Get found on Google as a freelancer: the local SEO guide
Published on August 28, 2026 · By Augmentum · 8 min read
According to Google, nearly half of all searches have local intent, and about 3 in 4 people who search for a business "nearby" on mobile visit one within a day. In other words: if your business doesn't show up when a nearby client types their query, they'll go to the competitor who does. The good news: local SEO doesn't require an advertising budget — just a few solid habits, which AI lets you carry out far faster.
1. Your Google Business Profile: your best asset, and it's free
This is the absolute starting point. According to BrightLocal, a large majority of consumers discover local businesses through Google, and Google states that a complete profile makes customers significantly more likely to contact and visit you. A half-filled profile, conversely, breeds distrust.
Aim for 100% completion: a precise primary category ("accountant" rather than "financial service"), service area, up-to-date hours, phone, website, recent photos, and a clear description. Also use Google "Posts" (small updates) and the Q&A section, which you can feed yourself.
AI saves enormous time on the writing: an optimised description, weekly posts, answers to frequent questions.
Sample prompt: "You are a local SEO expert. Write a 700-character Google Business description for [activity] in [city], professional and warm tone, naturally including the terms my clients search for."
2. Keywords: speak exactly like your clients
Your clients don't type "hair services": they type "hairdresser [city]", "freelance accountant near me", "plumber open Saturday". Since most Google searches happen on mobile, often on the move, these very concrete queries are decisive.
The method: list your clients' real questions and phrases, then weave them naturally into your page titles, your Services page and an FAQ. AI is ideal for generating this list and turning your usual answers into a structured FAQ page.
Sample prompt: "List the 15 most likely Google searches from a client looking for a [profession] in [city], then propose 8 FAQ questions with short, useful answers."
3. Customer reviews: the fuel of local search
According to BrightLocal's survey, a very large majority of consumers check Google reviews before choosing a business, and reviews weigh directly on local ranking. Getting them regularly — and replying — is not optional. The simplest way: systematically ask for a review after a successful job, with a direct link. (We devote a dedicated article to this in this guide.)
4. Consistency of your contact details (the detail that matters)
Google trusts businesses whose name, address and phone are identical everywhere: website, Google profile, social media, directories. Contradictory information (an old number lingering somewhere) blurs the signal. Check and harmonise: an hour's work for a lasting gain.
In Belgium, concretely
Google dominates search in Belgium, so the priority is clear: the Google Business Profile first. Complement it with a few reference directories and, if you have Dutch-speaking clients, take care of the Dutch version of your information too.
Where to start this week
- Claim and complete your Google Business Profile to 100% (1 h).
- List 10 client queries with AI, and place them in your titles and an FAQ (1 h).
- Set up a systematic review request after every job.
Being visible locally isn't a matter of luck or budget: it's a matter of method. And it's exactly the kind of setup we do with freelancers so they appear where their clients are searching.
Sources: Google / Think with Google (local intent, business profiles), BrightLocal — Local Consumer Review Survey & Local SEO statistics 2025.