Local SEO guide

Local SEO helps your business appear in local searches, especially on Google Maps and “near me” results. If you serve a specific area, local SEO drives high-intent traffic.

Step 1: Optimise your Google Business Profile

Your GBP listing is the foundation. Ensure you have:

• Accurate business name
• Correct address
• Consistent phone number
• Website link
• Business hours
• Categories that match your services
• Good photos
• Regular updates or posts

Step 2: Consistent citations

Citations are mentions of your business across the web. They must match your GBP exactly: name, address, phone. Use directories such as Yelp, Bing Places, Apple Maps, Facebook, and relevant local directories.

Step 3: Reviews

Reviews improve trust, local rankings, and conversions. Make it easy for customers to leave reviews: send a direct link, thank them afterwards, reply to every review.

Step 4: Local keywords in content

Use your location in headlines, title tags, meta descriptions, and on-page content. For example: “Web Design in Stratford-upon-Avon” or “Shopify Developer in Warwickshire”. Link internally from pages to your contact or about page.

Step 5: Local backlinks

Local backlinks help: local directories, sponsorships, local news, partnerships. They carry strong local SEO value.

Step 6: Local content (optional)

Create content aimed at local intent, e.g. “How to choose a web designer in Stratford-upon-Avon”. It builds local authority.

Step 7: Speed and mobile

Local search is heavily mobile. Your site must load quickly and work well on phones. See Website speed and Core Web Vitals.

Consistent reviews, a strong GBP profile, and helpful content support local visibility over time. See Analytics and tracking for measuring what works.