Resell Local SEO: How to Sell SEO Services to Local Businesses

Local businesses today face fierce competition in attracting nearby customers, and search engine optimization (SEO) is often the key to standing out.

For SEO experts, the ability to resell Local SEO services offers a lucrative opportunity to help businesses improve their online visibility and dominate local search results.

Whether it’s optimizing websites for location-specific keywords, enhancing Google Business Profiles, or managing customer reviews, reselling local Search Engine Optimization services can bridge the gap between businesses and their target audience.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start or grow a business reselling local SEO services. From defining your services to crafting winning proposals and retaining clients, you’ll learn actionable strategies to position yourself as a trusted SEO expert.

Let’s Start.

1. Identify Your Ideal Client to Resell Local SEO Services

Before starting to resell local SEO for local businesses, take the time to define your target audience. Knowing your ideal client allows you to craft services tailored to their needs and pain points.

Speak Their Language

To connect effectively, learn the common terms and challenges within their industry. For instance, a dental clinic might need help ranking for keywords like “family dentist near me” or “pediatric dentistry in [location].” Understanding these terms makes your pitch more compelling.

Identify Their Pain Points

Beware of red-flag clients who:

• ❌ Demand instant, guaranteed results
• ❌ Resist crucial website improvements
• ❌ Expect premium outcomes on a shoestring budget

Stay Informed About SEO Trends

Since search engines, especially Google, continuously evolve, staying updated on SEO trends is non-negotiable.

Google dominates over 90% of global search engine activity, so familiarize yourself with its SEO guidelines. Subscribe to the Google Search Central Blog, where updates about algorithm changes and optimization strategies are regularly posted.

Join communities and forums like SEOChat or Reddit’s r/SEO, and subscribe to newsletters from industry leaders like allaboutai.com, Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Moz. Following SEO experts on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter can also provide valuable insights.

Analyze Consumer and Market Trends

Understanding market demand and consumer behavior is critical when identifying which businesses to target.

Use Keyword Tools

You can use free Keyword Overview tool to analyze search volume and competition for specific topics. For example, if you’re exploring the fitness industry, you might check terms like “home gym equipment” or “personal trainer near me.”

• Analyze the monthly search volume to determine market size.
• Look at cost-per-click (CPC) data to assess the competitiveness of the niche.

Thinking about how keyword analysis tools work? You can try it now for free:

Explore Google Trends

Use Google Trends to track whether a niche is expanding or declining. Adjust the timeline to view long-term interest. For instance, searches for “vegan restaurants” might show consistent growth, indicating an opportunity to target businesses in this sector.

Focus on Page-2 Rankings

Identify businesses ranking beyond the first page of Search engine results. These businesses often need SEO help the most, making them prime candidates for your services.

Build a Detailed Customer Avatar

Creating a customer avatar helps you visualize your ideal client and tailor your strategies accordingly. This fictional representation should be based on real data and observations.

Key Elements to Include

Understand Their Challenges

Engage with Prospects

Reach out directly to potential clients to gather insights about their needs. Conduct surveys or consultations to uncover their goals and challenges, building trust while positioning yourself as a problem-solver.

Rather than focusing on the advanced concepts like schema markup or server settings, highlight how your SEO solutions drive real, measurable growth for the client:

❌ “We’ll fix your site’s broken links and optimize your page titles.”
✅ “We’ll ensure that more potential customers discover your products whenever they search online.”

❌ “We’ll implement an advanced structured data strategy.”
✅ “We’ll boost your brand’s presence in search results, leading to higher clicks and more sales opportunities.”

2. Understand Your Local SEO Service Offerings

Focusing on local SEO services allows you to help businesses improve their website visibility in geographically targeted search results. By defining a clear range of services, you can position yourself as a trusted partner for local businesses aiming to attract customers in their area.

Here’s a breakdown of key local SEO services you can consider offering:

Optimize On-Page Elements for Local Search

On-page SEO is foundational to improving a business’s local search rankings. This involves fine-tuning individual pages to target location-based keywords and enhance visibility.

