SEO, or Search Engine Optimisation, sounds technical, but its goal is simple: making your website more attractive to search engines like Google so you appear higher in the search results when local customers look for what you offer.
For small businesses in Ireland, getting found locally is crucial. Here’s a plain English guide to the basics.
The Most Important Free SEO Tool: Google Business Profile
Forget complex strategies for a moment. If you run a local business, your Google Business Profile (the free listing that appears in Google Maps and local search) is your #1 priority. It’s your digital shopfront.
- Claim and fully complete your profile.
- Add photos, opening hours, and your phone number.
- Make sure your address is accurate.
Being visible in the “Map Pack” when someone searches nearby is invaluable.
3 Simple SEO Actions You Can Take Now
Beyond your Google Profile, focus on these fundamentals:
- Ask for Google Reviews: Encourage your happy customers to leave a review on your Google Business Profile. Positive reviews are a massive trust signal for both customers and Google.
- Think Like Your Customer (Keywords): How would a real person search for you? Instead of just “plumbing,” they search for “emergency plumber Cork” or “boiler service Dublin.” Use these local, specific terms naturally in your website text (especially on your homepage and service pages).
- Put Your Location Everywhere: Make it obvious where you operate. Include your town, county, and service area clearly on your homepage and contact page.
How a Professional Website Helps Your SEO
While you can manage reviews and keywords, the technical foundation of your website is critical for SEO. A professionally built site ensures:
- Fast Loading Speed: Google prioritises fast sites, especially on mobile.
- Mobile-Friendliness: Your site must work perfectly on phones.
- Clean Code & Structure: Makes it easy for Google to understand what your site is about.
- Technical Setup: Proper use of page titles, headings, and meta descriptions provides clear signals to search engines.
Build a Foundation for Visibility
Getting found on Google is a marathon, not a sprint. It starts with a well-built, technically sound website.
If you’re ready to build a site designed to be found, let’s talk.