Ey up! If you’re a local business owner in Sheffield—you probably need some local search engine optimisation. Do local SEO tools seem easy enough and promise to drum up business beyond your wildest dreams, but then fail miserably? We know it’s tough out there in the Steel City, which is why The Sheffield Marketing Co. are by your side when it comes to mastering SEO strategy and putting your business on the map with expert local SEO.
Sit down with us for a free chat and a cuppa and we’ll explain it all, from local ranking factors to relevant keywords, to how to build local authority.
Don’t forget to read on to find out some top tips for improving your local search visibility, getting local backlinks, and getting your foot in the door with local business directories in our mini guide to local SEO.
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO is the process of optimising your business’ online presence to rank higher in local search results on search engines like Google.
For example, if Joe Bloggs owns a bakery in Banner Cross, and he wants to get more business from Google users searching for “where can I get pastries from near Banner Cross”, he needs local SEO. This can range from optimising his website, Google Business Profile, and other online listings to increase visibility and drive more local traffic from search users trying to find local businesses.
Local SEO is essential for businesses with physical locations (like the fictional Bloggs Bakery), as word of mouth simply can’t compete with the digital age. Search engines are where the people are!
Why Local SEO Matters for Local Businesses
Is local SEO important? Absolutely! Local SEO helps businesses appear in local search results, increasing their online visibility and driving more foot traffic. It’s also a cost-effective way to reach potential customers actively searching for local products or services, especially when you hire The Sheffield Marketing Co.
Location based search results are often the most fruitful, as plenty of search queries end with “near me”, opening the door to local listings for the searcher. The key is to be at the top of that page, increasing your business visibility over those other websites.
If Bloggs Bakery’s local SEO efforts pay off, he’ll soon be peddling pastries until his pockets are bursting!
Understanding Local Search and Search Engines
Search engines like Google (and other search engines!) use algorithms to rank local businesses based on relevance, distance, and prominence. Relevant pages are offered up to the user first, and that relevance is based on a few factors for local SEO, which can be improved in the following ways:
- Update Business Details: If Bloggs Bakery doesn’t have an address and phone number listed—they may lose out on business! Make sure your local business listing is up to date and includes all relevant info for local online directories.
- Collect Reviews: The more reviews the better. This is a top way for ranking businesses, as these show potential customers that your business is real, and really good.
- Get On Local Sites: Participate in local events to gather local citations. Maybe Bloggs Bakery was part of a Banner Cross Festival, which may have been announced online (including on social media), or had a write-up by a local paper, and some local results may reflect that! This will also help you to find your target audience and find other local businesses to partner up with for extra promotion!
Setting Up Your Local SEO Foundation
First things first—claim and optimise your Google Business Profile to increase visibility in local search results. Make sure your website is mobile-friendly and has a clear, consistent NAP (name address and phone number).
Writing content that reflects what your local business does is key, and that can be done via pages on your website as well as blogs. Undertake some local keyword research to best determine local intent when it comes to the kind of customer you’re looking for.
Don’t forget to sign up for and use local SEO tools like Google Search Console and Google Analytics to monitor performance.
Now, a free tool can only do so much, and the key ranking factor to local SEO success is… expert advice and professional local SEO services!
The Sheffield Marketing Co. can build your local SEO from the ground up, guaranteeing results from Google search. Don’t believe us? Check out our testimonials from happy clients!
Advanced Local SEO Tips and Strategies
Ready for the big leagues? Upgrade to local SEO tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush to analyse competitors and identify opportunities. Then, optimise your website for mobile search—one of the top ways people search for local businesses is on their phones.
Make sure to use location-focused keywords and content to attract local searchers. Bloggs Bakery in Banner Cross can use Banner Cross, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, and other places in the local area as relevant keywords, as long as Google Maps says they’re not too far away!
Monitoring and Improving Your Local SEO
With your new tools, you can track your local rankings and search engine visibility using tools like Google Search Console, as well as monitor your online reviews and respond promptly to customer feedback.
The best tip we can give you is to continuously optimize and improve your local SEO strategy to stay ahead of other local service providers, and this may include keeping your business information up to date, promoting your business online with social media ads, and using Google Keyword Planner to find local keywords.
Google search results and organic search results are crucial for consumers looking for local services, and without putting in the local SEO work, you’ll never get the local SEO results!
Turn to us, and transform your local search rankings from rubbish to reyt good with The Sheffield Marketing Co.
Local SEO FAQs
Does local SEO still work?
Absolutely! Local SEO is more important than ever, as search engines prioritize relevant, location-based results. With features like Google Business Profile (GBP), local citations, and geo-targeted keywords, businesses can attract more local customers searching for their services.
Optimising for local SEO ensures your business appears in Google’s Local Pack, maps, and organic search results, driving traffic both online and in-store.
How much should I pay for local SEO?
Our SEO packages start from just £300/month and go up to £1000/month. If you’d like to learn more about our pricing and what we can do for you within that, get in touch to request a personalized quote for you.
At The Sheffield Marketing Co, we offer transparent, tailored pricing to help small businesses get real results without overspending.
What is the best strategy for local SEO?
A strong local SEO strategy should include:
- Google Business Profile Optimisation: Keep your GBP updated with accurate business details, photos, and posts.
- Local Keyword Targeting: Use geo-specific keywords to rank for relevant local searches.
- Citations & Listings: Ensure your business is listed consistently on directories like Yelp, Yell, and local chambers.
- Reviews & Engagement: Encourage happy customers to leave positive reviews to build trust and boost rankings.
- Local Content & Link Building: Create local-focused blog content and build backlinks from Sheffield-based websites.
Need help optimising your local SEO? Contact The Sheffield Marketing Co. today for a free audit!
