RankMath: Local SEO & Knowledge Panel Optimization

Step 1: Set Up Local Business Schema

Where to Configure:

• WordPress Dashboard → Rank Math → Titles & Meta → Local SEO
• Enable "Local SEO" module first

Essential Information to Enter:

• Business Name: "ABC Dental Practice" (exact match your Google Business Profile)
• Business Type: Select from dropdown (e.g., "Dentist", "Medical Business")
• Address: Complete street address (no PO boxes)
• Phone: Primary business number (consistent everywhere)
• Business Hours: Exact hours matching Google Business Profile

Example Setup:

Step 2: Optimize Homepage for Local Signals

Title Tag Formula: "[Service] in [City] | [Business Name]"

Examples:

• ✅ "Family Dentist in Chicago | Chicago Family Dental Center"
• ✅ "Emergency Plumber Dallas | Rapid Response Plumbing"
• ❌ "Best Dentist Ever | Amazing Dental" (no location)

Homepage Content Must Include:

NAP in Footer/Contact Section:

Local Keywords in Content:

• "Chicago dental practice"
• "dentist near downtown Chicago"
• "dental services Chicago IL"
• "[neighborhood] dentist" (e.g., "Lincoln Park dentist")

Service Area Mentions: "Serving patients throughout Chicago including Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, River North, and surrounding areas."

Step 3: Create Location-Specific Service Pages ❌

Page Structure for Each Service:

Title Format: "[Service] in [City] | [Business Name]" Example: "Dental Implants in Chicago | Chicago Family Dental"

Content Template:

H1: [Service] in [City]H2: Why Choose Our [City] [Service]?H2: [Service] Process at Our [City] LocationH2: [Service] Costs in [City]  H2: Schedule [Service] in [City] Today

Local Content Elements:

• Mention specific neighborhoods you serve
• Include local landmarks as reference points
• Add city/state to service descriptions naturally
• Reference local competitors respectfully (if beneficial)

Sample Content: "Our Chicago dental implant specialists have served the downtown area for over 15 years. Located just blocks from Millennium Park, we're easily accessible from the Loop, River North, and Gold Coast neighborhoods."

Step 4: Build Knowledge Panel Triggers

Required Schema Types (RankMath Auto-Implements):

LocalBusiness Schema - Homepage:

• Organization name, address, phone
• Business hours and service areas
• Social media profiles
• Logo and images

Person Schema - About/Team Pages:

• For business owners/key practitioners
• Professional credentials and experience
• Awards and certifications
• Education background

FAQ Schema - Service Pages:

• Common local questions
• "Do you serve [nearby cities]?"
• "What areas of [city] do you cover?"

Example FAQ for Knowledge Panel:

Step 5: Optimize for "Near Me" Searches ❌

Target Keywords:

• "dentist near me"
• "emergency dentist near me"
• "[service] near me"

Content Strategy: Create "Near Me" Landing Pages:

URL: yoursite.com/dentist-near-me Title: "Dentist Near Me in Chicago | Same-Day Appointments Available"

Content Structure:

Include Interactive Elements:

• Embedded Google Map
• "Get Directions" button
• Distance from major landmarks
• Public transportation access

Step 6: Local Citation & Directory Optimization ❌

Priority Directories (Submit Consistent NAP):

1. Google Business Profile (most critical)
2. Bing Places for Business
3. Apple Maps (Apple Business Connect)
4. Yelp Business
5. Facebook Business Page

Industry-Specific Directories:

• Healthcare: Healthgrades, WebMD, Zocdoc
• Legal: Avvo, Justia, FindLaw
• Home Services: Angie's List, HomeAdvisor, Thumbtack

NAP Consistency Check: Every listing must have IDENTICAL:

• Business name spelling
• Address format
• Phone number
• Website URL

Step 7: Content Localization Strategy ❌

Create City/Neighborhood Pages:

URL Structure:

• yoursite.com/chicago-dentist/
• yoursite.com/lincoln-park-dentist/
• yoursite.com/downtown-chicago-dental/

Content Formula:

H1: [Service] in [Specific Area]H2: About [Area] - Why We Love Serving This CommunityH2: Our [Service] for [Area] Residents  H2: What Makes [Area] Special for [Service]H2: Convenient Location for [Area] Patients

Local Content Ideas:

• Reference local events and community involvement
• Mention proximity to local landmarks
• Include neighborhood-specific testimonials
• Add photos of local area (with proper permissions)

Example Content: "As Lincoln Park's trusted family dentist, we understand the unique needs of this vibrant neighborhood. Many of our patients walk to our office after visiting Lincoln Park Zoo or grabbing coffee on Armitage Avenue."

Step 8: Monitor Local SEO Performance ❌

Track These Metrics:

Google Business Profile Insights:

• Search queries (how people find you)
• Customer actions (calls, website visits, direction requests)
• Photo views and engagement

Google Search Console - Local Queries:

• "[business name] + location" searches
• "near me" keyword performance
• Local service keyword rankings

Knowledge Panel Monitoring:

• Search your business name + city
• Check for Knowledge Panel appearance
• Monitor info accuracy and completeness

Success Indicators:

• 🎯 Business appears in local map pack (top 3)
• 🎯 Knowledge Panel shows for brand searches
• 🎯 "Near me" searches drive traffic
• 🎯 Consistent NAP across all platforms