When someone in Cheltenham searches for 'plumber near me' or 'accountant Gloucester', Google shows a short list of local businesses before anything else. Getting into that list is what local SEO is about. The good news is that most of the work is straightforward, and many of your competitors won't have done it properly. Here are ten steps you can start on this month.
1. Claim and complete your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile is the single biggest factor in local search. Fill in every field: categories, services, opening hours, service areas, description, photos and a link to your website. Incomplete profiles rarely rank well.
2. Choose the right primary category
Your primary category tells Google what you are. Pick the most specific option that fits, for example 'Wedding photographer' rather than 'Photographer'. You can add secondary categories for other services.
3. Keep your name, address and phone number consistent
Your business name, address and phone number should appear exactly the same on your website, Google profile, Facebook page and any directories. Small differences, such as 'St' and 'Street', can create confusion.
4. Create a page for each service
If you offer five services, give each its own page on your website. A page titled 'Boiler Servicing in Cheltenham' has a much better chance of ranking for that search than a single 'Services' page listing everything.
5. Mention the places you serve
Use town and area names naturally in your page titles, headings and copy, such as Cheltenham, Gloucester, Tewkesbury, Stroud, Cirencester or the Cotswolds. Don't stuff them in; write for people first.
6. Get more Google reviews, and reply to them
Reviews influence both your ranking and whether people click. Ask every happy customer, make it easy with a direct review link, and reply to every review, good or bad, politely and promptly.
7. Make your site fast and mobile-friendly
Most local searches happen on phones. If your site is slow or awkward on a small screen, people leave and Google notices. Compress images, remove unused plugins and test your site on your own phone.
8. Add local business schema
Schema is code that tells search engines exactly what your business is, where it is and when it's open. It can help your listing appear with richer details. Your web designer can add it in under an hour.
9. Build local citations and links
List your business in reputable directories and local sites: Chamber of Commerce, trade bodies, local news sites and community pages. Links from other Gloucestershire websites are a strong local signal.
10. Post regularly on your Google profile
Google Business Profile lets you publish updates, offers and photos. Posting every week or two shows Google your business is active and gives searchers more reasons to choose you.
How long does local SEO take?
You can see improvements within a few weeks for less competitive searches, but most businesses should expect three to six months of steady work to build strong rankings. That's why our Local SEO plans run for a minimum of three months.
Want help?
If you'd rather spend your time running your business, our Local SEO service covers your Google Business Profile, local rankings and reviews from £249 a month. Book a free call and we'll review where you stand today.
Book a free 30-minute call. No pressure, no commitment.