Local SEO Agency Services

What is local SEO and why is it important to your business?

We could rattle off more statistics but, as a consumer yourself, we’re sure you’re aware of the authority that local search results and online reviews have. It’s the word of mouth for the digital age.

The simple objective of a local SEO strategy is to increase local search visibility so that more people can find your business online. Local SEO focuses on optimising for location-based searches, making your presence known to search engines in a geographical area for your services, so they can index your website in response to relevant local searches. The aim is to drive more organic website traffic, more enquiries and, ultimately, more business.

Nearly half of online searches today are for local services. It’s also reported that 97% of people learn more about a company on the internet (SEO Tribunal) and that “near me” type searches have grown by 900% in recent years (Chat Meter).

There are numerous techniques to achieve this, some relatively simple, some more involved. At Targeted SEO, we take a fully integrated approach to local SEO and stay bang up-to-date with the latest trends, search engine algorithms, and best practices. We’re passionate about helping our clients get more business online and welcome the chance to do the same for you.

Take a moment to read our local SEO success stories. If you can see the potential of our local SEO services for your business, then please get in touch to request a consultation.

Who needs a local SEO company? You do!

If your business relies on local customers, then you need local SEO services. It is key to increasing your online visibility in response to local area searches.

As a top local SEO company, we are recognised for our expertise in search engine optimisation, helping clients optimise their listings for improved visibility and search rankings.

If you’re on the fence, then Google your services in your area a few times using different words and phrases. Are you on the first page of results for some, or at least one of them? If not, then it’s unlikely that your customers can find you either, so there’s work to do.

To put our money where our mouth is – if you search ‘SEO Agency Southampton’ you should see Targeted SEO, usually ranking in the top 3 of the Google Map pack.

Expert local SEO services

We’re proud to be recognised as a top local SEO company that delivers real results. Our SEO consultants work with you to improve your organic search listings, helping to grow visibility and rankings where it counts. Our local SEO services target location-based searches, making it easier for customers nearby to find your business. With our strategies, you’ll see increased visibility, more local traffic, and stronger growth.

Local SEO website audit

The first step to any successful local SEO strategy is an audit of your web pages and website performance, to identify areas of improvement.

We’ll look at things like website content and structure, current local search rankings, citations in local business listings and backlinks (other websites linking to yours) to inform a targeted local SEO campaign. We’ll also have a good look at what your competitors are doing in order to set the bar.

Local keyword research

Keyword research is essential to understand what your potential customers are searching for.

It may seem obvious, but unless you target specific local SEO keywords and phrases then you’re shooting in the dark. We use the latest intelligent technology to find local keywords that hold the most value for our clients.

Local business schema markup

On the technical side of local SEO, there is a specific type of HTML code that can be added to your website to “talk” to search engines.

It helps them to identify what type of business or organisation you are, so they can index your website in response to local searches. This is a powerful tool in local SEO when added to important web pages, like your home page and contact page.

Google business profile (formerly Google My Business)

Google Business Profile is a free tool that helps to increase visibility of your local business in local search engine results pages (SERPs) and Google Maps.

Few local businesses unlock the full potential of this amazing tool. In the hands of our SEO experts, it can help your business to stand out over your competitors, build your brand reputation and enhance customer trust. It can also be used to monitor customer engagement and link with other platforms, such as your social media profiles.

Google business reviews

Collecting online reviews is beneficial in so many ways. Primarily, it will help boost your reputation in the eyes of potential customers, driving more traffic to your website.

Crucially, Google Reviews data is also used by Google as a barometer of your credibility, which will affect your performance in local search results. It also provides a valuable way to interact with your customers and gain feedback on your services.

Google Reviews carry a lot of weight as they drive more organic traffic, i.e. quality website traffic that is more likely to lead to a conversion. But there’s also a great deal of value in paid services such as Trustpilot or Feefo, which we can incorporate into your local SEO campaign.

Local citations

Local citations are references to your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) on other websites.

Obviously this is important so that your customers can get hold of you, but local citations also help create authority and trustworthiness in the eyes of search engine algorithms, which leads to better rankings.

Building citations involves local link building, which means creating links to your website from other local websites and directories. Consistency is key and so a citation audit is essential to erase any old contact details. The more consistent links there are, the more Google will trust your website and offer it up in local search results.

Local web design and development

Need help with website design and development to boost your local SEO? We specialise in WordPress CMS web design tailored for local businesses, managing the entire website process to improve your local SEO results. Our skilled web designer collaborates with our SEO and content team to create custom websites that attract both local and national traffic.

