How to get found on Google: local SEO basics for small UK businesses
Three things matter most: a complete Google Business Profile, a website that clearly names what you do and where, and a steady stream of genuine reviews. Get those right before spending money on anything fancier.
"SEO" sounds technical, but for a local business it's mostly common sense, done consistently. Here's what actually matters, in order of impact.
1. Claim and complete your Google Business Profile
This is the single biggest lever for local search. Fill in every field: category, hours, service area, photos, and a proper description. An incomplete profile is the most common reason a good business doesn't show up on the map.
2. Make your website say what you do and where
Google needs to understand your business to rank it. Name your service and your town in your homepage title and headline, not just buried in a paragraph. "Kitchen fitter in Otley" beats a clever tagline that mentions neither.
3. Get genuine reviews, consistently
Reviews influence both rankings and whether people choose you over a competitor. Ask happy customers directly, ideally with a link that takes them straight to leaving one. A steady trickle beats a one-off burst.
4. Keep your details consistent everywhere
Your business name, address and phone number should match exactly across your website, Google profile, Facebook and any directories. Mismatches confuse Google about whether it's really the same business.
5. Make sure your site actually works on a phone
Most local searches happen on mobile, and Google factors in how well your site performs there. A slow or fiddly mobile site can undo all the work above.
Every site we build is set up with clean, fast pages and your service area clearly named from day one, the on-page basics local SEO needs. We can't promise a number one ranking, nobody honestly can, but we make sure your site isn't the thing holding you back.
Talk to us about your website →Common questions
What is local SEO?+
Local SEO is the set of steps that help your business show up when nearby customers search for what you do, mainly your Google Business Profile, your website, and your reviews.
Do I need to pay for local SEO?+
Not necessarily. Claiming and completing your Google Business Profile, naming your area on your website and asking happy customers for reviews are all free and cover most of the benefit.
How long does local SEO take to work?+
Usually a few weeks to a few months. It builds gradually as Google gathers more signals about your business, rather than happening overnight.