How-To: Do It Yourself, or Let Me Do It for Less
This section of SO SEO is here to show you exactly how to handle the simple-but-important jobs that help your business show up online. Things like setting up your Google Business Profile, improving your website copy, or writing the kind of blog posts that actually help you rank.
Most of these tasks aren’t difficult - but they do take a bit of time, and that’s something many small business owners just don’t have to spare.
The truth is, a lot of directories and agencies charge way over the odds for doing this stuff. £150 just to get set up, then £75 a month to keep you there - and half the time, they’re not even doing much.
That’s why I started SO SEO. If you want to do it yourself, the guides here will walk you through it step by step. And if you'd rather hand it off, I’ll do it for a fair price, with no fluff, no long contracts, and no pressure.
Who Should Handle Your Local SEO? DIY vs Hiring a Pro
Should you manage your own local SEO or hire a pro? Discover the pros and cons of each approach and find the best option for your small business.
How Many Backlinks Does a Local Business Really Need?
Local businesses don’t need hundreds of backlinks to rank. Find out how many backlinks are enough, and where to get them, including an easy £10 option.
Where to List Your Business Online (Free & Paid Options That Actually Work)
Not all business listings are worth it. Here’s where to list your business online for free (and which paid options actually bring results).
When Does It Make Sense to Invest in Local SEO (and When It Doesn’t)
Not every business needs Local SEO - at least not yet. Here’s when it’s worth the investment, and when your time and money are better spent elsewhere.
10 Easy Backlink Opportunities for Local Businesses (That Actually Work)
Want simple, low-cost backlinks for your local business? Here are 10 easy opportunities to boost your SEO without wasting money on bad links.
How to Respond to Bad Reviews on Google (Without Making It Worse)
Got a bad review on Google? Here’s how to reply calmly and professionally, and turn a negative into a positive for your business.
How to Get Your Business on the First Page of Google Without Ads
Want to rank higher on Google without paying for ads? Here’s how local businesses can get to page one with smart, simple SEO steps.
What Should I Do if My Google Business Profile Says ‘Suspended’?
Has your Google Business Profile been suspended? Don’t panic. Here’s why it happens, how to fix common issues, and how to get your profile reinstated quickly.
What’s the Best Page to Link to from Your Google Business Profile?
Not sure if you should link your Google Business Profile to your homepage or another page? Here’s what actually works best for local SEO.
How to Change Your Google Business Profile Address (Without Losing Reviews)
Moving your business? Here's how to update your Google Business Profile address safely, and keep your reviews, rankings, and visibility intact.
Service Area Businesses: How to Do Local SEO If You Don’t Have a Shopfront
No shopfront? No problem. Learn how service area businesses like plumbers, cleaners, and mobile services can win at local SEO without a physical location.
Why Reviews Help More Than Just Your Reputation (The Local SEO Boost You Didn’t Know About)
Think reviews are just for trust? They also boost your local SEO. Here's how Google uses your reviews to help you show up in search, and how to get more.
What Is a Citation in SEO? (And Do You Need Them Anymore?)
Citations still matter for local SEO - but not like they used to. Here’s what they are, why they matter, and whether your business still needs them today.
What Is a Local Landing Page? (And Do You Need One?)
Local landing pages help your business show up in nearby searches like “plumber in Southampton.” Here’s what they are, how they work, and whether you actually need one.
What Is the Directory Trap? Why It’s Hurting Your Local SEO
Think more directories = better SEO? Think again. The "Directory Trap" could be harming your local rankings - here’s how to avoid it and what to do instead.
Should I Pay Someone for Backlinks? (What Local Businesses Need to Know)
Not all backlinks help your local SEO. Here’s what to know before paying for a link - and what actually works for small, local businesses.
The One Local SEO Task You Should Do Every Month (That’s Totally Free)
Want a quick, free way to boost your local SEO? This 5-step Google Business Profile update takes 10 minutes a month - and helps you show up in local search.
How Blogging Can Help Your Local Business Show Up Online
Wondering if your local business needs a blog? The short answer: yes! A blog helps boost your local SEO, rank for specific keywords, and connect with your community. Find out how to get started.
How to Do Local SEO on a Budget (Without Paying for Ads or Directories)
Want to show up in local searches without paying for ads or directories? Here’s a no-fluff guide to affordable local SEO.
Do You Really Need to Pay for a Business Directory? (No.)
Paying £60+ a month to be listed on a business directory? Here’s why that’s usually a waste - and what to do instead.