Beginners Guide to Local SEO 2025

Since 2004, local SEO has been at the forefront of Google and Bing search algorithms, allowing users to find the services they require in their local vicinity. As time has passed and the internet has evolved, so has Local SEO. 

Do I need Local SEO? 

If you want to reach customers who are physically near your business, then yes. By focusing on your local SEO, as well as “normal SEO”, your business will have a higher chance of appearing in local search results on Google. 

There are many ways to optimise your website or business listing, and this guide will cover the main points to best start your journey into optimising your business for local search. 

Top tips for conquering your Local SEO

Before we start, if you’re unsure about optimising your website and local listing, our in-house SEO team will be more than happy to help you with all your SEO needs. Contact us today 

While this is not an exhaustive list, there are many ways in which to optimise your business to appear on search engine’s local listings, however, by following the basics you’re more likely to succeed in appearing in local search results. 

Let’s begin…

• Optimising your website for Local Search

There are many ways for you to optimise your website for local search. These can be through location service pages, creating localised blog content, location-based keywords, and adding NAP citations (see below) in the footer. Optimising your website to target local areas your business serves will give you a better chance of appearing in rich results. 

• Using Schema Markup

Schema markup is like giving search engines a helpful cheat sheet about your business. It’s a bit of code you can add to your website that tells search engines things about your business like address, phone number, and opening hours. This makes it easier for search engines to rank your business in local search and rich results. 

• Local Keywords in your Meta Tags

Optimising your meta tags (meta title and description) with localised keywords is a simple but effective way to optimise for local search. Instead of writing a title like “Best SEO service | Website Design Ltd”, write “Best SEO service in Colchester | Website Design Ltd”. Equally, when writing meta descriptions, add locations to better help search engines understand who and where you’re targeting.  By adding the location you serve in the meta tags; your website has a higher chance of ranking in local search. 

• Location-based FAQs 

FAQs (frequently asked questions) are such a cool way of telling your customers what to expect when they use your service. Especially when you can use their questions when writing. Location-based FAQs can be used to help customers understand the areas you serve while answering questions like “Who is the best marketing service in Colchester?”… Website Design, of course, if you were wondering.

Also, by using tools like AlsoAsked, you can add long-tail keywords with locations in these sections which can have the additional benefit of appearing in voice search. A double win – show up in local and voice searches. 

• Creating a Google Business Profile

A Business Profile from Google, previously Google My Business, or Bing Places for Business, are great tools for helping place your business listing inside local search results, ie Map and Search. When you create your listing you are verifying to Google that your business is authentic and real. 

• Keep current information updated. 

Keeping your business profile updated with current information may seem obvious, but with a growing business, information can change and be overlooked.

Opening times, holidays, social profiles (Facebook, Instagram, X & TikTok), and images are all elements that can keep your business profile fresh and relevant – all things Google loves!

• Adding a website to your Business Profile

One of the benefits of a Business Profile is the option to attach a website to your listing. This option allows businesses like yours to reach new users/customers, which could lead to conversions and leads.

• Encourage business reviews

Your business was created to help deliver services or sell products to people in your niche. Reviews have always been the best way to let users tell others how great you are. 

It is proven that people are more likely to use a service or buy a product that has been recommended by others. This is why Google makes it easy for businesses to showcase their amazing reviews in their business profile listings. 

• NAP Citations

Name, Address, and Phone information. It seems obvious, but people need to know who you are, where you are, and how to phone you. 

All this information is vital for keeping users up to date about you. If you were to move your business, change your name, or update your phone number, the potential losses to your business could be catastrophic. 

Keeping this information up-to-date can signal to Google that your business is fresh and active. 

• Business Updates on Business Profile 

You want to shout about your business, which is why you most likely have a social media page. Another great option for your Business Profile by Google is giving customers regular updates about your business. 

Whether you have an upcoming sale, an anniversary, an event, or even a blog post, posting updates on your Business Profile allows you to remain relevant and build trust with your new customers. 

• Including a description of your business. 

A short, concise description explaining how your business can help the user searching for your services will help you reach a larger audience. This will hopefully lead to more calls and visits. 

• Creating on-site content targeting locations 

Creating content and pages that target where your customers are located will signal to Google that your business deserves to be on the local search results page. 

Conclusion  

Following this short guide will help you optimise your business for local search. Here at Website Design, our team is well-versed in all areas of SEO, including Local SEO, as well as other services from Website Creation to Digital Marketing. If you want to grow your business and reach your target audience. Talk to our team today!