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.
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.
When Should You Start Building Backlinks? (And How Many Do You Really Need?)
Backlinks help your SEO, but when should you start building them? Here’s a simple guide for local businesses on when and how many backlinks to get.
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.
What Does ‘Organic’ Mean on Google (and Everywhere Else Online)?
Wondering what “organic search” or “organic traffic” actually means? Here’s a plain-English breakdown of organic results, and why they matter for your business.
Does Time and Consistency Really Build Website Authority?
Wondering why your website still isn’t ranking? Time and consistency are key to building SEO authority. Here’s how they help your local business show up online.
Meta Title & Meta Description FAQ: 7 Questions Beginners Ask (and Why They Matter)
Not sure what a meta title or description is, or if you even need one? Here are 7 beginner FAQs answered simply, from an SO local SEO expert.
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.
How to Use Google Search Console (Without Getting Overwhelmed)
Google Search Console can be confusing at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s how local businesses can use it to boost their SEO, without the overwhelm.
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.
Should I Pay for Social Media Followers? (And What Really Builds Local Trust Online)
Buying followers might boost your numbers - but it won’t help you show up locally. Here’s what actually builds trust and visibility in your area.
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.
Backlinks: What They Are and Why Your Local Business Needs Them
Not sure what a backlink is? Find out how backlinks help your local business rank higher on Google - and how to start getting them without the jargon.
How Long Does SEO Take? What to Expect (and What to Ignore)
Wondering how long SEO takes? Here's what to expect in your first 3–12 months - and what to ignore if you want results that last.
What Does Google Actually Want From Your Website?
Confused about SEO? Here’s what Google actually looks for on your website - in plain English. Useful tips for local businesses that want to show up online.
How to Create a Google Business Profile (And Actually Show Up in Search)
A simple guide to setting up your Google Business Profile properly. Show up in local searches and get found - without paying a directory a penny.
Do I Need a Website if I Have a Google Business Profile?
Got a Google Business Profile? That’s great - but do you still need a website? Here's the honest answer for small businesses.
SEO Jargon Explained in Plain English
Confused by SEO terms? Here’s a plain English guide to keywords, backlinks, rankings, and more - no jargon, just simple tips from SO SEO.
How to Write SEO-Friendly Content (Without Overthinking It)
Writing for SEO doesn’t have to be stressful. Here’s a straightforward guide to creating content that ranks - without sounding robotic or getting lost in jargon.