Local SEO
Local SEO is the work that helps a business show up in Google's map and search results when people nearby search for what it offers, such as "bakery near me".
What it means
SEO stands for search engine optimisation. Local SEO is the part that matters to a shop, a clinic or a trade: showing up when someone nearby searches. Those results usually show a map with a few businesses on it, then ordinary search results.
Much of what people see comes from the business's Google Business Profile, the listing with the map pin, hours and reviews. The website supports that listing: it says clearly what the business does and where, and answers the questions people have once they've found it.
An example
A new physio clinic opens on a busy high street. Its website looks good, but a month later people searching "physio near me" two streets away still see three other clinics. Setting up local SEO means a verified, accurate Business Profile in the owner's name, the same name, address and phone number everywhere, and pages that say which treatments the clinic offers and where.
What nobody can promise
Google decides the order of results, and no one outside Google controls it. Honest local SEO work makes a business easy for Google and for customers to understand. It doesn't promise a position.
In Volant
Search work is shown to the client as dated before and after results you can both check, never as a promised ranking.