Local SEO is how small businesses compete with the big players on Google. You don't need a massive budget. You need to get the fundamentals right. Here are five things you can do today.
1. Make sure your NAP is consistent everywhere
NAP = Name, Address, Phone number. Google cross-references your business details across the web. If your phone number is different on Yell than it is on your website, Google gets confused. Pick one format and stick to it everywhere.
2. Get listed in UK directories
Submit your business to: Yell, Thomson Local, Bark, Checkatrade, MyBuilder, FreeIndex, Yelp UK, 192.com, Scoot, and Hotfrog. These citations build trust with Google and create backlinks to your website.
3. Add Local business schema markup to your website
Schema markup is code that tells Google structured information about your business: your name, address, phone, opening hours, services, and area served. It helps Google understand your website and can get you rich snippets in search results.
4. Create location-specific content
If you serve multiple areas, create content that mentions those areas naturally. A landscaper in Shrewsbury might write about "garden design in Shrewsbury" or "landscaping services across Shropshire". This helps Google associate your business with those locations.
5. Set up Google Search Console
Search Console shows you which search terms people use to find your website, which pages rank, and any technical issues Google has with your site. It's free and takes 10 minutes to set up. Submit your sitemap so Google can find all your pages.
The compound effect
None of these tactics work in isolation. Together, they compound. Your website backs up your GBP. Your citations back up your website. Your schema markup backs up everything. Start with the basics and build from there.