How to Improve Local SEO on Your Website (and Get Found Nearby)

If your business serves a local area — whether it’s a café, a service company, or a creative studio — local SEO is one of the most powerful ways to attract nearby customers.

It helps you appear when people search for things like “best plumber in Manchester” or “coffee shops near me.”

In this guide, we’ll explain what local SEO really means, why it matters, and how to take simple steps (no tech skills required) to help your site rank higher locally.

Why Local SEO Matters

Local SEO connects you with customers who are ready to buy — right now and right near you.

Here’s why it’s so valuable:

• 46% of all Google searches have local intent

• 76% of local searches lead to a visit within 24 hours

• 28% of those searches end in a purchase

  
  

In short: people searching locally are high-intent customers. If your business doesn’t show up, they’ll go elsewhere.

What goaimysite.com Tells You

When you see “Local SEO” feedback in your goaimysite.com analysis, it usually means:

• Your location or contact details aren’t consistent across your site

• Your pages don’t mention your service area clearly enough

• You’re missing location-based keywords (like “in Leeds” or “near Bristol”)

• You haven’t fully optimised your Google Business Profile

Each of these signals helps Google understand where you’re based and who you serve.

How to Fix and Improve Your Local SEO

You don’t need to be a web developer — just follow these practical steps:

1. Make Sure Your Details Match Everywhere

Keep your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) exactly the same on:

• Your website

• Google Business Profile

• Social media

• Online directories

  
  

Even small differences (like “St.” vs “Street”) can confuse search engines.

2. Add Your Location to Key Pages

Your homepage and contact page should clearly mention:

• Your business name and full address

• The main area you serve

• Directions or nearby landmarks

  
  

For example:

“Based in central Leeds, just off Briggate — serving clients across Yorkshire.”

This gives Google context and helps customers feel confident they’ve found the right local business.

3. Optimise Your Google Business Profile

If you haven’t already:

1. Search Google for your business name and click “Own this business?” to claim it.

2. Add your full business info, opening hours, website, and photos.

3. Post regular updates and respond to reviews.

   
   

Your profile is what shows up on Google Maps and the “local pack” (the top 3 businesses near a searcher). Keeping it complete and active can make a huge difference.

4. Write Local Content

Create helpful pages or posts that show your connection to the area:

• “Best family activities in [your town] this weekend”

• “How our [city] team helped local homeowners save energy”

• “Supporting local events in [your area]”

  
  

This proves to search engines — and people — that you’re part of the community.

5. Add Location-Based Keywords Naturally

Use city, region, or area names in your:

• Page titles

• Meta descriptions

• Image alt text

• Headings and paragraphs

  
  

Keep it natural — you’re writing for people first, not robots. For example:

“Affordable website design in Bristol” is clearer and stronger than just “Affordable website design.”

6. Encourage and Manage Reviews

Ask happy customers to leave Google reviews. A few genuine, positive reviews can quickly boost local rankings and build trust with new visitors.

Make it easy — send a direct review link after a successful project or purchase.

7. Check Your Site on Mobile

Most local searches happen on phones, so your site needs to load quickly and display correctly. Use the mobile preview in your website editor.

For Different Types of Businesses

Business Type	What to Focus On	Why It Matters
Service businesses	Local landing pages + reviews	Build trust and visibility across your target area
Retail / Restaurants	Google Business Profile + photos	Drives visits and walk-ins
Professional services	Area-specific case studies	Shows credibility and relevance
Multi-location brands	Separate location pages	Helps each branch rank locally

Key Takeaway

Local SEO is about consistency, clarity, and community.Make sure your business details

match everywhere, your site mentions your location naturally, and your Google profile is complete.

With those simple steps, you’ll climb local rankings and connect directly with customers in your area.