Search engine optimization (SEO) is becoming increasingly geared toward local businesses. But when 93% of all experiences on the web start with a search engine, and a stunning 55% of small businesses still don’t have a website, many of these local businesses still have a ways to go to catch up in the world of SEO.

Could your small business be missing out on all the benefits of a well-run local SEO campaign? Check out this list of the three most essential small business SEO services and tools that you need to be using right now:

Google My Business

Google is by far the largest search engine on the web — so it only makes sense for you to fill out a complete, accurate profile of your business on their Google My Business interface. Whether a customer is searching on Google Maps, Google+ or Google’s regular search, they will be brought to your business. It’s a unified listing service that your business shouldn’t go without when building its local SEO campaign.

Yext

Yext is probably the local listing tool that encompasses the most sites. With Yext, you can check to see which sites have listed your business, from Facebook to Google to Yahoo — and if a site is missing your business’ listing, Yext gives you the option to add it. By listing your local business accurately across multiple locally-focused search sites, you can reach more people with just a little bit of effort.

Moz Local

Moz Local, a program that checks your business’ citations, can help you determine how “complete” your business’ online presence is. It can also show you reviews that customers have left for you online, and notifies you whenever you have a duplicate listing. Best of all, most of Moz Local’s services are free — and an upgraded package costs just $50.

With these three local SEO services and tools at your disposal, connecting your brand to people in your area will be easier and simpler than you ever could have imagined.

Do you have any other local SEO strategies that you have found to be helpful? Share with us in the comments below.