• Local Keyword Targeting: Research and incorporate keywords that include geographic identifiers, such as “best Italian restaurant in [city]” or “plumber near [location].”
• Meta Tags and Headers: Optimize titles, meta descriptions, and header tags to align with local search intent.
• Localized Content Creation: Develop blog posts, landing pages, or service pages that highlight community involvement or address local concerns. For example, a landscaping company could create content like “Top 5 Lawn Care Tips for [City’s] Climate.”

Google Business Profile (GBP) Management

A fully optimized Google Business Profile is critical for local businesses to appear in Google’s Local Pack and Maps.

• Setup and Verification: Assist clients in setting up and verifying their GBP listings to ensure accuracy and eligibility for local rankings.
• Optimization: Regularly update business categories, operating hours, photos, and service areas. Ensure consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) information across all online platforms.
• Posts and Updates: Use GBP posts to share promotions, events, or updates to keep the profile active and engaging.

Build and Manage Local Citations

Consistency across local directories and platforms is a significant ranking factor in local SEO.

• NAP Consistency: Ensure that the business’s name, address, and phone number match across all listings, including Yelp, Bing Places, and niche directories.
• Citation Building: Add the business to reputable local and industry-specific directories to boost authority.
• Citation Cleanup: Identify and fix any duplicate or inaccurate listings to prevent confusion for both search engines and customers.

Enhance Online Reputation with Review Management

Online reviews significantly influence local search rankings and customer trust.

• Review Generation: Develop strategies to encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on Google, Yelp, and other relevant platforms.
• Response Management: Help businesses engage with reviews, responding promptly to both positive feedback and complaints. For instance, a professional tone when addressing negative reviews can enhance the business’s reputation.
• Monitoring Tools: Use review monitoring tools to stay informed about new feedback and address issues proactively.

Conduct In-Depth Technical SEO Audits

A technically sound website is essential for local businesses aiming to compete online.

• Site Speed Optimization: Ensure fast loading times for a better user experience and improved rankings.
• Mobile-Friendliness: With many local searches happening on mobile devices, a responsive design is non-negotiable.
• Fix Errors: Identify and resolve issues like broken links, duplicate content, or crawlability problems that could hinder performance.

Perform Competitor Analysis for Strategic Insights

Understanding the local competition for your target markets helps businesses stand out.

• Identify Competitors: Analyze which local businesses are ranking for your client’s target keywords.
• Benchmarking: Compare competitors’ strengths, such as backlink profiles, content strategies, and review scores.
• Actionable Strategies: Use this data to identify gaps and create opportunities to outperform local rivals.

Build High-Quality Local Links

Backlinks in SEO from credible local sources can significantly boost domain authority and search visibility.

• Local Directories and News Sites: Help clients get featured on platforms like local newspapers, chamber of commerce websites, or community blogs.
• Sponsorships and Partnerships: Suggest partnerships with local events or charities to earn backlinks while building goodwill.
• Content-Based Link Building: Create shareable content, such as infographics or community guides, that encourages other sites to link back.

Reporting and Analytics: Prove Your Value

Regardless of the services you offer, providing regular reports is critical to maintaining client trust and satisfaction. Tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console allow you to:

Clear, data-driven reporting demonstrates your impact and makes it easier to retain clients by showing measurable results.

3. Build a Strong Brand for Your SEO Agency

Branding is a critical part of establishing your SEO agency as a trusted and recognizable entity in the industry. It helps attract potential clients and sets you apart from competitors.

Here’s how to effectively build your brand:

Choose the Right Name for Your Agency

Your agency’s name is one of the first things potential clients will notice, so it should be unique, easy to remember, and clearly communicate your services.

• Relevance to Services: Incorporate keywords like “SEO,” “Digital Marketing,” or “Optimization” in the name to instantly convey your expertise. For example, “RankPro SEO” or “Optimize360” clearly signal an SEO-focused business.
• Memorability: Keep the name simple and avoid overly complicated or lengthy phrases. Short and catchy names are easier to recall.
• Searchability: Ensure your chosen name is available as a domain for your website and check its uniqueness on social media platforms. This improves your brand’s online visibility.

