Local SEO for Businesses in Tourist Towns: Tips to Attract Seasonal Visitors

Stand Out This Season: Local SEO for Small Businesses in Tourist Towns

If you run a small business in a place like Jackson Hole, Wyoming or Boulder, Colorado, you know just how important the tourist season can be for your bottom line. But as more travelers rely on Google to find restaurants, shops, guides, and services in unfamiliar towns, your visibility online can directly impact your success. That’s where local SEO for small businesses comes in.

Local SEO ensures your business shows up where it matters most – on search engines and map apps when tourists are looking for exactly what you offer. Below are some actionable tips to help you capitalize on the busy season and drive more foot traffic (and web traffic!) to your business.

business on street corner

1. Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile is one of the most powerful tools for local SEO for your small business. Be sure to:

  • Claim your listing and verify ownership
  • Keep your hours up to date (especially during holidays and peak season)
  • Add photos of your storefront, products, or menu
  • Respond to reviews regularly

Travelers often check reviews and photos before visiting a new business – don’t leave them guessing!

2. Use Localized Keywords on Your Website

Incorporate your town and region into key places like:

  • Page titles and meta descriptions
  • Homepage headers and body content
  • Service pages and blog posts
    Example: Instead of just “Custom Bike Rentals,” try “Custom Bike Rentals in Jackson Hole, WY.”

This helps search engines understand where you are – and helps visitors find you when they’re searching nearby.

3. Create a Dedicated Location Page

If your business serves tourists in a specific area, create a dedicated page on your website that highlights your location and services in that area. Include:

  • Local landmarks or points of interest nearby
  • How tourists can access your location (walk, drive, shuttle, etc.)
  • Special offerings for visitors (like seasonal packages or walk-in availability)

This page can serve as a great landing page for both SEO and paid ads.

4. Encourage (and Respond to) Online Reviews

Travelers trust peer reviews – sometimes even more than a business’s own website. Ask happy customers to leave reviews, and always respond (especially to negative ones) in a timely and professional way. Google takes engagement into account when ranking businesses in local search results.

5. Be Mobile-Friendly and Fast

Tourists are often searching from their phones while on the go. A fast-loading, mobile-optimized website makes it easy for potential customers to find information, get directions, or contact you. It also reduces bounce rates – which Google notices.

webpage with local SEO for small businesses

Capture More Visitors with Smart Local SEO

Whether you run a boutique hotel, gear rental shop, spa, or restaurant in a busy tourist destination, local SEO for small businesses can make the difference between a visitor finding you or your competition.

Need help optimizing your local presence? At Gliffen Digital Agency, we help businesses in tourist towns like Jackson Hole and Boulder show up and stand out with local SEO, web design, and digital marketing that drives results.

Let’s Put Your Business on the Map

Contact us today to learn how we can help your small business attract more visitors this season and beyond.