Why You Should Start A Local SEO / GMB Agency

Local SEO, specifically Google My Business (GMB), is one of the best opportunities online—period.

Here’s why:

• Most local businesses are clueless about digital marketing.

• GMB drives real leads—calls, visits, and deals.

• Happy clients = long-term retention and recurring revenue.

Despite the rise of AI, local search isn’t going anywhere. People will always turn to Google for nearby businesses, and GMB dominates that space.

Today, I’m breaking down why AI won’t kill local search and why starting a GMB business is a no-brainer.

LFG. 🔥

The Resilience of Local Search

When you search for a service or product, where do you go? Chances are, you pick up your phone, type in your query, and glance at the local Google listings—complete with call buttons, photos, and directions. These features make GMB a uniquely powerful tool.

For example, in one of my portfolio companies, Louisville Addiction Center, we rank well for terms like "drug rehab Louisville, Kentucky." While organic rankings help, the GMB listing dominates in generating leads, thanks to its easy-to-use call and directions buttons. This seamless connection between search and action is something AI-driven search engines like Perplexity simply don’t replicate.

Why Google My Business Won’t Be Replaced Anytime Soon

1. Protected Ecosystem: GMB listings are verified through physical addresses. This ensures a level of legitimacy that AI search engines can’t currently match. You can’t just add a business without proving it exists.

2. Localized Focus: Customers searching for electricians, coffee shops, or restaurants are trained to look for local results. These searches often lead to direct interactions like phone calls or visits—something GMB excels at.

3. Visual and Interactive Features: GMB offers photos, reviews, and easy-to-use buttons. These aren’t just details—they’re crucial for customers deciding which business to choose.

AI SEO vs. Local SEO: A Growing Opportunity

AI-driven search engines like Perplexity pull information directly from websites. This could mean businesses need to think about two types of SEO strategies:

• Local Search SEO for GMB optimization

• AI SEO for appearing in AI-driven results

Both approaches will become increasingly important. But for now, local SEO reigns supreme for small businesses.

How You Can Start a Google My Business Agency

Here’s the playbook:

1. Target Local Businesses: Visit coffee shops, contractors, retailers, and restaurants in your area. Offer them a package to optimize their GMB listing for better visibility.

2. Set Competitive Rates: Charge $1,000–$2,500 per month to manage and generate leads through GMB.

3. Expand Your Knowledge: As you grow, start experimenting with AI SEO. Learn how to position your clients for success in both local and AI-driven search results.

Final Thoughts

Google My Business isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving. While AI might disrupt other aspects of SEO, local search remains critical for connecting businesses with customers. If you’re thinking about starting an agency, this is your sign to go all in on local SEO.

I really encourage anyone reading this to give this model a shot. If you’re serious about building a business, this is the best place to start.

Love you guys. Talk to you tomorrow.

Tim