Local SEO Basics Every Small Business Website Needs

Every small business wants to "rank on Google." But most don't know what that actually involves, or how simple the foundations really are. I build websites for small businesses at WebDev Wales , and local SEO is baked into every site we deliver. Here are the basics that make the biggest difference. Google Business Profile is non-negotiable If you do nothing else, claim and complete your Google Business Profile. This is what shows up in the map pack when someone searches "web developer near me" or "plumber in Neath." Fill in every field. Add photos. Post updates weekly. Respond to every review. This single step drives more local traffic than anything else. Your NAP must be consistent everywhere NAP stands for Name, Address, Phone number. It must be identical across your website, Google Business Profile, social media, and every directory listing. Even small differences matter. "St" vs "Street," missing postcodes, old phone numbers. Google cross-references these, and inconsistencies hurt