How to Get Your Business Found Online in Laramie, Wyoming
If you run a business in Laramie, you already know the town has a unique mix of customers. You’ve got University of Wyoming students and staff, ranchers and ag workers, outdoor enthusiasts passing through on I-80, and long-time locals who remember when Grand Avenue looked completely different. It’s a tight-knit community where word-of-mouth still matters. But more and more, people are finding local businesses the same way they find everything else: by typing into Google.
And that’s where a lot of Laramie business owners get stuck.
Why most Laramie businesses don’t show up on Google
Here’s the simple truth: Google doesn’t know your business exists unless you tell it. And even then, it needs proof that you’re legitimate, relevant, and nearby. Most small businesses in Laramie either haven’t set up their online presence properly, or they’ve set it up once and forgotten about it. That’s why a search for “coffee shop Laramie” or “plumber near me” often shows the same few names — the ones that have done the basics.
The good news? You don’t need to be a tech expert to fix this. You just need to do a few things consistently.
Tip 1: Claim and complete your Google Business Profile
This is the single most important thing you can do. Go to Google Business Profile (it’s free) and claim your listing. Fill out every field: address, phone number, hours, website, and category. Add photos of your storefront, your products, and your team. Google rewards profiles that are complete and up-to-date. If you’re a restaurant or retail shop, post a photo of today’s special or a new arrival once a week.
Tip 2: Ask for reviews — and respond to them
Reviews are like gold for local rankings. After a customer has a good experience, send them a short text or email with a direct link to leave a Google review. Don’t offer discounts or freebies in exchange — that’s against Google’s rules. Just ask nicely. And when you get a review, reply to it. A simple “Thanks, Sarah!” or “Glad we could help, Mike” shows Google (and future customers) that you’re active and care.
Tip 3: Make your website work on a phone
More than half of local searches happen on a phone. If your website takes more than three seconds to load, or if text is tiny and buttons are hard to tap, people will leave. Google notices this and ranks you lower. Use a tool like Google’s free Mobile-Friendly Test to check. If your site fails, talk to your web host or a local developer about a simple, fast mobile design.
Tip 4: Use local keywords naturally
When you write about your business, mention Laramie. Instead of “We sell handmade furniture,” say “Handmade furniture built in Laramie, Wyoming.” Instead of “Dentist offering cleanings,” say “Dentist serving Laramie families since 2012.” Use phrases like “near Laramie,” “downtown Laramie,” or “Laramie WY” in your website text, blog posts, and service pages. Google uses these local signals to match you with nearby searchers.
What about backlinks? (And why they matter)
Backlinks are simply links from other websites to yours. Think of them as online word-of-mouth. When a trusted website — say, the Laramie Boomerang or the University of Wyoming — links to your site, Google sees that as a vote of confidence. The more quality backlinks you have, the more Google trusts your business. And the