A Beginner’s Guide to Local SEO for Hampshire Businesses
If you’re a small business owner in Hampshire or Surrey, one of the most valuable things you can do is get found locally on Google.
But when people start talking about “local SEO”, it often turns into a maze of jargon and overcomplicated advice.
So let’s simplify it.
Here’s what local SEO actually means, how it works, and what you can do right now – even if you don’t know your meta tags from your map pack.
What Is Local SEO?
Local SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is all about making sure your business shows up when someone nearby searches for what you do.
Think:
“Plumber in Aldershot”
“Hairdresser near Farnham”
“Web design Fleet”
If your business doesn’t show up for those searches, your competitors are getting the clicks – and the customers.
Why Local SEO Matters in 2025
More than 80% of people now use Google to find local services. That includes trades, restaurants, consultants, shops – anyone with a local presence.
It’s not about beating the whole internet. It’s about being visible to people in your area who are ready to buy.
And the best bit? Most of your competitors aren’t doing it properly – so there’s a real opportunity to stand out.
How Google Decides Who to Show Locally
When someone searches for something like “electrician near me”, Google considers three main things:
Relevance – Does your website clearly show what you do?
Distance – Are you close to the person searching?
Prominence – Are you active online and trusted (e.g. reviews, links, updated site)?
You can’t control someone’s location. But you can control how relevant and prominent you are.
Here’s how.
7 Simple Ways to Improve Your Local SEO
Claim and Optimise Your Google Business Profile
This is the box that shows your location, reviews, hours, etc. when someone Googles you.
Make sure all your details are correct
Add your services and a short description
Upload photos of your work, shop or team
Ask happy customers for Google reviews
It’s free, and it makes a huge difference.
Use Local Keywords on Your Website
Include your town, county and service area naturally in your website text – especially on your homepage, contact page, and services.
Example:
“We provide WordPress web design for small businesses across Hampshire, including Aldershot, Farnham, and Fleet.”
Just don’t overdo it – it still needs to read like a human wrote it.
Create a Contact Page With Your Full Address
Include your full business address, phone number, and a contact form. This builds trust with visitors and helps Google confirm your location.
Bonus: embed a Google Map on the page too.
Get Local Backlinks
Backlinks are links from other websites to yours. Local ones carry extra weight.
Try to get listed in:
Local directories (Yell, Thomson, etc.)
Chambers of commerce
Local blogs or news sites
Partner business websites (e.g. suppliers, collaborators)
Even a few quality local links can give you a boost.
Make Your Website Mobile-Friendly
Over 60% of local searches happen on a mobile phone. If your site doesn’t work well on mobile, people (and Google) will move on.
Use large text, quick load times, and clear calls to action.
Add Local Schema Markup (Advanced)
This is code that helps search engines understand your business details more clearly.
If you’re using WordPress, SEO plugins like Yoast or Rank Math make this easier – or ask your developer to add it.
Keep Your Site Fresh
Update your site regularly with new blog posts, updated services, or portfolio items. Google likes active sites.
Plus, it’s a great way to show potential customers what you’re working on.
What You Can Do Next
You don’t have to do everything at once. Start with the basics:
Claim your Google Business Profile
Make sure your website says what you do and where you do it
Ask a few happy clients to leave a review
Then build from there.
And if you’re not sure where to begin or how your site currently performs, I offer quick local SEO checks – no waffle, just plain advice on what to do next.
Because showing up on Google shouldn’t be a mystery. Especially when your next customer could be just down the road.