Design a Professional Logo

A logo is a visual representation of your brand and should reflect your identity and values.

• Symbolism: Use design elements that are relevant to SEO, such as arrows indicating growth, magnifying glasses representing search, or upward-trending graphs.
• Minimalism: A clean, modern logo that incorporates your agency’s name can make your brand look professional and trustworthy. For example, a sleek text-based logo with subtle graphic elements can be both stylish and effective.
• Versatility: Ensure your logo works well across different mediums, from your website to business cards and social media profiles.

Craft a Memorable Tagline

Your tagline should succinctly express your agency’s value proposition and what sets you apart.

• Highlight Your Promise: Focus on what you deliver, such as improved rankings, online visibility, or driving more traffic. For instance, “Your Partner in Online Growth” or “Boosting Your Business, One Rank at a Time.”
• Be Client-Centric: Use language that resonates with potential clients’ goals and challenges, making it clear that your services are solutions-oriented.

Select a Meaningful Color Palette

Colors play a significant role in conveying your brand’s personality and building trust. Choose a palette that aligns with your agency’s values:

• Blue: Often associated with trust, professionalism, and reliability, making it a common choice for businesses in the tech and marketing industries.
• Green: Represents growth, success, and a forward-thinking approach.
• Neutral Tones: White, gray, or black can add a clean and sophisticated look to your brand’s design.
  Use colors consistently across your website, social media, and marketing materials to create a cohesive visual identity.

4. Choosing the Right Marketing Channels for Your SEO Agency

By strategically choosing the right marketing channels, you can maximize your reach and attract the right clients for your local SEO business without spreading your efforts too thin.

Prioritize the Most Relevant Platforms

Identify where your ideal clients are most active to market your services effectively.

For instance:

• Industry-Specific Platforms: Use forums like Quora, Reddit, or niche industry communities to engage with potential clients by answering questions and demonstrating expertise.
• Paid Advertising: Consider platforms like Google Ads or LinkedIn Ads to target businesses actively seeking SEO services.

Given that you specialize in organic traffic, using SEO to market your services can also be highly effective. For instance, your blog can act as a long-term lead generation tool by ranking for keywords like “affordable SEO services” or “local SEO experts.”

Benefit from Content Marketing and SEO

Content marketing is a powerful way to showcase your expertise and build authority in your field. If prospective clients find your agency through your optimized content, it demonstrates your capability and builds trust.

• Create Targeted Content: Use KIVA, an AI SEO agent, to plan a content strategy for your website. For example, if you want to rank for “Professional SEO services,” you can generate a content cluster with pillar pages and supporting articles on related topics like “on-page SEO best practices” or “how to build backlinks.”
• Streamline Content Creation: AI tools can help you generate high-quality articles quickly, allowing you to focus on client acquisition.
• Repurpose Content: Expand your reach by transforming blog posts into videos, eBooks, infographics, or social media posts.

Utilize Social Media Strategically

Social media is an excellent way to connect with potential clients and establish your brand. However, not all platforms will yield the same results. Choose those that align with your business goals and audience.

Platform-Specific Strategies

• LinkedIn and Twitter: Ideal for B2B clients. Use these platforms to share case studies, industry insights, and success stories while networking with professionals.
• Instagram and Facebook: Better for building brand awareness and engaging with a broader audience through visually appealing content.

Network Online and Offline

Networking is a powerful way to grow your SEO agency. Combining online efforts with offline activities can help you reach a diverse range of potential clients.

Online Networking

• Join industry-specific forums, LinkedIn groups, or Slack communities where potential clients or partners are active.
• Offer free insights or SEO audits to spark interest and start conversations.

Offline Networking

• Attend local business meetups, trade shows, or conferences to connect with potential clients face-to-face.
• Speak at industry events or host workshops to establish yourself as an expert in your field.

