Look, I can't tell you how many times I've looked at a business's Google profile and it's half empty.

It's like having a shop with no sign on the front – people walk right past.

Fill in everything. And I mean everything. Your opening hours, phone number, what you actually do, photos of your work.

I had a client who was a kitchen fitter, and he was getting beaten by competitors until we added proper photos of his kitchens. Suddenly, his phone started ringing more.

Don't just upload any old photos either. Show your work, your van, your team.

People want to see who they're dealing with before they pick up the phone.

2. Get Your Business Details Right Everywhere 📝

This one drives me mad because it's so simple, yet half the businesses I work with had it wrong. Your business name, address, and phone number need to be exactly the same everywhere online.

I'm talking identical. Not "High Street" on one site and "High St" on another. Not your mobile number in some places and your landline in others. Google's like that friend who notices everything – if your details don't match up, it assumes you're not the same business.

Spend a morning checking this. It's boring work, but I've seen businesses jump up the rankings just by fixing this basic stuff.

3. Actually Ask for Reviews (Most People Don't) ⭐

Here's something that'll surprise you – most of your happy customers would leave you a review if you just asked them.

But most business owners are too embarrassed to ask.

Don't be. When you finish a job and the customer's happy, just say "If you're pleased with the work, would you mind leaving us a quick review on Google?" Most people will say yes.

I know a kitchen renovator in Wimborne who went from 3 reviews to 47 in six months just by asking every customer. His bookings doubled.

It's that simple.

4. Write Like You Actually Live There 🔍

Instead of trying to rank for "double glazing" (good luck with that), go for "double glazing in Romford"..." These are the searches that actually turn into phone calls.

But don't just stuff these phrases into your website randomly. Write about local stuff. Mention the areas you cover, talk about local landmarks, discuss problems that are specific to your area.

I had a roofer who started writing about the specific roofing problems you get in Victorian terraces around his patch. His website traffic went through the roof (no pun intended).

5. Create Pages for Each Area You Cover 📍

If you work across multiple towns, don't try to cram everything onto one page. Create separate pages for each area.

But here's the key – don't just copy and paste the same content with different town names. That's lazy and Google spots it a mile off. Write proper content for each area.

Talk about local issues, mention specific streets or landmarks, include testimonials from customers in that area.

6. Get Listed in the Right Places 📚

Online directories are like the modern Yellow Pages, except there are hundreds of them. You don't need to be in all of them – just the ones that matter.

Start with the obvious ones like Yell and Thomson Local, then look for industry-specific directories. If you're a plumber, get listed on plumbing directories.

If you're an accountant, find accountancy directories.

Just make sure your details are consistent (back to point 2 again).

7. Connect with Other Local Businesses 🤝

This is where it gets interesting. Links from other local businesses tell Google you're part of the community. But don't think about it as "link building" – think about it as networking.

Join your local Chamber of Commerce. Sponsor the local football team. Partner with businesses that complement yours. I know a painter who partnered with a local estate agent – they refer customers to each other.

8. Make Sure Your Website Works on Phones 📱

Most people searching for local services are on their phones. They're driving past, they need something fixed, they search on their phone.

If your website takes forever to load or looks rubbish on mobile, they'll call someone else. Make sure your phone number is easy to find and clickable. Test your website on your own phone – if it annoys you, it'll annoy your customers.

9. Add the Technical Stuff (Or Get Someone To) 🏷️

There's some technical code called schema markup that helps Google understand your business better. It tells Google exactly what you do, where you are, and how to contact you.

If you're not technical, don't worry about the details – just ask whoever looks after your website to add it. It's like putting up a clearer sign for Google to read.

10. Keep Talking About Local Stuff 📰

Google loves websites that get updated regularly with fresh content. Start a blog and write about local topics within your industry that matter to your customers.

If you're a gardener, write about which plants work well in your local soil. If you're a builder, discuss local planning regulations. If you're an accountant, talk about business rates in your area.

This stuff positions you as the local expert, and Google notices.

What Actually Happens When You Do This 💡

I'm not going to promise overnight miracles because that's not how it works. But I've seen businesses go from invisible to fully booked just by getting these basics right.

The key is consistency. Pick a few of these strategies and do them properly rather than trying to do everything at once and doing it badly.

Start with your Google Business Profile – that's the biggest quick win. Then work on getting your business details consistent everywhere. After that, start asking for reviews.

Your competitors probably aren't doing this stuff properly. Most local businesses have terrible online presence because they think it's too complicated. It's not – it just takes a bit of time and effort.

The customers are out there searching for what you offer right now. The question is whether they'll find you or your competition. Get these basics right, and they'll find you instead.

Ready to Get Started? 🚀

Pick one thing from this list and do it this week. Don't try to do everything at once – you'll just get overwhelmed and do nothing.

Most of this stuff you can do yourself. It's not rocket science, it's just about being consistent and thinking like your customers.

And remember – every day you don't do this, your competitors might be. Don't let them get ahead of you.