How To DOMINATE [KEYWORD] + [CITY] Google Rankings For LOCAL SEO?

Hi SEO Elite

I am trying to get a web page ranked no.1 for a local service-based business and would like to get no.1 on [SERVICE] + [CITY/TOWN].

Can any Local SEO Ninja's give me some tips which have tended to work consistently? Perhaps it's backlinks (e.g., getting backlinks pointing to the URL with [SERVICE + CITY/TOWN] anchor text?

or the number of words on the page vs. competitors?

Appreciate your help.

Thanks