Local SEO landing pages

Local landing pages are pages on your website created to capture traffic from a local search. If you serve more than one region, it’s valuable to have a local landing page for each one, in order to widen the net. Local pages should include relevant keywords and phrases targeting the local area, along with engaging content and backlinks to other important pages on your website.

AI Local SEO

Structuring your website, and your wider local SEO campaigns, for AI systems like Google AI Overviews, AI Mode, ChatGPT and Perplexity is becoming increasingly important. If the core foundations of SEO are in place, you’re far more likely to be cited and referenced by these answer engines as they pull information into their results. You can learn more about our AI SEO services here.

Regular local SEO analysis & COnsultancy

Local SEO is an organic process and requires a flexible approach to achieve the best results. Our consultants carry out month-by-month analysis to highlight areas of opportunity and improvement, using the best tools in the SEO industry, like Google Analytics, Google Search Console, ahrefs and SE Ranking.

Developing a local SEO strategy

Developing a local SEO strategy requires a deep understanding of your business, target audience, and local market. Here are some key steps to consider:

1. Conduct Keyword Research: Identify relevant local keywords and phrases that your potential customers are searching for. This helps you target the right audience and improve your local search visibility.
2. Optimise Your Website: Ensure your website is optimised for local search by including local keywords in your on-page content, meta, and headings. Make sure your site is mobile-friendly and has a fast loading speed.
3. Local Content Marketing: Develop a content marketing strategy that targets local customers. Create blog posts, articles, and videos that address local interests and events, establishing your brand as a local authority.
4. Claim and Optimise Your Google Business Profile: A well-optimised Google Business profile can significantly boost your local search rankings. Ensure all your business information is accurate and up-to-date, and regularly post updates and photos.
5. Build High-Quality Local Citations and Backlinks: Consistent and accurate citations across various online directories help build your business’s authority. Additionally, acquiring backlinks from reputable local websites can enhance your local SEO efforts.
6. Develop a Content Marketing Strategy: Create content that targets local customers and addresses their needs and interests. This can include blog posts, local news, and community events.
7. Local Influencer Marketing: Partner with local influencers to promote your business. Influencers can help you reach a broader local audience and build trust within the community.
8. Monitor and Track Your Performance: Use analytics tools to monitor your local SEO performance. Track metrics such as local search rankings, website traffic, and customer engagement to identify areas for improvement.

Local SEO for specific business types

Local SEO can be tailored to suit various business types, each benefiting uniquely from targeted local search strategies:

• Small Businesses: Local SEO can level the playing field for small businesses, allowing them to compete with larger corporations by attracting local customers who are searching for their services.
• E-commerce Businesses: Even online stores can benefit from local SEO by targeting local customers and driving sales. This is particularly useful for businesses that offer local delivery or have a physical store presence.
• Service-Based Businesses: For businesses that provide services such as plumbing, landscaping, or legal advice, local SEO is crucial. It helps them attract local customers and establish their brand as a trusted local authority.
• Healthcare Businesses: Local SEO is vital for healthcare providers, including doctors, private dentists, chiropractors, and clinics. It helps them attract local patients and build a reputation as a reliable healthcare provider in the community.
• Finance Businesses: Accountants, financial advisors and mortgage brokers can all benefit from improve local SEO visibility. Their services can be offered on a national level too.

Frequently asked questions about local SEO

Depending on your local SEO requirements, we’re happy to set up a monthly consultation via Google Meet to talk you through your local SEO strategy.

How long does it take local SEO take to work?

Targeted SEO we recommend a minimum of 4-6 months work and investment before you start to see results. That said, in less competitive niches and industries it’s possible see results sooner.

How long local SEO takes to pay off is contingent on:

• How mature your website is (Google indexes more established websites higher).
• A strong Google Business Profile and a bank of positive Google Reviews.
• How optimised your on-page SEO and off-page SEO strategy is. Even if all the local SEO boxes are ticked, your campaign is only as good as the quality of your website content.

Local SEO is a long-term marketing strategy and one that may require a leap of faith. But the results are equally long-term and rewarded with an impressive ROI.

How much does local SEO cost per month?

At Targeted SEO we usually include local SEO as part of a monthly retainer. Local SEO can cost from £1,000 – £2500 per month but it depends on many factors such as website, industry, service and competition. For example some industries are extremely competitive such as accountants, but others may be easier and less harder to rank such as niche services.

