Does local SEO still work?

Local SEO still works well in 2026, particularly for service businesses that depend on nearby customers. A well-maintained Google Business Profile, complete with reviews, photos, and accurate hours, remains a strong ranking factor for local map results.

AI Overviews have started appearing on some local searches too, but they still draw heavily from the same local business data Google already indexes, so the fundamentals have not changed much.

The businesses that struggle with local SEO usually neglect their Google Business Profile entirely rather than lacking any special technical knowledge, since much of local SEO's value comes from basic, consistent upkeep.

An SEO automation platform can pair with local listing upkeep to cover both content and local visibility.