How to Get Found on Google: 5 Essential Strategies for Michigan Success
If you’re a small business owner in Michigan, chances are you’ve asked yourself: How do I get more customers online — especially local ones? The answer always starts with three letters: SEO – Search Engine Optimization.
More specifically: Local SEO.
Local SEO helps your business appear in search results when people nearby are looking for what you offer — whether that’s “web developer in Howell,” “best pizza in Ann Arbor,” or “custom software for Michigan nonprofits.”
In this guide, we’ll break down what local SEO actually is, why it matters, and what you can start doing today to improve your visibility in Michigan search results.
What Is SEO?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization — the process of improving your website so it shows up when people search for things on Google (or other search engines). The goal of SEO is to get your business in front of more people who are actively looking for what you offer.
There are many aspects to SEO, including:
Keywords — the terms people type into search engines
Content — blog posts, service pages, and helpful info on your site
Technical setup — how fast, secure, and mobile-friendly your site is
Links and reputation — what other sites say about you
User experience — how easy and helpful your site is for visitors
When SEO is done well, you don’t have to pay for ads to be found — your site shows up naturally in search results.
Now let’s talk about how to optimize specifically for local visibility.
What Is Local SEO (And Why Should You Care?)
Local SEO is the process of optimizing your online presence so your business shows up in location-based search results — especially on Google Maps and in the local “3-pack” (those top 3 map listings that appear when you search for nearby services).
Here’s why it matters:
46% of all Google searches are local
76% of people who search for something nearby visit a business within a day
More visibility = more calls, website visits, and walk-ins
Whether you’re a restaurant in Lansing, a service provider in Flint, or a web agency (like us) in Howell — being findable in local search is critical to growing your customer base.
Local SEO Tactics for Michigan Businesses
Here’s what actually works when it comes to showing up in Michigan local search results:
1) Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
This is hands down one of the most important things you can do for your business. If more than 90% of people are searching on Google and you’re not showing up right, that’s a huge missed opportunity.
If you haven’t already, claim your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). Make sure your:
Name, address, and phone number (NAP) are correct
Hours are up to date
Business category is accurate
Description includes Michigan-specific keywords
Photos are professional and current
Pro tip: Post updates regularly, like events, promotions, or blogs (like this one).
2) Use Local Keywords on Your Website
Mention your city, region, or service area throughout your website — especially in:
Page titles and meta descriptions
Headings and body copy
Footer and contact pages
Schema markup
Example: Instead of just “Custom Web Development,” say “Custom Web Development in Michigan.”
3) Build Local Citations and Listings
Submit your business to reputable local directories like:
Yelp
Chamber of Commerce sites
Better Business Bureau
Local newspapers or niche industry directories
Make sure your NAP info is exactly the same across all of them.
4) Create Location-Specific Content
Publish blog posts, landing pages, or FAQs that include local relevance. Some examples:
“How We Helped a Detroit Nonprofit Modernize Their Website”
“Top Web Design Trends for Michigan Manufacturers in 2025”
“Our Favorite Local Businesses in Livingston County”
This signals to Google that you’re active in Michigan and relevant to local audiences.
5) Add Local Business Schema to Your Website
Local business schema is a type of structured data that helps search engines understand your business details — like your name, location, hours, and services. Adding it to your site improves visibility in search results and can help you appear in the local “map pack.”
Wix and Squarespace offer basic support, automatically including some structured data behind the scenes. But for full customization (like adding your service area or keywords), you may need a developer or a more flexible platform.
👉 You can generate your own local business schema using this free tool.
Once you generate the schema, add it to your site’s <head> tag or ask your web developer to implement it.
So, How Do You Actually Get Found on Google?
The answer: Do the little things right — and do them consistently.
Claim your Google Business Profile. Use the right keywords. Keep your information accurate. Show Google (and your customers) that you’re active, relevant, and ready to help.
That’s the real key to how Michigan businesses — just like yours — get found on Google.
Need Help with Local SEO in Michigan?
At Lightning Workgroup, we help Michigan-based businesses, associations, and startups improve their digital presence through smart, scalable strategies — including local SEO, website optimization, and custom development.
Whether you’re just getting started or trying to fine-tune your local rankings, we can help you figure out what’s next.
📍 Based in Howell, proudly serving all of Michigan.
We just gave away all this info without a meeting, a proposal, or even coffee.