Getting your business on Google actually means two different things: appearing in local map results and appearing in organic search results. Both matter, but they work quite differently.
Start with Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) for local visibility. Create a website with your business details, services and contact information. Submit your sitemap to Google Search Console, so Google knows your pages exist. Make sure your Name, Address and Phone number match exactly across your website and all business directories. For local businesses, this basic presence matters more than complex SEO initially.
Article Summary:
Set Up Your Google Business Profile
Start here for local visibility:
Google Business Profile is crucial for local businesses. It's how you appear in map results when people search "plumber near me" or similar local queries. Many small businesses get most of their online visibility through Google Business Profile rather than their website rankings. It's often the first thing potential customers see when they search for services like yours.
The verification process typically takes 5-7 days.
Once verified, you can manage your listing, respond to reviews, post updates and track how customers find you. This dashboard shows which searches lead people to your business, how many people call you directly from Google and how many request directions to your location. These insights are invaluable for understanding your local visibility.
You need a website, even if it's simple - Google needs content to understand what you do and who you serve. Your website should include:
You don't need complexity at first. A clean, fast website with essential information beats an elaborate site that confuses visitors. Make it dead easy for people to understand what you do and how to reach you. That's what matters most initially.
Consider including a dedicated "Contact" page with multiple ways to reach you: phone, email, a contact form and a physical address, if applicable. Make sure your phone number is clickable on mobile devices so people can call with one tap.
If you offer multiple services, you can create separate pages for each main service. This helps Google understand exactly what you offer and matches you to more specific searches. For example, a plumber might have separate pages for "emergency plumbing", "bathroom installations", and "boiler repairs" rather than one generic "services" page.
Google Search Console tells Google your website exists and helps you monitor how it performs. Here's how to set it up:
Search Console indicates which searches drive traffic to your website, how often you appear in results and any technical problems preventing proper indexing. It's essential for understanding your Google presence and catching issues early before they cost you visibility.
It's essential to list your business in relevant directories while ensuring that your information is consistent across all listings. Consider including your business in the following key directories:
Make sure your Name, Address and Phone (NAP) match exactly everywhere. Inconsistencies confuse Google. "123 High Street" on one listing and "123 High St" on another creates doubt on whether they're actually the same business. Maintaining exact consistency across all listings strengthens your credibility with both Google and potential customers.
Start with the major directories, then move to industry-specific ones. For example, if you're a tradesperson, get listed on Checkatrade, Rated People, or TrustATrader. Accountants should be on directories like AccountingWeb. Restaurants need TripAdvisor and OpenTable. Research which directories your competitors appear on and ensure you're listed there too.
It's essential to list your business in relevant directories while ensuring that your information is consistent across all listings. Consider including your business in the following key directories:
Make sure your Name, Address and Phone (NAP) match exactly everywhere. Inconsistencies confuse Google. "123 High Street" on one listing and "123 High St" on another creates doubt on whether they're actually the same business. Maintaining exact consistency across all listings strengthens your credibility with both Google and potential customers.
Start with the major directories, then move to industry-specific ones. For example, if you're a tradesperson, get listed on Checkatrade, Rated People, or TrustATrader. Accountants should be on directories like AccountingWeb. Restaurants need TripAdvisor and OpenTable. Research which directories your competitors appear on and ensure you're listed there too.
Create content that answers the questions your customers actually ask. If you're a plumber, write about common plumbing problems people face. If you're an accountant, explain tax deadlines and available deductions, for example. Your content will help Google understand your expertise while matching what people search for.
Additionally, focus on local relevance by incorporating your location naturally in content. For instance, if you're a plumber serving Aberystwyth, "Plumbing services in Aberystwyth" helps Google connect local searches to you. However, you mustn't overload locations awkwardly everywhere; natural mentions work far better than forced keyword stuffing.
Start with a blog or resources section on your website. Aim for one helpful article monthly covering topics your customers ask about regularly. Each article should be at least 500-800 words, well-structured with clear headings and genuinely useful. Over time, this content library builds your authority with Google whilst helping potential customers find answers to their questions, positioning you as the expert in your field.
Think about the questions customers ask when they call or email you. Those are perfect blog topics. "How much does it cost to replace a boiler?" or "What accounting records do I need to keep?" or "How long does a bathroom renovation take?". Answer these thoroughly and you'll attract people searching for exactly those answers.
We handle the complete business presence setup that will establish your expertise: Google Business Profile optimisation, website creation with proper structure, Search Console configuration, directory listings with perfect NAP consistency and initial content.
For local businesses, we focus heavily on Google Business Profile because that's where most local discovery actually happens.
Combined with a solid website and consistent directory presence, you build a foundation for both immediate local visibility and long-term organic growth as your site gains authority over time.
We handle the complete business presence setup that will establish your expertise: Google Business Profile optimisation, website creation with proper structure, Search Console configuration, directory listings with perfect NAP consistency and initial content.
For local businesses, we focus heavily on Google Business Profile because that's where most local discovery actually happens.
Combined with a solid website and consistent directory presence, you build a foundation for both immediate local visibility and long-term organic growth as your site gains authority over time.
Mid Wales Marketing handles the complete setup of your business and gets it adequately established from day one.
Get in touch to get your business visible on Google quickly and correctly.
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Aberystwyth, Bangor, Brecon, Builth Wells, Caernarfon, Colwyn Bay, Holyhead,
Llandrindod Wells, Llandudno, Machynlleth, Mold, Newtown, Rhyl, Welshpool and Wrexham
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Mid Wales Marketing, Darowen, Machynlleth SY20 8BW
Ph 01654 288007
Mid Wales Marketing is a regional initiative of Mark Woodcock, founder of Bigfoot Digital and Bigfoot Agency A.I.
