Understanding Local SEO: A Guide for Businesses in Kent
CONTENTS
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Optimise Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
Get Listed in Local Directories
Add Local Content to Your Website
Build Local Backlinks
What is Local SEO?
The Importance of Local SEO for Local Searches
If you're a local business in Kent trying to get found online, Local SEO could be your secret weapon. Whether you're an architect in Dartford, a beauty salon in Bexleyheath, or a plumbing business in Medway, showing up when someone nearby searches for what you do is essential.
I'm not just talking about appearing on the map, most businesses already have a Google Business Profile. The real magic happens when your website ranks underneath that map, in the organic results. That's where people go to dig deeper, check out your services, read your reviews and most importantly — get in touch.
Why Local SEO is Worth Your Time
Here’s why it matters:
80% of consumers search online for local businesses weekly and 32% do so daily.
→ Source: The SOCi Consumer Behavior Index
42% of searchers click on Google Map Pack results for local queries.
→ Source: Backlinko
83% of consumers use Google to find local business reviews.
→ Source: Local Consumer Review Survey
96% of People Read Reviews.
→ Source: Moz
If you’re not showing up there, you’re handing your customers to someone else.
How Local SEO Differs from Traditional SEO
Traditional SEO is great if you're trying to reach a national or global audience. But if your customers live just down the road, local SEO is where you want to focus.
Let’s break it down:
A search for "best Italian restaurant" might show results from anywhere.
A search for "best Italian restaurant in Gravesend" is far more specific — and that’s the one you want to win.
Local SEO helps your business appear in:
The organic listings for location-specific searches
Directory sites and local listings where people go to find trusted services
It’s not about reaching everyone. It’s about reaching the right people — the ones most likely to walk through your door or pick up the phone.
Key Benefits of Local SEO for Businesses in Kent
You Get Found More Often
People searching for "electrician in Medway" or "hairdresser near Rochester" will actually find you, not your competitors.
More Website Clicks & Phone Calls
With a strong Google Business Profile and well-optimised site, people are more likely to call, click or visit your premises.
You Can Compete with Bigger Brands
Local SEO lets smaller businesses stand their ground against national chains — and win!
Better Conversion Rates
People doing local searches are ready to act. They already need what you offer, so they’re much more likely to convert.
How to Rank Well in Local Searches
Step 1: Optimise Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
Your GBP is the foundation of your local presence.
Make sure:
Your business name, address and phone number (NAP) are consistent everywhere
You've chosen the right business category
Your service area is listed clearly
You've added good-quality photos of your business, team and services
You post updates, offers or events regularly
You respond to every review (even the awkward ones!)
Example: A Gravesend bakery with 30+ 5-star reviews will rank higher than a competitor with no reviews. Don't be shy in asking.
Step 2: Get Listed in Local Directories
Add your business to trusted sites like:
Bing Places
Thomson Local
Local Chamber of Commerce
Yell (free listing)
Yelp (free listing)
We also have a few more we recommend at it’seeze Gravesend — just ask us.
Consistency is key. Make sure your NAP matches exactly across all listings.
Step 3: Add Local Content to Your Website
To target local searches, your website needs:
Use location-based keywords (e.g. "wedding photographer in Medway")
Create individual service pages for different towns (e.g. "Boiler Repairs in Dartford")
Write blog posts that are locally relevant:
"Best Kent Wedding Venues for Outdoor Ceremonies" (for a wedding photographer)
"Preparing Your Medway Home for Winter" (for a heating engineer)
It’s not just about keywords — it’s about being helpful and relevant. Check out my blog - to see how you do it 😉
Step 4: Build Local Backlinks
Backlinks from local sites help build your website’s trust. Some ideas:
Collaborate with local businesses (feature each other on your websites)
Sponsor local events, teams or charities
Get mentioned in local press (like Kent Online or Dartford Living)
Share blog content on LinkedIn with a link to your website
Join local business groups like the Chamber of Commerce or BNI
Tools That Can Help (And They’re Free!)
To track performance and traffic sources
To check your rankings in specific locations. For example 'Building Maintenance in Kent'
For local listing audits and link analysis
To find location-based search terms
To discover popular questions your ideal customers are asking
How to Measure Local SEO Success
Are you showing up in searches for your target service + location? (e.g., "Painter in Medway").
Are people clicking your listing, calling your business, or asking for directions?
Is your website traffic increasing month by month?
Track all of this through your Google Business Profile and Google Analytics. The numbers will tell you what’s working.
Common Local SEO Challenges (and How to Fix Them)
1. Inconsistent Business Information
✅ Fix: Keep your business name, address, and phone number identical across every directory
2. Not Enough Reviews
✅ Fix: Ask! Send customers a WhatsApp or text with the link — make it easy for them.
3. Weak Local Content
✅ Fix: Add town-specific service pages and helpful blog posts.
4. Slow or Outdated Website
✅ Fix: Make sure your site is fast, mobile-friendly and SEO-ready.
Move to an Optimised Platform
If your site is sluggish, confusing or simply not showing up in searches, moving to a platform that’s built for SEO can make a world of difference.
At it’seeze Gravesend, we design lightning-fast websites with all the local SEO basics baked in. We support businesses across Kent to get found online — and stay there.
And yes, if you want proof we know what we’re doing, just Google "Web Design Kent" or "SEO Kent". You’ll find us right there.
Want to start building your local online presence?
Let’s have a chat.
This article was written by Kat James, a website consultant and content creator for businesses in Kent.
If you're looking for a modern, effective and professionally designed business website that can work wonders for your online presence, don't hesitate to contact Kat at it'seeze Gravesend. Our affordable web design services are tailored to help businesses like yours grow online.
Tagged as: SEO
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