SEO (search engine optimisation) is the work that gets your business shown when someone nearby searches for what you sell. Done well, it means more people find you without you paying for every click.
What it actually is
When someone types “plumber Kettering” or “nail salon near me”, Google picks which businesses to show. SEO is everything that helps it pick yours:
- Your website is easy for Google to read. It loads fast, works on phones, and is built so Google understands what each page is about.
- You have a page for each thing you want to be found for. Not one page that lists ten services, but a page per service that answers what customers actually ask.
- Your Google Business Profile is complete and active. This is what puts you on the map results, often the first thing people see.
- Other people vouch for you. Reviews, and other websites linking to yours.
What it does for you
- Enquiries from people already looking. Someone searching “electrician Corby” wants an electrician now. That’s a warmer lead than any advert.
- It keeps working. A page that ranks today can bring enquiries for years.
- It now covers AI too. More people ask ChatGPT or Google’s AI “who’s a good web designer near me?”. Those answers draw on the same signals: a clear website, a complete Business Profile, honest reviews.
What it won’t do
- It isn’t instant. Fixes to your site and Business Profile can show within weeks. Ranking for competitive local searches usually takes three to six months of steady work.
- Nobody can guarantee a position. Anyone promising page one in thirty days is guessing or cheating.
- It can’t fix a weak offer. SEO brings people to the door; the website and the business have to do the rest.
What you can do yourself, free
- Fill in every section of your Google Business Profile, with photos.
- Ask happy customers for a Google review. It matters more than almost anything else.
- Make sure your name, address and phone number are the same everywhere online.
Every site we build includes the foundations. Ongoing SEO is part of our Care+ (£75 a month) and Growth (£250 a month) plans, month to month. See how we do SEO.
Want to know where you stand on Google now? Ring Chris on 07877 764540.
Not sure how your own website measures up? Get a free website check: a report by email within minutes, then three fixes from Chris within two working days.
