Hi Paul,
Your website seems to be ranking quite well already. It depends on which search term, but some terms appear in the top 3 in the local search results. That means #1 in the general web results is in reach!
Google looks for four things to rank a term in the local search results
• Your Google My Business listing – essentially, this is Google’s directory of local businesses
• (Good) Reviews of your business on various sites esp Google My Business and Facebook
• Citations - Google’s name for your Business’s Name, Address and Phone Number (and some believe website URL) as listed on many directories. These must all be identical to the comma or space. Misspellings, different names will cause problems. For example, Coulthard Cleaning, Coulthard Cleaning Ltd and Paul Coulthard Cleaning will be treated as three different organisation by Google. Unfortunately, the thousands of directory sites that list Citations collect the data from all over the Web and mistakes spread.
• The reaction of your site visitors – if visitors take one look and leave, then Google will lower your ranking. If they hang around and ultimately if they buy, Google will reward that too
I think jasonl is right to say that you need to look at the human reaction to your site a bit harder.
Here’s what I suggest:
• People like to buy from people they know like and trust - show yourself and your team (video is better than images)
• Failing that, they like to buy from people someone else knows, likes and trusts. Show some testimonials, join your national trade association / Checkatrade and display the “seal of approval”.
• A clear Call to Action is really helpful - tell them what you want them to do next
• If a site has Citation problems, you’ll need tools to find it and tools, time and expertise to sort it out.
If you (or any other reader) would like a Free Online Reputation report (that will tell you about any citation problems) , please get in touch with me by email (
james.gunn@smesonline.co)
That was the orthodox advice, but I also have some new SEO techniques that I wish to prove. I am looking for 5 volunteers who’d like to rank for local search terms (eg “cleaning services cumbria” not just “cleaning services”). There will be no charge, but if successful I would like a testimonial. Again email me at
james.gunn@smesonline.coHope this helps
James