These activities can help you build credibility and form long-term relationships with businesses in your niche.

5. Mastering Sales Techniques for Your SEO Business

Running an SEO business is about more than just closing deals; it’s about building lasting relationships with your clients. These relationships foster trust, encourage repeat business, and generate referrals.

Here’s how you can refine your sales approach to attract and retain clients effectively.

Build Trust with Potential Clients

Trust is the foundation of any successful business relationship. According to a study by Dale Carnegie, 73% of people prioritize trust when deciding to work with a salesperson. Building this trust can help you convert leads into loyal clients. Here’s what to do:

• Be Transparent: Clearly outline your processes, pricing, and the results clients can realistically expect. Transparency helps manage expectations and demonstrates integrity.
• Offer Value Upfront: Provide a free SEO audit or initial consultation. For example, analyze a client’s website and share actionable insights. This gives prospects a glimpse of your expertise and builds confidence in your abilities.
• Maintain Professionalism: Ensure all client interactions, from email communication to proposals, reflect professionalism. Unprofessional behavior is a major red flag for potential clients.

What Not to Do:

• ❌ Overpromise or Guarantee Instant Results: Making unrealistic promises erodes trust and can backfire when you can’t deliver.
• ❌ Hide Additional Costs or Conditions: Surprising a client with hidden fees or unclear terms damages credibility and can end the relationship prematurely.

Showcase Proven Results

Clients want evidence that your SEO strategies deliver measurable success. Demonstrating past results is a powerful way to build credibility and confidence in your services. Here’s what you can do:

• Case Studies: Share detailed examples of how you’ve helped other businesses achieve higher search rankings, increased traffic, or improved conversions.
• Client Testimonials: Display positive feedback from satisfied clients to reinforce your reliability.
• Before-and-After Metrics: Include screenshots or charts that show traffic growth, keyword ranking improvements, or other relevant data points.

For example, a case study highlighting how you helped a local business improve their online visibility could resonate strongly with potential clients in similar industries.

Address Common Client Concerns

It’s natural for prospects to have questions or concerns before committing to your services. Anticipating these objections and addressing them upfront can help ease their doubts and move the sales process forward.

Common Concerns and How to Handle Them:

Cost and ROI:

• Break down the SEO process into understandable steps. For instance, explain how keyword research, content optimization, and link building contribute to long-term results.
• Emphasize the return on investment (ROI) by sharing success stories or projections based on their industry.

This concrete walkthrough shows exactly how each SEO step contributes to increased traffic, higher visibility, and ultimately more sales, easing the client’s anxiety about whether your services will produce a tangible return on investment.

Timelines for Results:

• Be honest about the time it takes for SEO efforts to show measurable results. Educate clients on the importance of consistent effort over quick fixes.

Unfamiliarity with SEO:

• Simplify complex SEO concepts into relatable terms. Use visual aids like charts or diagrams to explain processes like keyword optimization or technical audits.

Risk of Underperformance:

• Offer a trial period or a money-back guarantee to let clients experience your services without significant risk.
• Highlight your expertise by sharing awards, certifications, or notable achievements in the SEO industry.

Demonstrate Your Expertise

Clients want to feel confident that they are partnering with an industry leader. Use every opportunity to showcase your knowledge and accomplishments. Follow these tips:

• Include client logos, awards, or partnerships on your website to establish credibility.
• Share insights through blog posts, webinars, or social media to position yourself as a thought leader in SEO.
• Regularly update your portfolio with new success stories and metrics.

Build Long-Term Relationships

Remember, the goal isn’t just to close a single deal but to create long-term partnerships with your clients. Happy clients are more likely to renew contracts, upgrade to higher service tiers, and refer your agency to others. Below are some key strategies:

• Provide ongoing value with detailed monthly reports that highlight progress and future plans.
• Stay proactive by suggesting new strategies or optimizations based on industry trends or client performance.
• Communicate regularly to ensure clients feel informed and supported throughout the process.

