Local SEO Full Course: Outrank Your Competition on Google Maps in 2026

This local SEO full course will help you understand how to rank on Google and other search engines as a small business in Google Maps and local search results. Pass our Semrush Academy course exam and you’ll receive a certificate signed by Wes McDowell and Semrush ❇️ https://social.semrush.com/4wG4D65 Having a solid local SEO strategy starts with understanding local ranking factors is a key step to learning what it takes to rank higher on Google and can instantly put you ahead of your competition. Beyond that, you'll learn actionable ways to rank in Google Maps and local searches from industry expert @WesMcDowellInc who has vast experience in local SEO and digital marketing. Also included is how to optimize your Google Business Profile, one of the most important elements for any local small business. Setting up your GBP(formerly Google My Business) can have a major impact on your rankings. The video will also discuss ways on how to leverage reviews for higher rankings, and more importantly, conversions for your business. While setting up your Google Business Profile is important, Wes also goes into ways to optimize your website for local SEO, creating an opportunity to boost your rankings even more. There are a lot of ways to rank higher on Google Maps or local searches and this local SEO full course by Wes has you covered with one of the best local SEO strategies you'll find. Check out Wes McDowell's page for lots of other great local search engine optimization and digital marketing content:    / @wesmcdowellinc   Learn all the SEO Essentials:    • SEO Essentials to Start Ranking Today 📅   SEO done? Make sure your Marketing is ready!    • Proven Marketing Tips to Scale Your Busine...   This Local SEO full course will cover: 💡The importance of choosing the right primary category for your Google Business Profile 💡How to effectively use keywords in your business name 💡Tips for optimizing your location and additional Google Business Profile categories 💡The power of Google reviews and how to manage them for better rankings 💡Best practices for your website's SEO structure 💡Insider tips on building quality backlinks and citations ▶️ Subscribe for more from Semrush ➖ https://social.semrush.com/3RtdGXK ⚡ Start your FREE TRIAL of Semrush ➖ https://social.semrush.com/3RWb7xr 🌱 Grow your career with Semrush Academy ➖ https://social.semrush.com/43tyReQ 📚 Get top marketing insights from our blog ➖ https://social.semrush.com/4uKMtyJ 🛠 Tools Mentioned Keyword Magic Tool ▶︎ https://smr.sh/KzN Domain Overview ▶︎ https://smr.sh/Kz9 Organic Research ▶︎ https://smr.sh/Kzz Listing Management ▶︎ https://smr.sh/KzA Review Management ▶︎ https://smr.sh/KzD ⏱️ Video Chapters 00:00 Local SEO Full Course Intro 00:15 Local ranking factors explained 06:07 Ways to rank higher in local search 13:42 Local SEO keyword research 21:02 Optimizing your Google Business Profile 44:35 Reviews for higher rankings & conversions 55:44 Optimizing your website for local SEO 1:06:00 Local SEO links and citations 1:09:32 Local backlinks #localseo #seocourse #semrush