FREE 

A Beginner's Guide to Local SEO

If you’re looking to learn what local SEO is and get better at local search, then you’re in the right place. Seasoned trainer and local SEO specialist, Greg Gifford, talks you through which signals influence visibility and how to optimize those signals, so you know exactly what to do. He covers everything from inbound links, and citations, to reviews and Google Business Profiles.
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BrightLocal Brand Beacon Report 2024

Did you know? 93% of high-performing marketing teams have a ‘Good’ or ‘Very Good’ understanding of the differences between traditional SEO and local SEO.

Why take this free course?

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Learn what local SEO is and why it's important

Determine if your business needs local SEO

Find out which signals influence visibility in local searches

Learn how to optimize those signals for local search

8 modules

12 videos

12 quizzes

1
exam

1.5
hours

1 workbook

Who is this course for?

This course is a great fit for agency professionals and business owners who are new to local SEO and want to learn more. Or if you have more experience, then it can help you to refresh your local SEO skills. 
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Join Our Facebook Group

Continue your learning at The Local Pack, a virtual space for BrightLocal’s community. The Local Pack is a place to ask and answer questions, exchange insights, and experiences, and discuss new changes and challenges in local search.

Course contents

With step-by-step instructions on how to optimize for local search, and the ability to practice  in real-time, this free course will set you up for success. You'll gain the confidence you need to succeed, wherever you are on your local SEO journey.

  • Get BrightLocal Certified

    Put what you've learnt to the test with our free exam. Passed with flying colors? You'll receive a certificate that can be added to your LinkedIn profile, Facebook account, your CV, or anywhere else you want to showcase your new-found skills!
Testimonials

What people think

I had taken another course and received my certification prior to taking this course, but I got more out of this course than I did the other. Not sure if it was the presenter, the way they presented the material, or how it was broken up into smaller video, but I would 100% take another course hosted by Greg Gifford.
VICTORIA ROSELIUS  
Web Production Coordinator at CCA Global Partners  
I really enjoyed this course. Normally they are boring, slow, and full of repetitive information. This course is thorough and concise and is presented in a way that is easily digestible and retentive. Great job!


BRADLEY JONES
Co-Founder of Support For Web LLC
If I could leave more than 5 stars I would! I am officially a Greg Gifford groupie! I learned SO much. This course was SO easy to follow and provided lots of actionable ideas. Thank you for providing such a useful course!


COLEEN DEGROFF
Social Media and SEO Manager at Coldwell Banker M. M. Parrish Realtors 
Greg is an amazing presenter - very engaging easy to understand. The course was a great way to intro Local SEO to a beginner, perfectly delivered in small, manageable chunks.

Rachel Ellen 
Local Search Strategist at Croud 
Great instructor, very thorough, well explained. I found this extremely helpful as someone who is new to SEO.


Dawn liddick
Dentalfone
Really amazing presentation of the information. The questions after each part helps to reinforce the knowledge presented. 

Lucas Peczek
J Digital Agency

Meet the Course Leader

course leader

Greg Gifford

Greg Gifford is the Vice President of Search Marketing at SearchLab, a boutique marketing agency specializing in Local SEO and PPC. He’s one of the most in-demand speakers at digital marketing and automotive conferences all over the world, with dynamic movie-themed presentations packed full of actionable tactics and information. He's got over 19 years of online marketing and web design experience, and his expertise in Local SEO has helped hundreds of businesses gain more visibility in local searches.
Greg graduated from Southern Methodist University with a BA in Cinema and Communications, and has an obscure movie quote for just about any situation.
BrightLocal Academy is a free online school dedicated solely to teaching business owners and agency professionals all about local SEO.

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