August 13, 2025
SEO

What Does an SEO Team Do? Inside Local Optimization for Small Businesses

Rachael Sooter
SEO Director

When you hear "SEO" or “Search Engine Optimization,” you might think it's just about adding keywords to a website. But there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes. At Tier Level Digital Marketing, our SEO team plays a major role in helping local businesses stand out online. We don't just tweak a few titles or add keywords. We develop a comprehensive strategy to help your business appear in local search results, attract more customers, and drive growth.

Well, what does an SEO team actually do? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What Is Local Search Engine Optimization?

Local search engine optimization is the process of helping a business appear in search results when someone nearby is looking for a product or service. For example, if someone searches "pizza near me" or "plumber in Springfield," Google shows local results based on where that person is located.

That’s where local SEO kicks in. The goal is to get your business listed in the top results and the "local pack" (those map listings you see at the top). For small businesses, this kind of visibility means the difference between struggling and thriving.

Why Local SEO Matters for Small Businesses

A local SEO agency like Tier Level focuses on search engine optimization for small businesses because local search is where people are ready to act. According to BrightLocal, 98 percent of consumers used the internet to find information about a local business in 2023.

That means if your business isn’t showing up online, you’re missing out on customers who are actively searching for what you offer.

Key Roles of an SEO Team Behind the Scenes

An SEO team is made up of different experts, all working together to get your business noticed. Here are just a few things they handle:

  1. Website Audit: First, we analyze your current website. We look at technical issues, content gaps, user experience, and loading speed.
  2. Keyword Research: We find out what your potential customers are searching for online. This helps us target those long-form keywords like "small business SEO services" or "best roofing company in [city name]."
  3. Google Business Profile Optimization: We make sure your Google listing is complete, accurate, and updated with photos, services, hours, and reviews.
  4. Content Creation: Our team writes blog posts, location pages, and service pages designed to rank locally and provide helpful info to readers.
  5. Link Building: Getting links from other trusted sites helps build your website's authority and boosts rankings.
  6. Local Citations: We make sure your business info (name, address, phone) is consistent across directories like Yelp, Apple Maps, and Bing.
  7. Tracking & Reporting: Every month, we track your rankings, web traffic, and leads to see what’s working and what needs to improve.

Expert Local SEO Strategies That Make a Difference

Effective local SEO strategies require more than guesswork. At Tier Level, we tailor our work to your business goals and industry standards. Whether you’re a local dentist, contractor, or boutique owner, our strategies are personalized and data-driven.

Our team uses hyper-local targeting with city-specific keywords and creates on-page SEO built around customer intent. Once we have optimized content, the SEO team starts a structured data analysis to help search engines understand your site. Another strategy we prioritize is managing customer reviews to build trust and enhance visibility. Our team also stays updated on the latest algorithm changes, so you don’t have to worry about keeping up with Google.

Search Engine Optimization for Real Impact

Many small businesses assume they’re not able to compete with big brands online. That’s not true. With the right small business SEO services, local companies take over the top spots in Google. And once you're there, it builds real momentum: more phone calls, more website visits, and more customers through your door.

SEO isn’t just a one-time fix. It’s an ongoing effort, but it pays off. The longer you invest in it, the stronger your online presence becomes!

Why Choose a Local SEO Agency Like Tier Level?

Partnering with a local SEO agency means working with people who understand your market and know how to speak to your audience. We live and work in the communities we serve. We know how to highlight what makes your business special.

At Tier Level Digital Marketing, we take the time to learn your story and translate it into online success. Our goal isn’t just rankings. It’s long-term growth.

FAQ: What Clients Ask Us About SEO Teams

Q: How long does it take to see SEO results?
A: Most clients begin to see noticeable changes in 3-6 months, but SEO is a long-term strategy.

Q: Do I still need SEO if I’m running ads?
A: Yes. Ads stop when your budget runs out. SEO builds organic visibility that keeps growing over time.

Q: Is local SEO only for brick-and-mortar businesses?
A: No. Even service-area businesses (like roofers or landscapers) benefit from local SEO.

Q: Am I able to do SEO on my own?
A: You can learn the basics, but for serious results, a professional SEO team is key.

If you’re ready to put your business on the map, literally and digitally, let Tier Level handle the hard work behind the scenes. Reach out today and discover what the right local SEO strategy does for your success.