Local SEO comprises different techniques that are combined according to a client’s needs. In some cases, a brand-new website may be required to achieve results, whereas in others the focus may be off-page SEO. That’s why we quote on a case-by-case basis, following a thorough SEO consultation.

Should I spend money on local SEO?

Yes, investing in local SEO can be highly beneficial if your business relies on local customers. Local SEO increases your visibility in local search results, making it easier for nearby customers to find your services. By improving your rankings in “near me” and location-based searches, local SEO drives targeted traffic, which often leads to higher conversions. This investment can lead to sustained growth, increased website traffic, and a stronger local presence, providing a solid return on investment over time.

What is the difference between local SEO and national SEO?

National SEO involves using keywords relevant to a product/service to improve a website’s visibility in relevant searches. Local SEO uses geographical keywords and off-page techniques such as citations to improve visibility in local searches for a product/service, e.g. “mortgage broker near me”.

What’s the difference between local SEO and technical SEO?

Local SEO improves a business’s visibility in local search results. It focuses on optimising for location-based keywords, creating local listings, gathering reviews, and building citations to increase relevance in a specific area. Local SEO helps local businesses attract customers nearby.

Technical SEO improves a website’s overall performance to help search engines find, crawl, and index it more effectively. It involves optimising site speed, mobile compatibility, site structure, and security. Technical SEO helps websites achieve better rankings and a smoother user experience.

In summary, local SEO targets a specific location to drive local traffic, while technical SEO ensures the website is technically sound for broader visibility.

How is local SEO measured?

Local SEO is measured by tracking metrics that reflect local visibility and engagement. Key indicators include:

1. Local Search Rankings: Monitoring how well your business ranks in local search results, especially in the Google Map Pack and “near me” searches, shows your visibility.
2. Google Business Profile Insights: Tracking views, searches, and customer actions (e.g., calls, direction requests) on your Google Business Profile provides insight into local engagement.
3. Website Traffic and Click-Through Rate (CTR): Observing traffic from local searches and the CTR on local listings indicates the effectiveness of your SEO.
4. Online Reviews and Ratings: The number and quality of reviews on Google and other platforms affect your ranking and customer trust.
5. Conversions and Local Leads: Tracking calls, form submissions, and in-store visits from local searches shows how local SEO drives direct customer actions.

These metrics provide a clear picture of how well local SEO supports your business’s visibility, engagement, and growth within your target area.

What kind of businesses need local SEO?

If you serve certain towns, cities or counties, local SEO is a must. It ensures Google recognises what your business does and where it is located geographically. Without it, your website won’t be able to compete in local search results, costing you valuable business.

Can you do local SEO without a website?

Yes, you can perform local SEO without a website, primarily through optimising a Google Business Profile. This profile allows your business to appear in local search results and Google Maps, making it visible to potential customers in the area. By filling out all relevant details, adding photos, collecting reviews, and updating regularly, you can build a strong local presence. However, having a website provides additional benefits and control over your online presence, helping you achieve even better results in local searches.

Does your location affect SEO?

Yes, your location can affect SEO. If your business is in a small town rather than a large city, local SEO may generate less traffic due to a smaller local audience. However, you can expand your reach by creating local SEO landing pages targeting broader areas, including nearby counties and cities. This strategy allows you to attract customers from a wider region, enhancing your visibility beyond your immediate location.

Is local SEO on-page or off-page?

Local SEO is a combination of both on-page and off-page SEO. On-page SEO involves optimising your website’s content, keywords, meta tags, and location-specific pages for local searches. Off-page SEO includes building backlinks from local directories (citations), engaging in digital PR, and sponsoring local events to increase your site’s authority. Using both on-page and off-page methods together strengthens your local SEO and improves visibility in local search results.

How do I rank higher in local SEO?

To rank higher in local SEO, follow these steps:

1. Optimise Your Google Business Profile: Ensure your profile is complete with accurate business details, hours, and categories. Add high-quality images, respond to reviews, and post updates regularly to keep your profile active.
2. Use Location-Specific Keywords: Include local keywords in your website content, meta tags, and headings. Target terms that potential customers in your area use when searching for your services.
3. Collect Positive Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google and other review sites. Positive reviews build credibility and improve local rankings.
4. Ensure Consistent NAP Information: Maintain consistent name, address, and phone (NAP) information across your website and all online listings. Consistency helps search engines verify your location and trustworthiness.
5. Build Local Backlinks: Connect with local businesses, directories, and industry sites to gain quality backlinks. These links boost authority and increase your visibility in local search.
6. Create Localised Content: Publish content that is relevant to your community or region, such as blog posts about local events or services. This attracts local traffic and reinforces your relevance.

