How Can Small Businesses in McAllen Use Local SEO to Get More Customers?
If you run a small business in McAllen, Edinburg, or anywhere in the Rio Grande Valley, local SEO can help you show up when people nearby search for the service you offer. In return, that can lead to increased income, foot traffic, phone calls, and more.
Let's be real, it's tough out here. We're all working hard, keeping our business afloat, maybe even thriving on word of mouth. But at some point, you've probably asked yourself:
"How do I get more people to find me online, especially locals?"
This is where Local SEO comes into play. This isn't some mysterious techy thing, it's a science. It's about making sure you understand how a search engine operates and making sure your business shows up when people near you use Google to search something like "bakery near me" or "best plumber in Pharr."
The best part? You don't need to spend thousands on ads to get results. A few tweaks to a website, some smart moves (the kind we'll walk through in this post) can make a huge difference.
Let's break it down together.
What is SEO?
Local SEO, or Local Search Engine Optimization, is the practice of helping your business show up in local search results. Think of it as a digital street sign, except it works 24/7 and reaches people who are already looking for your specific services.
Here's an example: Let's say someone searches "tire shop Edinburg"; if your business pops up at the top of that list, you've already won half the battle. Why? Because you showed up when they needed you most.
"But why does this matter?"
💡"76% of people who search for something nearby on their smartphone visit a business within 24 hours."
(Source: Think with Google).
That means if your business isn't showing up or if your info is incorrect, someone else is getting that call, visit or sale.
Here in the Rio Grande Valley, where our local economy runs on small business and community trust, being visible online is no longer optional. Your potential customers are searching from the parking lot, classroom, couch, or even while driving through town. If you aren't showing up, you simply don't exist.
5 Practical Steps to Improve Local SEO
1. Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
If you haven't claimed your business on Google yet, you need to do that today. It's free, fast and the first place Google pulls any information about you.
Make sure your:
- Name, address and phone number are accurate
- Business hours are up-to date
- Business categories reflect what you do
- Business photos represent your space and overall vibe.
And don't forget to ask your happy customers to leave reviews! Those go a long way in building trust.
2. Make sure Your Website is Mobile-Friendly
A lot of people in the RGV are searching from their phones. If your website loads slowly, doesn't fit the screen, or feels outdated - you might lose that customer before they even see what you offer.
If you keep modernizing your site or checking its performance, that's where we come in.
3. Use Local Keywords (Naturally)
You don't need to stuff your website with awkward phrases, but you do want to make sure you're using keywords your customers are actually typing into Google.
Think:
- "custom cakes in Edinburg"
- "barber shop near Pharr"
- "McAllen event photographer"
Add them to your homepage, service pages, and even in your blog posts!
4. Get Listed in Local Directories
Besides Google, your business should also be listed on sites like:
- Yelp
- Facebook Business
- Apple Maps
- Bing Places
- Local Chamber of Commerce or business listings if available
Be sure your contact information matches across all platforms. Google really likes consistency and it helps people trust what they see.
5. Create Local Content That Speaks to Your Community
Start a blog. Post about local events you attended, highlight customers, or give some quick tips. When Google sees that you're regularly updating your site with relevant, local information, it takes that as a strong signal you are a legit business.
Pro tip: You're reading a great example of this right now; and yes, blog posts like this one help build your Local SEO too!
Final Thoughts
You don't need a marketing degree or a huge budget to show up online. You just need a strong strategy and someone who understands where you're coming from.
At Bordertown Digital, we're right here in the Valley, working with small business owners like you who want to grow, not just survive.
Whether you're in McAllen, Edinburg, Pharr, or somewhere in between, let's make sure your business gets found by the people looking for you.
👉 Reach out for a free Local SEO audit and let's turn more searches into sales.