When it comes to getting found online by local customers, web design plays a much bigger role than many people realise. A well-designed website doesn’t just look professional, it also helps improve your visibility in search engines, making it easier for people in your area to find and choose your business.
With over 60% of Google searches now coming from mobile devices, having a strong online presence that performs well locally is more important than ever. In this blog, we’ll explore how web design and local SEO work together, and what you can do to optimise your website for local search success.
Why Web Design Matters for Local SEO
Good web design supports local SEO in several key ways. Here’s how:
1. Optimise for Mobile
Responsive design ensures your site works well on all screen sizes. With most local searches happening on smartphones, this is essential.
Test your site on different devices
Use mobile-friendly navigation
Make buttons and CTAs easy to tap
2. Improve Page Speed
Fast-loading pages keep users engaged and are a ranking factor for local search. Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights can help identify areas for improvement.
Optimise image sizes
Minimise plugins and unnecessary scripts
Use a reliable hosting service
3. Use Schema Markup
Schema is a type of code that helps search engines understand your website content. Adding LocalBusiness schema can enhance your local listings.
Include your business name, address, phone number (NAP)
Add opening hours, reviews, and service areas
4. Ensure NAP Consistency
Make sure your Name, Address, and Phone number are exactly the same across your website, Google Business Profile, and all other listings. Inconsistencies can hurt your rankings.
Display NAP details clearly on your contact page
Embed a Google Map to show your location
Check directory listings for accuracy
5. Include Clear Calls to Action (CTAs)
Make it obvious what action you want visitors to take next. Use design to make CTAs stand out.
Examples: "Book a Free Consultation", "Get a Quote", "Visit Our Shop"
Place CTAs in high-visibility areas like headers and service sections
6. Build High-Quality Local Backlinks
Backlinks from other trusted local websites help build authority and signal your relevance to search engines.
Get listed in local directories
Reach out to local newspapers and bloggers
Partner with community organisations and events
7. Optimise Metadata
Every page on your site should have a unique title and meta description that includes local keywords.
Keep page titles under 60 characters
Keep meta descriptions under 160 characters
8. Secure Your Website with SSL
Having an SSL certificate (HTTPS) is not only good for security, but also for SEO. Google favours secure websites, and so do your visitors.
Ask your web designer or hosting provider to enable SSL
9. Create Geo-Targeted Landing Pages
If you serve multiple towns or regions, create a separate landing page for each. This allows you to target local keywords more effectively.
Each page should include location-specific content
Link to them from your navigation or service area section
10. Monitor Your Results
Use free tools like Google Analytics 4 and Google Search Console to see how your website is performing and where improvements can be made.
Great web design goes hand-in-hand with effective local SEO. By focusing on the key strategies above, you can increase your visibility in local search results, improve user experience, and ultimately drive more leads and conversions for your business.
Want to make sure your website is working hard for your local SEO? Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help.
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If you would like help creating up a new, affordable website, please get in touch. it’seeze Windsor is a specialist website design company that offers businesses affordable website packages and ongoing expert support. Our high-quality, professional web design services are ideal for start-ups and small businesses in Windsor. Not sure if your existing website is working for you? We also offer a free Website Health Check that highlights the areas where improvements can be made. Call us today to create the website of your dreams and turn your business into a success.
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