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How to Rank in Neighboring Towns: A Local SEO Strategy for Service Businesses

One of the most common questions I get from clients is: "How do we rank in towns where we’re not physically located?" Whether you're trying to expand into neighboring towns, counties, or even across state lines, the challenge is the same—you want to rank higher in local search results outside your primary location.

Here’s the good news: it is possible to outrank local competitors in those towns. But it takes work—smart, consistent effort. Let me walk you through how we do it and how you can help us do it even better.

Step 1: What We’re Already Doing

Let’s start by looking at what our team does on your behalf.

1. Town-Specific Pages

We create custom-written dedicated pages for each target town. Google penalizes duplicate content, so every town page has fresh content tailored to the local context.

On these pages, we highlight:

  • The types of services you offer (e.g., aluminum, chain link, wood, privacy fences)

  • Residential vs. commercial applications

  • Local terminology and nuances

  • Service descriptions written as if you were actually there

2. Pinterest Boards

For every town page, we build a Pinterest board filled with authentic, relevant content—photos, inspiration, projects, etc. This can't be faked or automated. Google values these signals as proof of local relevance.

3. FAQs Tailored to Each Town

We add Frequently Asked Questions to each page, and even if some answers are similar across towns, they still need to be localized. For example:

  • Do you install fences in Naples? Yes, and here's how we work in that area.

  • Do I need a permit? That depends—maybe only if the fence is over six feet. We need your input on these details.

  • How much does it cost to get an estimate? You might offer free estimates—unless it’s beyond a certain distance.

4. Project Photos with Geolocation

We use photos taken during real projects, ideally with geolocation data turned on. This tells Google exactly where the photo was taken, helping confirm your local presence.

Step 2: What You Can Do to Help

We’re already building the foundation. But your contributions can make or break your local SEO success. Here’s how you can help us:

1. Project Photos with Geotags

Whenever you complete a job in a target town, take photos with geolocation enabled. Even if they’re not perfect for your gallery or social media, they’re gold for your local page.

2. Town-Specific FAQs

You’re the expert in your service areas—we’re not. Tell us:

  • Common questions you get in that town

  • Local permitting quirks

  • Unique customer concerns

  • Trends or preferences (e.g., “Hardly anyone installs wood fences in Naples; it’s mostly aluminum.”)

These insights add authenticity and local flavor that Google (and potential customers) love.

3. Local Trends & Context

If something significant has changed—like a big new employer coming to town, raising property values and demand for high-end fencing—let us know. This kind of context makes your town page more compelling and current.

4. Iconic Local Photos

Grab shots of:

  • "Welcome to [Town]" signs

  • Local landmarks or parks

  • Public buildings

These photos add legitimacy to the town page and show customers you’re truly active in the area.

5. Testimonials & Customer Photos

Get a photo of the happy customer standing by the newly installed fence—bonus points if they’re near your fence sign. These are fantastic for both social media and the town page. Real people + real locations = trust.

Step 3: Supercharge It with Video

Here are two powerful video strategies that give your town pages an unbeatable edge:

1. Walkthrough Estimate Videos

Have your estimator shoot a 2–3 minute video during the initial visit. They should explain what the customer wants, show the property, and talk through the approach:

“Hey, I’m here in Marco Island looking at a privacy fence. You can see the neighbor’s property is close, so we’re planning to install a 6-foot privacy fence with a gate on the high-traffic side…”

This kind of video:

  • Is geotagged

  • Showcases your expertise

  • Builds page authority over time

2. Town Introduction Videos

Pick someone personable from your team to record a short intro video in that town:

“Hi, I’m Sam from [Your Company]. We’ve been building fences in Marco Island for over 10 years. We love the community here and are proud to serve the area with high-quality fencing solutions…”

Authentic. Personal. Powerful.

Final Thoughts

You want to outrank competitors who are actually located in your target towns. That’s no small feat. But if you help us build authentic, content-rich, locally relevant pages, you can win.

Here’s what it takes:

✅ Consistent content
✅ Real photos
✅ Local knowledge
✅ Testimonials and video

Put in the effort, and we’ll help you beat the competition—no matter where they’re based.

Got questions? Let me know. I’m excited to work with you and make your business dominate local search—together.