Optimize Your Pet Groomer's Local SEO with Ahrefs

May 27, 2023·Nataliia· 13 min read All posts

Local searches are driving more and more customers to pet groomers. But are you showing up in those results?

Here are some eye-opening statistics on the importance of local SEO for pet groomers:

45%↑

Pet groomers use local SEO

According to recent surveys

65%↑

Pet groomers rank on Google's 1st page

Based on recent data analysis

75%↑

Pet groomers get more customers from local search

Based on expert interviews

25%↓

Pet groomers struggle with local SEO

Based on DataLatte's experience

Before we dive into the solution, it's essential to understand the challenges pet groomers face in local SEO.

Competition from big chains: Large pet grooming chains have a strong online presence, making it difficult for local businesses to compete.
Limited resources: Small pet grooming businesses often have limited budgets and resources to dedicate to SEO.
Difficulty in tracking performance: Pet groomers might struggle to track their website's performance, making it challenging to optimize effectively.

Enter Ahrefs, a powerful SEO tool that can help pet groomers overcome these challenges.

Ahrefs offers a range of features that cater specifically to local SEO needs, including:

Local SEO audit: Identify areas for improvement and get actionable recommendations to boost your local search rankings.
Keyword research: Discover relevant keywords and phrases to optimize your website for local search.
Backlink analysis: Analyze your website's backlinks and identify opportunities for improvement.

Let's take a closer look at how Ahrefs can help pet groomers improve their local SEO.

Step 1: Conduct a Local SEO Audit

Conducting a local SEO audit is the first step in understanding your website's strengths and weaknesses. Ahrefs' local SEO audit tool provides a comprehensive report on:

Keyword rankings: Identify your website's current keyword rankings and areas for improvement.
Backlink profile: Analyze your website's backlink profile and identify opportunities for improvement.
Technical SEO: Identify technical SEO issues that can impact your website's performance.

Here's an example of what an Ahrefs local SEO audit report might look like:

Local SEO Audit Report

Keyword Rankings

85%

Backlink Profile

72%

Technical SEOBest

90%

Ahrefs local SEO audit report

Tip: Use the findings from your local SEO audit to prioritize your optimization efforts.

Step 2: Optimize Your Website for Local SEO

Once you've identified areas for improvement, it's time to optimize your website for local SEO. Here are some key areas to focus on:

Keyword optimization: Use relevant keywords and phrases in your website's content, meta tags, and titles.
Content creation: Create high-quality, engaging content that showcases your expertise and attracts links.
Local citations: Claim and optimize your Google My Business listing, and ensure consistency across all local citations.

Callout: Don't forget to keep your website's content fresh and up-to-date. Search engines reward websites with new, relevant content.

Step 3: Leverage Ahrefs' Backlink Analysis Tool

Ahrefs' backlink analysis tool provides a comprehensive view of your website's backlinks. Use this tool to:

Identify high-quality backlinks: Analyze your website's backlinks and identify high-quality sources.
Remove low-quality backlinks: Use Ahrefs' tools to remove low-quality backlinks that can harm your website's credibility.

Example: Suppose you have a pet grooming business in Los Angeles. Ahrefs' backlink analysis tool might reveal that you have a high-quality backlink from a popular pet grooming blog.

Step 4: Monitor Your Website's Performance

Finally, it's essential to monitor your website's performance and adjust your optimization efforts accordingly. Use Ahrefs' tools to:

Track keyword rankings: Monitor your website's keyword rankings and adjust your optimization efforts accordingly.
Analyze traffic: Use Ahrefs' tools to analyze your website's traffic and identify areas for improvement.

Callout: Don't rely solely on Ahrefs' tools. Monitor your website's performance manually and adjust your optimization efforts accordingly.

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to see results from Ahrefs' local SEO tools? A: Results from Ahrefs' local SEO tools can vary depending on the complexity of your website and the effectiveness of your optimization efforts.

Q: Can I use Ahrefs' local SEO tools for free? A: No, Ahrefs' local SEO tools require a subscription. However, you can use their free trial to explore their features.

Q: How do I know if Ahrefs' local SEO tools are right for my pet grooming business? A: Ahrefs' local SEO tools are suitable for pet grooming businesses of all sizes. However, if you're unsure, consult with a local SEO expert.

Q: Can I use Ahrefs' local SEO tools in conjunction with other local SEO strategies? A: Yes, Ahrefs' local SEO tools can be used in conjunction with other local SEO strategies, such as Google Ads and content marketing.

Q: How do I get started with Ahrefs' local SEO tools? A: To get started with Ahrefs' local SEO tools, sign up for a free trial and explore their features.

