomend This Course?

One last thing! If you enjoyed this course (or even if you didn't, we won't take it personally), please give us some feedback so we can keep making even better free content in the future!

1 video

1 minute

Transform Your Local Search Rankings

Join thousands of successful local businesses who've transformed their online presence with proven Semrush strategies. Get instant access to step-by-step tutorials, exclusive tools, and expert guidance to rank higher in local search results.