7 Proven Ways to Rank Higher in Google (Without Paying a Penny)
If you’re running a local business in the UK and wondering how to rank higher in Google, you’re not alone. With more people than ever searching for services “near me”, being visible on search engines can be the difference between thriving and barely surviving.
Local SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is your ticket to the top—but it doesn’t have to cost the earth to get started. Here are 7 proven tips to help you climb the rankings organically. These are free, easy-to-implement steps—but remember, they’re just the beginning. For serious results, you’ll need a tailored strategy from a digital expert.
Following these steps can significantly boost your chances to rank higher in Google.
1. Claim and Optimise Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (GBP/GMB Profile) is your most valuable asset when it comes to local visibility. Make sure your profile is claimed, verified, and fully completed.
Include:
- Accurate business name, address, and phone number (NAP)
- Business categories
- High-quality photos
- Business hours
- Description using relevant keywords
Don’t forget to keep it updated regularly – Google favours active, accurate listings. Unsure? We can help.
2. Get Reviews – and Respond to Them
Customer reviews do more than build trust – they help you rank. Businesses with frequent, positive reviews tend to appear higher in local search results.
Encourage happy customers to leave reviews (on Google and elsewhere) and always respond to them – whether good or bad. This shows Google that you’re active and engaged.
To gather reviews effectively, consider implementing a feedback system where you actively ask customers for their thoughts after their experience. This not only increases the likelihood of receiving positive reviews but also demonstrates that you value customer feedback. For example, a local restaurant could follow up with diners via email or text, encouraging them to share their experiences. Responding to reviews, whether positive or negative, shows prospective customers that you care about their satisfaction, which can significantly enhance your reputation.
3. Optimise Your Website for Local Keywords
Using location-based keywords can help Search Engines understand where you operate and help you Rank Higher in Google. Think:
- “Plumber in Nottingham”
- “Bespoke joinery Derbyshire”
- “Wedding florist in Lincolnshire”
Utilising location-based keywords can also help in building authority. For instance, a bakery could optimise their site with phrases like ‘best artisan bread in Birmingham.’ Tools such as Google Keyword Planner can assist in identifying popular search terms relevant to your business, allowing you to tailor your content accordingly. When optimising your content, consider writing blog posts that incorporate these keywords naturally. For example, a plumbing service might create a blog post titled ‘Why You Should Hire a Plumber in Bristol’ to attract local traffic.
Include these in your:
- Page titles and meta descriptions
- Headings (H1, H2s)
- On-page content
- Alt tags for images
Keep the content natural and helpful – Google rewards user-friendly pages.
4. Make Your Website Mobile-Friendly
Over half of local searches come from mobile devices. If your website is clunky on a phone or slow to load, you’re likely losing traffic and ranking potential.
Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test to check your site, and fix any issues ASAP. Fast, responsive websites convert better and rank higher in Google.
5. Build Local Citations
Local citations are mentions of your business name, address, and phone number across other reputable sites (like Yell, Thomson Local, and local directories).
Make sure your details are consistent everywhere – Google uses these to verify legitimacy.
Bonus tip: Don’t pay for shady directories. Stick to credible, UK-based sources.
6. Add Location Pages (If You Serve Multiple Areas)
If your business serves several towns or cities, consider creating a separate page for each. Each page should have:
- Unique content
- Local keywords
- Contact details for that area
Avoid copy-pasting the same content with just the town name swapped – Google will spot it and may penalise you.
7. Create Local Content That Answers Real Questions
Write blog posts or service pages that address what your local customers are actually searching for. Think:
- “How much does a kitchen extension cost in Mansfield?”
- “Top 5 dog-friendly cafés in Chesterfield”
By targeting hyper-local queries, you increase your chances of appearing in long-tail and voice search results.
Ready to Go Beyond the Basics?
These seven tips are a great start – but real, long-term SEO success involves ongoing strategy, deep keyword research, backlink building, technical optimisation and more.
At dijitul, we help UK businesses dominate local search. Whether you’re just getting started or stuck on page two, we’ll work with you to build an SEO strategy that actually works.
👉 Want to truly rank higher in Google? Contact us today for a free initial consultation.