Q: Can I use Ahrefs' local SEO tools for multiple locations? A: Yes, Ahrefs' local SEO tools can be used for multiple locations. However, you'll need to purchase separate subscriptions for each location.

Callout: Don't forget to take advantage of Ahrefs' free trial to explore their features.

If you're ready to take your pet grooming business to the next level with Ahrefs' local SEO tools, contact us today for a free consultation and audit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I really need Ahrefs? I’m a small pet groomer with a limited budget.

You don’t need Ahrefs — you can survive without it. But you’re flying blind. The $99/month Lite plan pays for itself if it helps you find one keyword that brings in one new client per month. I’ve seen it happen repeatedly. If $99 is too much, start with Google’s free tools (Search Console, GBP insights, and Keyword Planner) — but you’ll spend more time guessing. Most of the mistakes I described came from groomers who tried to do it without data. Ahrefs is a shortcut to answers. If you’re serious about growing, it’s the best $99 you’ll spend.

Q: How long until I see results from local SEO?

The honest answer: 4 to 12 weeks for meaningful movement, depending on your starting point. If your GBP is a mess (see mistake #1), you can fix that in a week and see changes in 2–3 weeks. If your backlink profile is empty, expect 12 weeks. For keyword ranking improvements, allow 6–8 weeks after publishing new pages. The groomer in Nashville saw results in 6 weeks. The one in Portland took 12 because we were building links from scratch. There’s no miracle pill — but you should see something within two months. If you don’t, something else is broken.

Q: Should I pay for Yelp ads?

Almost certainly not for a local groomer. Yelp’s ad platform is expensive and the clicks are often low-intent. I’ve seen shops spend $500/month on Yelp ads and get maybe $800 in revenue — a 60% ROI, but that same $500 spent on Google Ads with well-targeted local keywords would give you 3x the return. Yelp is useful for listing and reviews — claim your page, add photos, respond to reviews — but treat Yelp ads as a luxury, not a necessity. Test with $100 for two weeks, track calls, then decide.

Q: I don’t have a website yet. Where should I start?

Start with a Google Business Profile — it’s free and you can begin attracting customers immediately. Then build a simple website using Squarespace, Wix, or WordPress with a local SEO template. A one-page site with your services, prices, photos, and a booking link is enough. Don’t overthink design. Publish that within two weeks. Then optimize your GBP. Then create the service pages I described earlier. You can always upgrade later. The worst thing you can do is procrastinate on building a site because you’re afraid it won’t be perfect.

Q: Can I do all this myself, or do I need to hire a local SEO specialist?

You can do everything I described in this article yourself — if you have the time and patience. The work isn’t technically hard; it’s tedious. If you spend 5 hours a week on it for three months, you’ll see results. If you’d rather focus on grooming dogs (which makes you money), hire someone who specializes in local SEO for small businesses. But don’t hire a random agency that promises “game-changing” results — vet them. Ask if they’ve worked with a groomer before. I’ve seen more small businesses burn $2,000/month on bad SEO agencies than I can count.

Q: How do I compete with PetSmart and other big chains?

You don’t compete head-on with PetSmart for generic “dog grooming” — you’ll lose. You compete on specificity, personalization, and local trust. PetSmart can’t answer the phone at 8 PM and say “bring your old golden retriever in 30 minutes” — you can. They can’t know the name of every dog that walks in — you can. Use your Google Business Profile to highlight your specialization (poodles, seniors, mobile service). Target keywords like “doodle grooming [neighborhood]” where PetSmart doesn’t even show up. And get those local backlinks. A link from your local SPCA is worth more to a local search than a thousand links from pet product blogs. Lean into your location and your personality. Chains are bland. You’re not.

I spent a decade at agencies where we threw budgets at national campaigns and watched small businesses get ignored. The clients who won were the ones who ignored the hype, fixed the boring fundamentals, and checked the data before spending a dollar. Your pet grooming business doesn’t need a “digital transformation.” It needs accurate hours, the right keywords, and a way to ask for reviews that doesn’t feel like begging. That’s it.

If you want me to spend an hour looking at your specific situation — no jargon, no pressure — I do free 30-minute consults because I’d rather fix one mess properly than pitch a five-figure retainer.

Book a free consultation

Free for local businesses

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I'll review your Google presence, local SEO, and ad accounts — and send you a specific action plan within 48 hours. No pitch, no pressure.

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Nataliia

Local marketing strategist with 10+ years at global agencies — OMD, Dentsu, GroupM, and BBDO. Now helping small businesses get the same data-driven edge. Based in Europe, working with clients in the US, UK, Australia, and beyond.

About Nataliia