Read time: 6 min read
If you run a business that serves a local area - whether you're an electrician in Eastleigh, a beauty therapist in Basingstoke, or a dog groomer in Winchester - local SEO is probably the most important marketing tool you're not using properly. Let's fix that.
What is local SEO, actually?
Local SEO is simply the process of making your business show up when people nearby search for what you offer. When someone types 'electrician near me' or 'hairdresser Southampton' into Google, local SEO determines whether you appear - or whether your competitor does.
It's different from traditional SEO because it focuses on location and intent. The people searching are ready to book, not just browsing.
Start with your Google Business Profile
If you do nothing else after reading this, set up and fully complete your Google Business Profile (it's free). This is what powers those local map results - the three businesses that appear in a box when you search for a local service.
A fully completed profile means: your correct business name, address, and phone number; your opening hours; high-quality photos of your work; your service area; and a description of what you do. Then, reviews. Google reviews are gold for local SEO - they signal trust and relevance.
Make sure your website speaks local
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Include your town and county naturally throughout your website - not stuffed in awkwardly, but genuinely woven into your copy
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Have a dedicated page for each main service you offer
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If you serve multiple areas (e.g. Southampton AND Winchester AND Fareham), consider creating a page for each
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Add your address and phone number to every page - usually in the footer
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Embed a Google Map on your contact page
Get listed in the right places
Consistency matters. Make sure your business name, address, and phone number are identical across every directory you're listed in: Google, Yell, Checkatrade, TrustATrader, Facebook, and any industry-specific sites.
Even small discrepancies - like 'St' vs 'Street' - can confuse Google and hurt your rankings.
For local businesses, being at the top of Google's local results is the equivalent of having the best shop front on the high street. Except it's open 24/7 and people find you the moment they need you.
Reviews really do matter
We can't overstate this: Google reviews are one of the biggest local ranking factors. A business with 50 reviews will almost always outrank one with 5, even if everything else is equal.
Don't be shy about asking happy customers. A simple "Could you leave us a Google review? It really helps us out" goes a long way. You can even share a direct link to make it as easy as possible.
š If your website is getting visitors but not enquiries, ClearCut Agency can help you find out exactly why, and fix it. We bring our expertise working with major FMCG, tech and fashion brands to helping your business grow and thrive, across the marketing funnel so your business can get new customers, easily and consistently.
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