How to Get Your Business on the First Page of Google Without Ads
If you’re a small business, getting to the first page of Google can feel like a pipe dream.
Big companies dominate the results, ads take up the top spots, and you’re left wondering if you even stand a chance.
The good news?
You can get there without paying for ads, but it takes some smart, consistent work.
Here’s how:
Be the business that takes first place - without paying for ads.
1. Set Up and Optimise Your Google Business Profile
If you haven’t already, claim and verify your Google Business Profile (GBP). This is what gets you on Google Maps and in the “map pack” (those three listings you see above most search results).
Once it’s live, make sure it’s complete:
Add accurate contact info, opening hours, and a local phone number.
Write a clear, keyword-friendly business description (what you do + where you do it).
Upload high-quality photos of your business.
Post updates, offers, and news regularly.
This matters because Google wants to show active, trustworthy businesses, and this is your fastest route to the first page.
2. Get More Reviews (and Reply to Them)
Reviews aren’t just good for your reputation; they’re a key ranking factor for local SEO.
Encourage happy customers to leave reviews, and don’t ignore them. Reply to every single one. It shows you’re engaged and active.
Make it easy by sending customers a direct review link after you finish a job.
3. Create Local Landing Pages
If you serve specific towns or areas, don’t just rely on your homepage. Create a dedicated page for each area you cover. These are called local landing pages.
For example:
“Plumber in Southampton”
“Plumber in Eastleigh”
Each page should include:
The service you provide
The area you serve
Some local context (testimonials, case studies, or examples of local work)
This works because Google loves relevant, specific pages.
4. Add Helpful Content (Not Just Keywords)
Don’t just create pages for the sake of it, write blog posts that answer real questions your customers are asking.
Examples:
“How much does a new boiler cost in Southampton?”
“What to do if your roof leaks after a storm”
These types of posts build trust, attract organic traffic, and give you more opportunities to rank.
5. Build Local Backlinks
Backlinks (links from other sites to yours) are still a big deal.
Easy ways to get them:
Sponsor a local event or charity.
Join local business directories (but stick to relevant, quality ones).
Collaborate with other local businesses for cross-promotion.
Even a few local backlinks can boost your authority and visibility.
6. Keep Your Website Fast and Mobile-Friendly
A slow, outdated website will hurt your chances of ranking, no matter how good your content is.
Make sure:
It loads quickly (under 3 seconds if possible).
It works perfectly on phones and tablets.
Your contact details are easy to find.
7. Be Patient (But Consistent)
SEO isn’t instant. It can take weeks or months to see big results, but if you keep your Google Business Profile active, gather reviews, add helpful content, and build local links, you will move up.
You don’t need a huge budget or expensive ads to get on Google’s first page. With a well-optimised Google Business Profile, great reviews, useful content, and a few local backlinks, you’ll be ahead of most of your competitors.
Want help getting your business to page one? At SO SEO, I make local SEO simple, with no jargon, no fluff, just results.
Get in touch today to see how I can help.
How long does it take to get on the first page of Google without ads?
It depends on your competition and current online presence. For some local businesses, you may see improvements in a few weeks; for others, it could take a few months.
Do I need a website to get on the first page of Google?
Technically, you can appear in the Google Map Pack with just a Google Business Profile, but a website gives you a much better chance to rank for more searches.
Are Google reviews really that important for SEO?
Yes, reviews help you rank higher in local results and build trust with potential customers.
