How to get your business noticed locally (without a megaphone)
Every small business wants the same thing: to be the go-to name people think of when they need what you offer.
Whether you’re a florist, a personal trainer, a boutique owner, or something completely different, you want the right clients to be able to find you easily - and book without hesitation.
The problem is, even if you’re brilliant at what you do, and your existing clients rave about you, your business might not be showing up where it matters most: online.
Take a client I worked with recently. They had a solid reputation in certain parts of the North West, with plenty of loyal customers in Liverpool and Manchester. But when it came to a nearby area with great potential for new business, they just weren’t seeing the results. Their website wasn’t bringing in traffic or enquiries from that location, even though they knew there was demand for what they offered.
This is where local SEO comes in. It’s not about shouting the loudest or investing in big-budget campaigns. It’s about making sure your business gets found by the people already searching for what you offer in your area.
With the right approach, you can make sure your business shows up, stands out, and starts bringing in more of the clients you want.
What is local SEO, and why does it matter?
Local SEO is your digital signpost - it tells Google (and your future clients) exactly where you are and what you do. When someone searches for “services near me” or “best options in [location],” local SEO helps ensure your business is one of the first they see.
It’s all about helping people in your area find you - not the big chains, not businesses two towns over, you.
Think about how you search online. You don’t just type “restaurant”; you add “near me” or “restaurant in [location]”, or let Google pick up your location. If your business isn’t optimised for local searches, you’re not even going to be on the radar, and someone else is snapping up that business.
For my client, this was a lightbulb moment. Their website ranked well in some areas but wasn’t targeting location-specific keywords or content for this particular region. That gap was costing them visibility and potential high-value clients.
Done right, local SEO can:
Help you stand out as the go-to expert in your area.
Build trust with potential clients (they like knowing you’re nearby).
Drive more traffic to your website - and more clients through your door.
The benefits of local SEO for small businesses
For small businesses like yours, local SEO is a game-changer. It’s not just about getting more clicks - it’s about attracting the right clients: the ones who live nearby, need what you offer, and are ready to take action.
When you tailor your content to your local audience, you’re giving yourself the best chance of being found by the people who matter most.
Blogs and other locally focused content can help Google (and other search engines) understand where you’re based and what you do, making it easier for potential clients to find you when they search for services in your area.
Local SEO can:
Attract more clients who are actively searching for your services.
Give you an edge over competitors who aren’t investing in their local visibility.
Strengthen your presence in your community and build lasting relationships.
It’s not just about showing up - it’s about showing up in the right places so you can connect with the people who are already looking for what you do.
How to get started with local SEO
If you’re ready to start showing up for local clients, here are the steps I recommend:
Optimise your Google Business profile: Fill out every detail and encourage reviews - they’re essential for boosting visibility and trust. (Check your business eligibility here)
Use location-specific keywords: Add phrases like “[Service] in [Location]” to your website, blogs, and even your social media posts.
Create locally focused content: Write about what matters to your audience, whether that’s local guides or tips tailored to your area.
Build local links: Partner with other businesses or organisations in your area to create backlinks.
Stay consistent: Ensure your name, address, and phone number are identical across all platforms to avoid confusing Google or potential clients.
Local SEO doesn’t have to be complicated - it just takes focus.
Be the first business people think of
Local SEO isn’t about doing everything and appearing everywhere all at once - it’s about starting small and being consistent.
A fully optimised Google Business Profile, some well-placed keywords, and locally focused content can make a huge difference in helping your business get noticed.
Whether you’re trying to attract more clients in your area or build stronger connections with your community, local SEO is a powerful tool to have in your corner.
And the best part? You don’t have to do it alone.
If you’d like some help developing a strategy or creating content that gets results, book a free 30-minute call to chat about your marketing goals. Together, we can make sure your business stands out in all the right places.
