Relevance
Your profile and website clearly describe what you do.
Website design · 2026 edition
Local SEO: rank first near you
When a customer types "plumber" or "restaurant" on their phone, Google first shows a map and three businesses. Here is how to get in there, without paying and without cheating.
- Google's 3 factors
- Customer reviews
- Website and profile
Updated October 2026Rules checkedNo jargon
Local SEO in 30 seconds
In short
Local SEO means appearing in Google results linked to a place, especially on the map. Google ranks these results using three official factors: relevance, distance and prominence. To move up, create and verify your Business Profile, keep your details accurate everywhere, earn real reviews and link the profile to a website that talks about your town. You cannot pay to rank higher in these results.
Distance
How far you are from the person searching.
Prominence
Reviews, rating, links and mentions of your business online.
No paid shortcut
Google states that you cannot buy a better local ranking.
Your local plan in 7 steps
Allow a few hours for the basics, then a little follow-up each month. Results usually show after several weeks.
What matters and what matters less
Example for a sole tradesperson covering 30 km around their base.
| Action | Effort | Expected impact |
|---|---|---|
| Verified, complete profile | 1 to 2 hours | Very strong |
| Precise primary category | 5 minutes | Strong |
| Real reviews and replies | 2 minutes per customer | Strong and lasting |
| Website with pages per service and town | A few days | Strong on specific searches |
| Same details in directories | 1 to 2 hours | Medium |
| Regular posts on the profile | 15 minutes a month | Medium, mainly for trust |
Rough guide only. Distance is a factor you cannot control: a customer on the other side of town will sometimes see a closer competitor.
The traps that cost you dearly
Some practices can get your profile removed or expose you to penalties.
Fake reviews
Writing or commissioning fake reviews is a banned commercial practice under EU consumer law. Google can also remove the reviews and restrict the profile.
Reviews in exchange for gifts
Offering a discount in exchange for a positive review distorts reviews. Ask for an honest review, with no conditions.
Keyword-stuffed business name
Adding "cheap Leeds" to the business name breaks Google's rules. Use your real name.
Fake address
An address with no real business activity can lead to suspension. If you travel to customers, set a service area.
From a one-page site to a website that works for you
Choose the package that fits your business. The price is fixed in advance.
Simple Website · 1 page
A one-page website, simple and professional, to be present online.
- 1 mobile-friendly page
- Your copy and your logo
- WhatsApp button
- 1 round of changes included
- File delivered, ready to publish
Essential Website
For a small business that wants a serious website, fast.
- Up to 5 pages
- Copy written for you
- Basic SEO
- Contact form
- Publishing included
Multilingual Pro Website
To reach customers in several languages.
- 5 to 10 pages
- 2 or 3 languages
- Full SEO
- Form linked to a tracking spreadsheet
- WhatsApp button and direct contact
Website + Automations
For a website that works for you, day and night.
- Everything in the Multilingual Pro Website
- Quotes calculated and sent
- Orders recorded automatically
- Automatic invoices and reminders
Online Presence Pack
Everything you need to exist on Google, set up for you.
- Domain name in your name
- Professional email address
- Business Google account
- Your website registered with Google
Options, for every offer
- €29Domain name purchase and setup
- €49Going live on hosting
- €39Extra page with copywriting
- €59Translation, per language
- €19/monthWebsite monitoring and alerts
The website and the domain name are in your name. Simple Website: text and logo supplied by you, going live as an option. Indicative prices.
A local website that turns searches into calls
Being found is not enough: every enquiry needs a quick reply. Your website can take care of that.
WhatsApp in one tap
Customers message you from their phone, right when they are searching.
Enquiries in a spreadsheet
Every form arrives in the same place, with the town and the need.
Automatic review request
After each job, the customer receives the link to your profile.
Online booking
The customer picks a free slot and you are notified.
Your questions, our answers
How do I appear on Google Maps for free?
Create your Google Business Profile, verify it and fill in all the details. It is free, and it is what puts you on the map.
How long does it take to rank well locally?
A verified profile can appear within a few days, but climbing the rankings usually takes several weeks to a few months, depending on the competition and your reviews.
Can you pay Google to be first on the map?
No, not in the organic results. Google states that you cannot pay for a better local ranking. Paid ads are separate placements, labelled as sponsored.
Do I need a website if I have a Google Business Profile?
It is not compulsory, but strongly recommended. A website boosts relevance, reassures customers and belongs to you, unlike the profile.
How do I get more Google reviews?
Ask every satisfied customer, right after the job, with a direct link. Never buy them and never make them conditional on a discount.
Can I rank in a town where I have no address?
Yes, by setting a service area on your profile and creating useful pages for those towns on your website. Distance will still always play a part.
Sources: Google Help, "Tips to improve your local ranking on Google" (support.google.com) · Directive 2005/29/EC on unfair commercial practices, as amended by Directive (EU) 2019/2161 (fake consumer reviews).
General information, up to date as of October 2026. It does not replace advice from a professional.
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