The SPM Blog

Local SEO, Explained Plainly

Practical guides for local business owners who want more customers from Google, without the agency jargon.

Home Services

Local SEO for Home Services: The Contractor's Playbook

The service area you draw on Google does nothing for your rankings. Here is what actually books jobs for contractors: proximity, reviews, hours, and service pages.

Colin Smith • August 12, 2026
Reviews & Reputation

How to Get More Google Reviews Without Breaking the Rules

Most advice on getting more reviews recommends tactics Google prohibits and the FTC now enforces. Here is what breaks the rules, and the compliant system that works.

Colin Smith • July 24, 2026
AI Search & Visibility

AI SEO for Local Business: What Google Actually Says

Google published official AI search guidance this month, and it contradicts most of the GEO packages being sold to local businesses. Here is what actually matters.

Colin Smith • July 20, 2026
Local Pack & Maps

Why Isn't Your Business Showing Up on Google Maps?

The 7 most common reasons local businesses go invisible in the map pack, from verification issues to a service area working against you.

Colin Smith • July 20, 2026
Google Business Profile

How to Optimize Your Google Business Profile: A 2026 Guide

Categories, photos, reviews, and posts, ranked by what actually moves rankings. Includes the one-hour version for owners short on time.

Colin Smith • July 10, 2026
Fitness & Wellness

Local SEO for Gyms: How to Fill Classes Straight From Google

Why gyms win or lose on Google instead of Instagram, and the review pipeline every fitness business is sitting on without using it.

Colin Smith • July 10, 2026