Top 5 Local SEO Mistakes Reno & Tahoe Small Businesses Make (and How to Fix Them)

If your business isn’t showing up in Reno or Tahoe search results, it’s not your fault — but it is fixable. I’ve worked with dozens of local brands, and most of them make the same 5 mistakes that keep them buried on page 3. Let’s change that.

1. Not Claiming Your Google Business Profile
Want to show up when someone Googles “contractor in Reno” or “hair salon near Kings Beach”? You need this.
✅ Fix: Claim your Google Business Profile. Add high-quality photos, accurate hours, and real reviews from local customers.

2. Targeting the Wrong Keywords
Ranking for “Reno business” is vague and useless. You want “metal roofing Reno NV” or “bookkeeping services in South Lake Tahoe.”
✅ Fix: Use geo-targeted, service-based keywords for each page of your website.

3. NAP Inconsistency
That’s Name, Address, Phone. Google wants to see the same info on your website, Google listing, Yelp, BBB, and everywhere else.
✅ Fix: Clean up citations using tools like Moz Local — or hit me up, I’ll do it faster.

4. Slow or Outdated Websites
If your site takes more than 3 seconds to load or looks like it’s from 2010, users (and Google) will bounce.
✅ Fix: Optimize images, use caching, or get a redesign that reflects your Reno or Truckee vibe.

5. No Fresh Content
Posting once a year doesn’t cut it. Even one solid blog per month can boost your SEO.
✅ Fix: Write about seasonal services in Tahoe, business tips for Reno locals, or behind-the-scenes posts with keywords baked in.

Reno and Tahoe customers want to find you. But if your business isn’t optimized for local SEO, it might as well not exist online.

I help businesses in Reno, Truckee, and Lake Tahoe get found, look professional, and grow smarter. Want a free website and SEO checkup? Let’s work together.