If you run a local business in the UK, appearing at the top of Google search results can make a huge difference. Whether you’re a café in Birmingham or a roofing contractor in Leeds, local SEO helps your business get found by nearby customers. Here’s a simple guide to help you rank higher on Google in 2025.
1. Optimise Your Google Business Profile
Start by claiming and fully completing your Google Business Profile. Make sure your business name, address, and phone number are accurate and match other listings online. Choose the right business category and upload quality photos. Keep the profile active by updating business hours and adding posts regularly. For example, a small bakery in Edinburgh saw a noticeable increase in foot traffic after regularly posting weekly offers and customer photos.
2. Use Local Keywords
To attract customers in your area, include local keywords in your website content, page titles, and meta descriptions. Think about how people search – phrases like “plumber in Nottingham” or “best hairdresser near me” work well. Free tools like Google Keyword Planner can help you find the right phrases for your business.
3. Build Local Backlinks
Backlinks from local websites boost your trust with Google. You can reach out to local news sites, bloggers, or community organisations to mention or link to your business. Getting listed on local directories or sponsoring small events can also help you earn these valuable links.
4. Get Reviews and Respond to Them
Customer reviews are a strong signal for local ranking. Encourage happy customers to leave positive reviews on your Google profile. Reply to every review – a quick “Thank you” or a polite response to criticism shows you’re active and engaged. Adding a review link to your emails or receipts makes it easier for customers to leave feedback.
5. Make Your Website Mobile-Friendly
Most local searches happen on smartphones, so your website needs to load quickly and look good on all devices. A responsive design, easy navigation, and a clear call-to-action like “Call Now” or “Book Online” can improve your conversions and keep people on your site longer.
6. Add Local Schema Markup
Local business schema helps Google better understand what your business does and where it’s located. This can improve your chances of showing up in rich results, like map packs and featured snippets. Ask your developer to add schema tags like business name, address, phone, and opening hours to your site.
7. Stay Active on Social Media
Keeping your social media accounts active helps with visibility and brand trust. Share updates, offers, or behind-the-scenes posts with local hashtags and geotags. Engaging with local customers on Facebook or Instagram adds another layer of local relevance for search engines.
Final Thoughts
Ranking your local business on Google is all about being accurate, consistent, and active online. Follow these steps to build your presence, attract more customers, and grow your brand in your local area.
Need help growing your local visibility?
Contact BNL Digital Solutions — your trusted partner in local SEO for UK businesses.