If your customers are mostly local, you don’t need to rank for the whole country. You need to show up when someone in York (or nearby) searches for what you do. That’s what local SEO is all about.
Start with your Google Business Profile
For local searches, your Google Business Profile is often the first thing people see. Make sure it’s complete, accurate and active. We’ve written a whole post on getting the most from your profile.
Mention where you are
It sounds obvious, but lots of websites never actually say where the business is based. Mention York (and the other areas you cover) naturally in your page titles, headings and text. Add your full address to your contact page and footer.
Create a page for each service
One page listing everything you do won’t rank as well as separate pages for each service. A page about “wedding flowers in York” has a much better chance of showing up for that search than a general “our services” page.
Get more reviews
Reviews help people choose you, and they’re a strong local ranking signal too. Ask every happy customer. Make it easy with a direct link. Reply to them all.
Keep your details consistent
Your business name, address and phone number should be exactly the same everywhere they appear online – your website, social media, Google, Apple Maps and directories. Inconsistent details confuse search engines.
Earn local links
Links from other local websites show search engines you’re part of the community. Think local business groups, events you sponsor, suppliers, charities you support and local news.
Write about local things
Blog posts and guides about your area can bring in extra visitors and show that you know your patch. A York wedding venue might write about the best spots for photos around the city, for example.
Track what’s working
Keep an eye on how you’re doing – which searches bring people in, where you rank and how many people call or get in touch. Our SEO Console makes this easy to follow, even if you’re not a techie.
Local SEO takes a little time, but it’s one of the best investments a local business can make. If you’d like a hand, take a look at our SEO services or drop us a line.