When people think about SEO, most picture things happening on their website - adding the right keywords, making sure pages load quickly, maybe writing blog posts. Those things do matter, but they’re only part of the picture.
In Philadelphia, a lot of what determines where you show up in Google doesn’t happen on your website at all. Our Philadelphia SEO services focus on both on-site and off-page work so you get the best possible results.
Google looks at your overall presence online, and that includes things you can’t see when you’re just staring at your homepage. If you want to compete here, especially in crowded markets, you need to think beyond your own site.
Reviews: More Than a Star Rating
Everyone knows reviews matter. That’s nothing new. But the way they work for local SEO is worth understanding.
When you have a strong set of recent, positive reviews, it helps in two ways:
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It makes people click on you. Even if you and a competitor both show up on the first page, if you have a 4.9 average rating with 150+ reviews and they have a 3.7 with 20 reviews, people are going to click you more often. Google notices that click behavior.
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It’s a ranking signal. Google wants to recommend businesses that are both relevant and trusted. Reviews give them a clear, public way to measure trust.
It’s not just about the number. A steady stream of new reviews shows you’re active and still keeping customers happy. If your last review is from three years ago, it doesn’t carry the same weight.
Local Awards and Recognition Lists
This is an area where most businesses, and honestly, a lot of SEO agencies, don’t put in the work. Being featured on a “Top Doctors” list, winning a “Best of Philly” award, or even being included in a local “Top 10” roundup can help more than most people think.
Here’s why these matter for SEO:
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Backlinks from strong sites. If a respected local site links to you, that’s a vote of confidence in Google’s eyes.
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Brand searches. When someone sees your name in a list, they might search for you directly later. Those branded searches tell Google you’re in demand.
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Authority by association. If you’re mentioned alongside other respected businesses, it lifts your credibility.
These aren’t things you can get by paying $99/month for “SEO.” They require outreach, relationships, and a little PR effort, but they can create long-term value for both rankings and reputation.
Local Citations That Actually Matter
Citations are simply mentions of your business’s name, address, and phone number on other websites. Think of it as a way for Google to double-check your business info around the web.
Most people know about national directories like Yelp, Angi, and Yellow Pages. Those are fine, but in a city like Philadelphia, local citations can have more impact.
Some examples:
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Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce
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Local neighborhood business associations (Fishtown BID, East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District, etc.)
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City-focused blogs or directories that highlight local businesses
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Industry-specific Philly directories (ex: “Best Philly Wedding Vendors”)
When your business shows up in these places, it reinforces to Google that you are truly local and connected to the community. That’s the kind of signal that can help you show up higher in searches like “SEO company in Philadelphia” or “best pizza in South Philly.”
Why Off-Site SEO Matters So Much Here
Philadelphia is competitive. Whatever industry you’re in, you probably have a lot of other businesses fighting for the same customers and the same spots in Google.
Your website’s optimization is still important, but if your competitor has a site that’s just as good as yours, and they have better reviews, stronger local citations, and more recognition from trusted Philly sources, they’re going to win.
Google’s local algorithm works a lot like word-of-mouth. Your website is your own voice saying, “Here’s what I do and why I’m good at it.” Off-site SEO is everyone else saying, “Yeah, they really are good.”
When both of those line up, you’re in the best position to rank higher and stay there.
