What local SEO means
Local SEO is about appearing when people nearby search for what you offer, such as "electrician Crawley" or "web design Sussex". These searches often show a map with three businesses, followed by normal results. Both are worth targeting.
1. Claim and complete your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile is the single most important local listing. Choose the right primary category, add your service areas, opening hours, photos and a clear description. Keep it updated.
2. Keep your name, address and phone consistent
Use exactly the same business name, address and phone number on your website, Google profile, Facebook page and directories. Inconsistent details make it harder for Google to trust which information is correct.
3. Build pages around services and places
Create a page for each core service and mention the areas you cover naturally. If you have genuinely worked across several towns, a well written page for each main area can help, as long as each page is useful and not copied and pasted with the town name swapped.
4. Get the on-page basics right
- A unique title tag and meta description for every page
- One clear main heading per page
- Descriptive image file names and alt text
- Internal links between related pages
- A sitemap submitted to Google Search Console
5. Ask for reviews consistently
Reviews help both rankings and conversions. Ask every happy customer, make it easy with a direct link, and reply to every review, positive or negative.
6. Measure what matters
Connect Google Search Console and Google Analytics. Watch which searches bring visitors, which pages get enquiries and where people drop off. Small, regular improvements beat one big change.