A Simple Guide to Local SEO for Small Businesses (Because Being Brilliant Isn’t Enough If No One Can Find You)
If you’ve ever typed “how do I get my small business seen?” into Google - you’re not alone.
Local SEO sounds technical, confusing and a bit… boring. But the truth is, if you’re a small business trying to get found in your local area (whether that’s Glossop, the High Peak, Derbyshire or beyond), local SEO is one of the most powerful tools you have.
And no - you don’t need to be an SEO expert to start improving it.
Let me break it down in a way that actually makes sense.
Photo by Her Handmade Hustle - ‘High Peak’ Canvas by Peak Crafts
What Is Local SEO (And Why It Matters)?
Local SEO is simply about helping people near you find your business when they search online.
Think:
“SEO support in Glossop”
“marketing help for small businesses near me”
“Newsletter writing service High Peak’
“Etsy help Derbyshire”
If your business shows up when someone searches like this - that’s local SEO doing its job.
If it doesn’t…you’re invisible (even if your work is brilliant).
Why Small Businesses Struggle to Get Seen Locally
Here’s what I see all the time when I work with small business owners:
You’ve got a website, but Google doesn’t really understand it
Your services aren’t described clearly enough
You’re not using the words your customers are searching for
Your Google Business Profile is half-finished (or forgotten about)
You rely heavily on social media - when you should be putting your efforts into Google as this is where intentional searches from potential customers actually begin.
Sound familiar? You’re not doing anything wrong - you’ve just never been shown how visibility actually works!
7 Simple Ways to Improve Your Local SEO
1. Be Clear About What You Do (Everywhere)
Google needs clarity.
Make sure your website clearly says:
what you do
who you help
where you’re based
Example:
“I help small businesses get seen with SEO and marketing support in Glossop, the High Peak and across the UK.”
If you’re vague, Google is confused. And confused Google doesn’t rank you.
2. Use Location Words Naturally
You don’t need to stuff your site with town names - just weave them in naturally.
Use phrases like:
small business SEO in Glossop
marketing support for small businesses in the High Peak
For example, if you’re a kitchen fitter, builder or renovation company, instead of saying “We help clients with renovations”, you could say:
“We help homeowners with kitchen renovations in Glossop and across the High Peak.”
Your About page, Services page and Contact page are perfect places for this.
3. Optimise Your Google Business Profile (This Is Huge)
Your Google Business Profile is one of the strongest local SEO tools you have.
Make sure:
Your description includes what you do + where you work
You post updates regularly (hello Google posts - if you don’t know what they are, then it’s time to find out)
You add photos
Your services are listed clearly
If you’re based in or serve Glossop or the High Peak for example, this is essential.
4. Write Helpful Content (Like This Blog!)
Google LOVES useful content.
Writing blog posts that answer real questions helps Google understand your expertise AND gives people a reason to trust you. So for me - I would include questions such as:
how to improve SEO for small businesses
how to get my business noticed locally
If you’re a service-based business like a therapist, salon or wellness practitioner, helpful content might include:
How to choose the right massage therapist in Glossop
Self-care ideas for busy people in the High Peak
You’re answering real questions your customers are already Googling — which is exactly what Google wants to see. Helpful content doesn’t need to be complicated!
5. Make Sure Your Pages Have One Clear Focus
Each page should have one main purpose.
Your Homepage = all about visibility + an overview of who you are and what you do for people.
Your services page = all about how you help people in detail and what you offer.
Your Blog posts = all about education + establishing your authority.
Trying to do everything on one page dilutes your SEO.
6. Use FAQs (They’re Brilliant for SEO)
FAQs let you naturally include search phrases people actually type into Google.
Questions like:
How do I get my small business seen?
What is business visibility?
How can I improve SEO for my small business?
(Yes - Google reads these.) Think about the kind of questions people might have around your business and what you offer and create a FAQs section for your website - check out my FAQs here for a good example.
7. Consistency Beats Perfection
seo takes time and it’s not something you just ‘fix’ in one go!
Small steps done consistently:
clearer wording
better keywords
regular Google posts
helpful blogs
…make a HUGE difference over time.
A Real Example (From My Own Clients)
I’ve helped businesses go from:
not ranking at all
to No.1 on Google locally
to consistent enquiries and bookings
All this was all done by just getting clear and making some small - but mighty - changes to their website content.
If Local SEO Feels Like Too Much…
That’s exactly why I do what I do! Small business owners are often too busy, tired or stressed to do this stuff themselves - let alone learn it first!
I help small and independent businesses get seen with:
simple SEO
clear website content
Google Business Profile support
marketing that actually works
So you can stop questioning your brilliance - and start being found.
If you want help improving your local SEO, you can explore my services or book a free, no-pressure chat!
