To sign up for our daily email newsletter, CLICK HERE
If you run a small business in Southport, you likely already understand the value of having an online presence. However, simply having a website is no longer enough to remain competitive in today’s digital landscape. To truly thrive, local Southport businesses must utilize search engine optimization (SEO) to reach customers across the UK and even globally.
The Power of SEO for Small Businesses
SEO, which refers to the practice of optimizing your web pages to rank higher in search engines like Google, is vital for small business success. Consider these statistics:
- 95% of website traffic comes from search engines– If your local shop’s website is not showing up on the first page of Google for relevant searches, you’re missing out on an enormous amount of potential business. Getting on that coveted first Google results page is exactly what SEO aims to accomplish.
- 61% of shoppers prefer to shop locally– While reaching global customers has its appeal, the majority of your business likely comes from your local Southport community. SEO allows you to rank well both for localized searches like “Southport gift shops” as well as broader searches for your specific products and services.
- 700% higher conversion rates from organic search traffic– Searchers who find your website via organic search results (not ads) have a much higher intent to buy. Using SEO to boost your organic traffic can significantly impact sales.
Simply put, if your local Southport business isn’t leveraging the power of search engine optimization, you are missing out on brand visibility, customer reach, and sales revenue.
Success Stories of Local Businesses Going Global with SEO
Still skeptical if a small shop in Southport can really go global? You may be surprised. Consider the following examples of local businesses who utilized SEO to dramatically broaden their customer base:
- Piglet’s Pantry– This Southport-based artisan food producer has become globally renowned after ranking well for searches like “artisan chutney” and “onion marmalade recipe”. They’ve been featured in The Telegraph and The Times for their exports to Europe and America.
- PrettyLittle– What began 10 years ago as a humble Southport gift shop now sees over 40% of sales coming from international buyers, thanks to smart SEO. They rank for highly searched phrases like “personalized gifts UK” and “engraved jewellery”.
- Sandgrounder Gin– You’ll still find this popular gin distillery on Lord Street in Southport, but SEO now brings in orders from as far as Australia and Japan. Ranking well for niche terms like “Sefton gin” and “small batch sloe gin” has allowed them to greatly expand distribution overseas.
The common thread? All utilized on-page and off-page SEO Southport tactics that allowed their websites and products to surface for relevant Google searches in their industry, both locally and worldwide.
The same global reach is possible for every business in Southport, no matter your size or sector. Keep reading for practical tips to make it happen.
How to Use SEO to Expand Your Southport Business Globally
Optimizing your website for local and global SEO success involves both on-page optimization (content, URL structures, page speed, etc.) as well as off-page optimization (backlinks, citations, reviews). Below we break down key recommendations in each area:
On-Page Optimization
On-page refers to any optimizations made directly on your website. Key elements include:
Target Keywords Relevant Both Locally and Globally
- Research terms and phrases that have strong local Southport search volume for your business, such as “Southport bakery”, “Ainsdale florist”, or “Formby dog groomers”.
- Also research industry keywords that apply more universally, like “gourmet pet treats” or “wedding flower arrangements”.
- Incorporate both sets of target keywords naturally throughout page content and URLs.
Craft Locally-Optimized Content
- For product/service pages, include your full Southport address, phone number and geo-tags to help search engines understand your local relevance.
- Create dedicated pages like “Southport’s Best Bakery” with rich content focused specifically on serving the local community.
- Have a Google My Business listing with complete details on your Southport location(s).
Develop Globally-Focused Content
- Blog posts, news articles, and press releases should reference serving national/international clientele when relevant.
- Share customer testimonials from global patrons delighted by your products and service.
- Create content hubs focused on broader topics and industry keywords, without being overly location-specific.
By combining locally-optimized and globally-optimized content, you set up pages that can rank well for both types of searches.
Optimize Technical Elements
Don’t neglect key technical elements like site speed, responsive mobile design, metadata, alt text and internal linking. These factors are critical for overall SEO success locally and worldwide.
Off-Page Optimization
Off-page optimization refers to actions taken outside your actual website to earn trust signals and backlinks pointing to your site. This helps search engines like Google understand your authority and relevance.
Earn High-Quality Backlinks
Focus on building editorially-given backlinks from reputable local, national and international websites related to your industry. These are often more powerful than directory links. Outreach to local newspaper/magazines as well as relevant blogs and trade portals.
Get Listed On the Right Directories
Create complete and consistent NAP citations (name, address, phone) on top local and international directories related to your sector. This bolsters signals about your Southport locality.
Encourage Customer Reviews
Positive online reviews on Google, Facebook and industry forums build trust and relevance signals. Proactively request reviews from both local patrons as well as global customers acquired via your SEO initiatives. Online word-of-mouth spreads brand visibility.
When your on-page and off-page efforts combine to position your local Southport business as an authoritative global player in the space, you earn higher search rankings and exponentially more website traffic. The outcomes can transform your growth and revenue.
Start Expanding Beyond Southport Today
As we’ve illustrated, nearly any small business based in Southport has an opportunity to greatly expand its customer base and markets by leveraging search engine optimization best practices. From the local bakery to the independently owned shop to craft food and beverage producers, implementing the SEO tips outlined here can help you grow website visibility, traffic and sales across the UK and even globally.
Of course, all of this does require time, effort and expertise to get right. Professional SEO support from an agency well-versed in both local and international optimization strategies can help. Contact Graham McCormack a local SEO provider in Southport for tailored guidance and services if needed.
The rewards of ranking well locally and globally make SEO worth the investment. Use these tips to start expanding your small Southport business beyond your wildest dreams – the world awaits!