When someone in Sligo, Letterkenny or Westport searches for "plumber near me" or "café open now", Google shows a map with a handful of businesses. Being in that list is one of the most valuable things a local business can do online, and most of it is free. Here's the checklist I work through with clients across the North West.
1. Claim and complete your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile is your listing on Google Maps and search. If you haven't claimed it, do that first.
- Choose the most accurate main category, then add secondary ones.
- Add your opening hours, including holiday hours.
- Write a clear description of what you do and where you work.
- Add real photos of your premises, team, products and work.
- List your services or products with short descriptions.
- Post updates, offers or events regularly so the profile stays active.
2. Ask for reviews, and reply to them
Reviews help you show up and help customers choose you. Make it easy:
- Send happy customers your direct review link after a job.
- Ask in person, by text or in a follow-up email.
- Reply to every review, good or bad, politely and promptly.
- Never buy or fake reviews. It breaks Google's rules and customers can usually tell.
3. Keep your name, address and phone number consistent
Google cross-checks your business details across the web. Your name, address and phone number (often called NAP) should be written exactly the same way on your website, your Google profile, Facebook and every directory listing. Small differences, like "Rd" in one place and "Road" in another, or an old phone number on an outdated listing, can cause confusion.
4. Create local pages on your website
If you serve more than one town or county, give each one a proper page on your site. Explain what you offer there, mention local areas you cover, answer common local questions and include a map. Don't copy and paste the same text with the town name swapped. Each page should be genuinely useful to people in that area.
5. Get listed in the right directories
Directories still help, especially when your details match everywhere:
- Bing Places and Apple Business Connect, so you show up beyond Google.
- Golden Pages and other Irish business directories.
- Your local chamber of commerce or business network.
- Tourism and industry directories that suit your sector.
6. Make sure your website does its job
All of this sends people to your website, so make sure it's ready for them:
- Fast loading and easy to use on a phone.
- Your town or county in page titles and headings where it makes sense.
- A clear phone number, email and contact form on every page.
- Your opening hours and a map on your contact page.
7. Check in every month
Look at how many calls, direction requests and website visits your Google profile brings in. Keep posting, keep asking for reviews and keep your details up to date. Local SEO rewards steady effort.
Want a hand?
If you'd rather someone else looked after it, I offer Google Business Profile setup, local SEO setup and monthly SEO, all with fixed prices on my Pricing page. You can read more about how I help on my Digital Marketing page, or get in touch for a friendly chat about your business in Sligo, Donegal, Mayo or Leitrim.
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