How to get found on Google: local SEO basics.

"SEO" sounds like a dark art. For a local business it's mostly common sense: tell Google clearly what you do and where, get a few signals of trust, and don't make your site slow. Here's the short version that actually moves the needle.

1. Say your trade and town — in the right places

Your business name, what you do, and the areas you cover should appear in your page titles, headlines and body text in natural English. "Emergency electrician in Peterborough and surrounding villages" tells Google exactly which searches you're for. Don't stuff it — write it the way you'd say it.

2. Claim your Google Business Profile

It's free and it's the single biggest local lever. Add your category, hours, area, photos and a link to your website. This is what puts you on the map (literally) for "near me" searches.

3. Reviews, steadily

Reviews drive both ranking and clicks. A steady trickle of recent, genuine reviews beats a burst of ten then nothing. Ask after every job. Your GotAPal profile collects verified reviews you can show on your site and link from Google.

4. A fast, simple, mobile-first site

Most local searches are on a phone. A heavy, slow site loses people and rankings. This is where a tidy three-page site quietly wins — it loads instantly and says exactly what you do. SSL (the padlock) and your own .co.uk matter too.

5. A couple of relevant links

A link from your trade association, a local directory, or a supplier helps Google trust you. You don't need hundreds — a few relevant ones beat a thousand spammy ones. Listing on GotAPal is an easy first one.

Do these five and you'll show up

None of this is quick — local SEO takes a few months — but it compounds. Get the basics right and the phone starts ringing from Google instead of just word of mouth. If you want the website part handled, we'll build it around your trade and town.