What Is Local SEO and Why Does It Matter for Surrey Businesses?

Local SEO is a digital marketing strategy that helps your business appear in search results for local queries. These are the kinds of searches that include terms like “near me” or specific locations, such as “florist in Woking” or “SEO services Surrey.”

It’s not just about being online—it’s about being visible to the people in your area who are actively looking for services you provide.

Right now 98% of consumers used the internet to find information about a local business. That’s not a trend—it’s the norm.

If your business isn’t appearing in local search results, Google Maps, or online directories, you’re likely losing customers to competitors who do.

5 Core Benefits of Local SEO for Small Businesses in Surrey

1. You Get Found by Local Customers Who Are Ready to Buy

Local SEO puts you in front of people who are actively searching for your services. These are high-intent users—they’re not just browsing, they’re looking to take action. For example, if someone in Reigate searches for “emergency electrician Surrey,” you want to be the business they call.

2. You Increase Trust with a Professional and Visible Online Presence

Having consistent business listings, a well-optimised Google Business Profile, and positive customer reviews shows potential clients that you’re credible and trustworthy. People want to buy from businesses they feel confident in—local SEO helps build that trust.

3. You Beat Local Competitors Who Aren’t Doing It Right

Many small businesses in Surrey are still behind the curve when it comes to local SEO. By putting in the effort to get it right, you gain a competitive edge without having to outspend them on ads.

4. It’s Cost-Effective and Long-Lasting

Unlike paid advertising, which stops working as soon as you stop paying, a well-optimised local SEO strategy continues delivering results over time. It’s one of the best investments you can make for sustainable growth.

5. It Drives Traffic to Both Your Website and Your Physical Location

Optimising for local search means you’ll see more visitors both online and in person. This is particularly powerful for service-based businesses and retail locations in areas like Walton-on-Thames or Leatherhead, where footfall is key.

What Does Local SEO Involve? (And What You Can Do About It)

Getting started with local SEO doesn’t mean you need to become a tech wizard. But it does mean you need to pay attention to a few key areas:

1. Google Business Profile Optimisation

This is ground zero for local SEO. If you haven’t claimed your Google Business Profile, now is the time. Make sure:

• Your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are accurate.
• You choose the right categories.
• You add photos that showcase your work, team, or products.
• You post updates regularly (yes, like a mini social media feed).
• You respond to all reviews—positive or negative.

 2. Using Local Keywords on Your Website

You need to think about what your customers are actually searching for. Use tools like Google’s Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to find relevant search terms. If you’re a landscaping business in Surrey, “garden maintenance Surrey” might be a perfect target.

Incorporate these phrases naturally into your website’s:

• Homepage
• Service pages
• Meta descriptions and page titles
• Blog content

If you’re targeting more than one town in Surrey, consider creating individual pages for each service area.

Learn more about our SEO services in Surrey.

3. Consistency Across Online Listings

Having your business name, address, and phone number listed accurately across the web—on directories like Checkatrade and local chamber of commerce sites—boosts your local rankings.

4. Reviews and Ratings

Customer reviews are not just nice to have—they directly impact your local search visibility. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews, especially on Google.

How to get more reviews:

• Send a follow-up email after a job.
• Include a link in your email signature.
• Ask in person after completing a service.

Always respond to reviews, especially the negative ones. It shows professionalism and care.

5. Create Locally-Relevant Content

Google loves fresh, useful content. You can blog about:

• Tips specific to the Surrey climate (e.g., “Best plants for Surrey gardens”)
• Community events your business is part of
• Common issues faced by local customers

This type of content signals relevance to both Google and your audience.

See our SEO approach to understand how content and strategy work together.

The Challenges of Local SEO (And How to Overcome Them)

Let’s be honest—local SEO isn’t always straightforward. Many Surrey businesses struggle with:

Inconsistent online listings that confuse Google

• Lack of local content or blog updates
• Few or no customer reviews
• Slow website performance or poor mobile experience

The good news? These challenges are fixable. You just need to prioritise your efforts or work with a partner who understands your goals.

How activ Digital Marketing Kingston Can Help

At activ Digital Marketing Kingston, we specialise in helping small businesses across Surrey use the power of search engine optimization Surrey-wide. We understand that most business owners don’t have the time to keep up with Google algorithm updates or SEO best practices—that’s our job.

We provide:

• Tailored SEO strategies for your industry and location
• Complete local SEO setup and optimisation, including Google Business Profile, citations, and review management
• Monthly reporting so you can see the impact clearly
• Content creation that actually connects with your local audience

Our hands-on, collaborative approach means you’ll never feel in the dark about what’s happening with your marketing. You’ll get real results—more calls, more enquiries, and more customers walking through the door.

Ready to improve your local visibility? Get in touch with us today for a free discovery call.