Presenting Results Effectively in Your SEO Proposals

When crafting an SEO proposal, the most impactful approach is to highlight potential outcomes. Clients are more likely to invest in your services when they see tangible results that align with their goals.

You can make your proposals persuasive and credible by showcasing past successes and setting realistic expectations.

Highlight Achievements in Your Proposal

Start by showcasing your previous accomplishments. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise and provide clients with a sense of what’s possible.

Present Results-Based Projections

When pitching outcomes, base your projections on realistic and attainable metrics. There are two effective ways to approach this:

1. Focus on Controllable Metrics

Highlight the aspects of SEO where your actions directly influence the results. For example:

• Backlinks: Promise to secure a specific number of high-quality backlinks per month.
• Content Creation: Commit to producing a set number of optimized blog posts or landing pages.

2. Provide ROI Estimates

If you have access to sufficient client data, calculate a conservative return on investment (ROI). For example:

• “Based on your current website traffic and conversion rates, our SEO efforts could increase your monthly revenue by approximately 15-20%.”

Maintain Realistic Expectations

Transparency is key when discussing potential outcomes. Overpromising can damage trust, while setting realistic expectations builds credibility.

• Be Conservative: Always underpromise and overdeliver. For example, if you believe you can achieve a 25% traffic increase, project a 15-20% growth instead.
• Clarify External Factors: Remind clients that some results, such as rankings, depend on search engine algorithms and industry competition.

Build Credibility Through Your Pitch

Your proposal should position you as a trusted expert who understands the client’s unique needs and can deliver tailored solutions.

1. Showcase Expertise: Highlight certifications, tools you use, or unique methodologies that set you apart.
2. Share Client Testimonials: Include quotes or reviews from satisfied clients to reinforce your track record.
3. Use Visuals: Present data through charts, graphs, and tables to make it more compelling and easier to understand.

6. Set Competitive Prices for Your SEO Services

Pricing your SEO services is a crucial step in building your business. It requires careful consideration of the value you bring to your clients, your expertise, and your target market.

By choosing the right pricing model and structuring your offerings effectively, you can position your services to meet various client needs.

Consider the Value You Provide

When determining your pricing, think beyond just hours worked or deliverables. Focus on the results you can achieve and how they compare to your competitors.

For instance, if you specialize in helping e-commerce stores increase sales through SEO, your pricing should reflect the measurable value you deliver, such as higher conversions and revenue growth.

Common Pricing Models for SEO Services

Different pricing models work for different types of clients and projects. Understanding these models can help you choose one that aligns with your business goals and client expectations.

1. Hourly Pricing

In this model, clients are charged an hourly rate for the time spent working on their SEO.

2. Monthly Retainers

A fixed monthly fee covers a range of ongoing services such as regular reporting, keyword tracking, content updates, and link building.

3. Package-Based Pricing

This model involves offering predefined bundles of services, often tiered as Basic, Advanced, and Premium.

4. Project-Based Pricing

Charge a flat fee for specific projects such as a full SEO audit or a detailed content plan.

5. Results-Based Pricing

Clients pay only after achieving specific results, such as a certain rank on Google or increased website traffic.

Tailor Your Service Offerings

Offering diverse packages allows you to cater to clients with varying needs and budgets. To create compelling packages:

1. Research Competitor Offerings: Search for SEO service providers and analyze their packages and pricing. Look for examples that align with your expertise.

2. Identify Core Services: Note common inclusions like:

• Keyword Research
• Technical Site Audits
• Link Building
• Content Optimization
• SEO Strategy Development

3. Develop Tiered Packages: Structure your services into packages that appeal to different budgets:

• Starter Package: Basic services like keyword research and a site audit.
• Growth Package: Includes advanced strategies like content creation and regular analytics.
• Comprehensive Package: A full-service option covering everything from technical SEO to ongoing optimization and consulting.

