If your business isn’t ranking on Google Maps, you might as well be invisible. In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I am joined by local SEO expert Josh Thompson, founder of Bright Beam SEO. They dive deep into practical strategies that local business owners can implement today to rank higher in local search results.

Josh shares his powerful OCTBR SEO framework—Optimize, Content, Targeting, Backlinks, and Reviews—and explains why focusing on bottom-of-the-funnel searchers leads to real, revenue-generating results. From the future of AI in search to the simple tweaks you can make to your Google Business Profile, this episode is a masterclass for business owners who want to get found by customers ready to buy.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Google Maps rankings matter more than ever
• The most common local SEO mistakes (and how to avoid them)
• The real deal on backlinks—and how to earn quality ones
• How to future-proof your business against AI-driven search
• Josh’s go-to SEO strategies for immediate visibility gains

Timestamps: 

00:00 Introduction: The Power of Google Search

00:29 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing

01:06 Understanding Local SEO with Josh Thompson

02:19 The Importance of Google Maps for Small Businesses

05:49 SEO Strategies: Optimize, Content, Target, Backlinks, Reviews

09:38 Impact of AI on Local SEO

14:02 Building Effective Backlinks

19:26 Quick Wins for Improving Local SEO

22:28 Common SEO Mistakes to Avoid

26:59 Conclusion and Contact Information

Don’t miss this chance to turn Google into your best lead generator. Tune in now and walk away with a game plan for better visibility, stronger reviews, and more ideal customers.

Visit Joshua Thompson:

Website: https://brightbeamseo.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshualinked

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@brightbeamseo

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:

Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/

Website: https://yournextstep.agency/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab

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