

Unlocking Local SEO: Expert Strategies with Darren Shaw of Whitespark (Part 1)
In this value-packed episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, host ๐โโ๏ธ Crystal Waddell sits down with local SEO legend Darren Shaw of ๐ข Whitespark.
Discover why your website is the #1 data source for your Google Business Profile, how to optimize for the local 3-pack ๐, and what SEO myths to stop believing ๐ซ.
Whether youโre a home-based biz, a service provider, or an online shop, these actionable insights will help your brand show up and stand out in local search! ๐
๐ก Key Takeaways:
- ๐ Your Website = Your GMB Database: Google pulls profile data straight from your site!
- ๐งพ Citations Still Matterโฆ but not as much as they used to ๐.
- โญ Reviews + Proximity = Ranking Gold in local search ๐๐.
- ๐ ๏ธ Service Pages Are a Must: One page per service = better SEO results ๐ช.
- ๐ Business Hours Impact Visibility โ especially between 4โ7 PM! ๐๐๐
- ๐ Keyword Research Made Simple: Just ask a few people what theyโd search ๐ค๐ฒ.
- โ๏ธ Citation Consistency โ Life or Death: Googleโs smarter than that now ๐ค๐.
๐ฌ Memorable Quotes:
๐ฃ๏ธ "Your website is the database for your Google Business Profile."
๐ "You donโt need fancy toolsโjust ask five taxi drivers what theyโd search."
๐ข "Google likes to rank businesses that are currently open."
- Darren Shaw
โ Listener Action Items:
- ๐ Audit Your Google Business Profile โ Fill in every field, especially your services!
- ๐งฉ Create Separate Service Pages โ Give each service its own optimized landing page.
- ๐ฐ๏ธ Adjust Business Hours โ Consider extending hours to stay visible longer.
- ๐ Check Your Citations โ But skip the pricey ongoing directory services ๐ธ.
- ๐ค Ask Around โ Real-world keyword research starts with real people!
Connect With Darren:
Connect With Crystal:
Text me your questions or comments!
Does SEO feel confusing, overwhelming, or just plain impossible to figure out? Youโre not alone. Thatโs why I created the AI SEO Foundations course, powered by Crystal GPT: your personal AI SEO coach designed for busy, creative business owners like you.
Ditch the overwhelm and discover what SEO can do for your business! Head to SEOin7days.com (with the number 7!) and get started todayโletโs make your brand easy to find and impossible to ignore.
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AFFILIATE LINKS:
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