7. Mastering Follow-Ups and Building Long-Term Relationships in Your Local SEO Business

Following up with potential clients and retaining existing ones are critical components of running a successful SEO business. By effectively qualifying leads, maintaining communication, and fostering trust, you can convert prospects into clients and ensure long-term loyalty.

Qualify Your Prospects Effectively

Qualifying prospects means understanding their current needs, budget, interest level, and readiness to invest in SEO services. Focusing on the right leads saves you time and resources while increasing your conversion rate. Here’s what to do:

1. Assess Budget and Needs: Determine whether the prospect’s budget aligns with your services and whether their needs match your expertise.
2. Gauge Interest and Readiness: Evaluate their level of interest and urgency to implement SEO strategies.

Some prospects may not convert immediately due to financial constraints or other priorities. These leads are still valuable and may become clients in the future if you stay engaged.

Stay in Touch with Unconverted Leads

Even if a lead doesn’t convert right away, maintaining communication ensures you remain top of mind when they’re ready to invest in SEO services. Use these strategies to nurture long-term relationships:

• Newsletter Sign-Ups: Add prospects to an email list where you share updates, SEO tips, and case studies.
• Periodic Success Stories: Share client success stories to demonstrate the effectiveness of your services.
• LinkedIn Connections: Add them on LinkedIn and post regular updates about your achievements and industry insights.
• Website Reviews: Offer a free review of their website every few months and share actionable recommendations.
• Periodic Check-Ins: Reach out every few months to ask how their business is doing and gently offer your services if they show interest.

Close Prospects with a Tailored Sales Approach

When you’ve identified a promising lead, it’s essential to have a clear plan to close the deal effectively. Follow these tips:

1. Personalize Your Offer: Tailor your services to the client’s specific goals, whether it’s increasing local visibility, boosting e-commerce sales, or improving their site’s technical SEO.
2. Set Clear Expectations: Educate the client on what your services entail, the timeline for results, and what outcomes they can reasonably expect.
3. Ask for the Sale: Once the client understands and agrees to your offer, ask for their commitment. Be direct but polite, and make the process simple for them.

Key Details for the SEO Contract:

• Scope of services to be provided.
• Timeline for deliverables.
• Payment terms and structure.
• Termination policies.
• Steps to get started.

After finalizing the contract, send a follow-up email summarizing the next steps to ensure clarity and momentum.

Retain Clients Through Proactive Communication

Retaining clients is as important as acquiring them. Strong communication and consistent results ensure long-term relationships that benefit both parties. Here are some strategies to follow:

1. Provide Regular Updates: Share detailed progress reports and success metrics, such as improved rankings, increased traffic, or higher engagement.
2. Stay Accessible: Respond to client queries promptly, and proactively communicate any updates or changes in strategy.
3. Demonstrate Value: Highlight how your SEO efforts are directly benefiting their business, whether through organic search improvements or enhanced lead generation.

Focus on Long-Term Relationships

Clients who trust your expertise and see consistent value in your services are more likely to renew contracts and refer others to your business.

How Can AI Help Me Resell Local SEO?

AI tools have revolutionized local SEO by streamlining processes and delivering actionable insights. Below are the details on how AI simplifies various aspects of local SEO:

Explore More Guides

• Video SEO: Optimize videos for better rankings and visibility.
• SEO Project Management: Organize tasks efficiently to improve search rankings.
• Core Web Vitals: Boost Performance with Core Web Vitals Metrics!
• Average Bounce Rate: Reduce drop-offs and engage your audience effectively.
• How to Use AI for SEO: Automate, Analyze, Optimize: AI Tools for Superior SEO.

FAQs – Resell Local SEO

Conclusion

Reselling local SEO services is a rewarding business opportunity that helps local businesses grow. By offering tailored solutions such as Google Business Profile optimization, citation building, and review management, you can position yourself as a trusted partner for local businesses.

Success lies in understanding your clients’ unique needs, delivering measurable results, and maintaining strong communication to build long-term relationships.

With the right strategies and a client-focused approach, you can effectively resell Local SEO services while creating a profitable and sustainable business that drives real value for your clients.