By following these steps, you increase your chances of ranking higher in local search results and attracting more local customers.

What does a local SEO Consultant do?

A local SEO consultant at Targeted SEO works to increase your businesses visibility in local search results, helping you to attract more local customers. This involves several focused strategies:

1. Optimising Google Business Profile: Our local SEO specialists ensure each business’s profile is fully optimised, with accurate details, engaging photos, and regular updates to increase its visibility in local searches and Google Maps.
2. Conducting Local Keyword Research: We identify the specific keywords that local customers use when searching for services in the area, integrating these into the website’s content and on-page SEO to improve relevance in local results.
3. Managing Local Citations: Consistency is key for local SEO. Our team ensures that each client’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) information is consistent across all online directories, strengthening trust with search engines.
4. Building Local Backlinks: To boost authority and visibility, we connect with local directories, websites, and industry publications, building quality backlinks that support the business’s ranking in local searches.
5. Encouraging and Managing Reviews: Positive reviews help local businesses stand out. Our local SEO specialists can develop a strategy to help your business collect more positive Google reviews to help build trust and increase your local visibility.
6. Monitoring, Reporting & Consulting: We provide regular insights and updates on search rankings, traffic, and customer actions, using this data to refine and enhance strategies over time.

At Targeted SEO, our local SEO specialists blend extensive SEO expertise with a deep understanding of the local market to deliver results that make a measurable difference for our clients.

Example of local SEO keywords

Here are some examples of local SEO keywords that target specific locations and services:

1. Service + Location: “plumber in Southampton,” “dentist near me,” “landscaping services Hampshire”.
2. Location-Based Keywords: “best coffee shop in Bournemouth,” “top-rated hotel in Kent”
3. Service Area Keywords: “roof repair Dorset,” “solar panel installer Sussex,” “accountant in Portsmouth”.
4. “Near Me” Keywords: “convertible roof repair near me,” “emergency electrician nearby,” “spa near me”.

These keywords help local customers find businesses in specific areas and increase the business’s chances of appearing in relevant local search results. If you would like to know which keywords you should be using for your business get in touch to book a free SEO consultation.

Why partner with our local SEO agency?

Targeted SEO has been transforming the online performance of local businesses since 2017.

As a top local SEO company recognised by the UK Search Awards, we specialise in a range of services to help clients optimise their website for improved visibility and search engine rankings.

We have the right tools, knowledge, experience and skill to grow your local presence online and drive more customers to your website. Targeted SEO is an expert team of knowledgeable and approachable SEO professionals that will work hard to get you results.

You can opt for a tailored local SEO package in line with your marketing strategy and budget, or one of our bespoke local SEO packages. When you work with us, you can expect a top-level service, with a dedicated point of contact and regular updates the success of your local SEO campaign.

Excited about the potential of local SEO? Fill in our contact form to apply for a 20-minute consultation.

Read our local SEO success stories in our SEO case studies.

Our approach to local SEO

At Targeted SEO, our approach to local SEO is centred around providing expert local SEO services that help businesses attract local customers and drive sales. Here’s how we approach local SEO:

• Thorough Keyword Research: We conduct comprehensive keyword research to identify relevant local keywords and phrases that will drive traffic to your website.
• Website Optimisation: We optimise your website and online presence for local search, ensuring that your content, meta tags, and headings are tailored to attract local customers.
• Google Business Profile Optimisation: We can manage and optimise your Google Business profile, ensuring all information is accurate and up-to-date. We also regularly post updates and photos to keep your profile active.
• High-Quality Local Citations and Backlinks: We build high-quality local citations and backlinks to enhance your business’s authority and improve your local search rankings.
• Content Marketing Strategy: We develop a content marketing strategy that targets local customers, creating engaging and relevant content that addresses their needs and interests.
• Performance Monitoring and Tracking: We use advanced analytics tools to monitor and track your local SEO performance. This allows us to identify areas for improvement and refine our strategies to achieve the best results.

By partnering with Targeted SEO, you can expect a dedicated team of local SEO experts who are committed to helping your business succeed in the local market.

Contact Targeted SEO