Winning with Local SEO: A Guide for Small Businesses in Wiltshire

If you’re running a small business in Wiltshire- whether it’s a boutique in Marlborough, a café in Trowbridge, or a mobile service in Devizes—your online presence matters now more than ever. With more people searching for local services on their phones, mastering Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is one of the most powerful ways to attract nearby customers and grow your business.

Here’s how Wiltshire businesses can take control of their local visibility and thrive online.

Why Local SEO Matters in Wiltshire

Wiltshire is a unique blend of market towns, rural villages, and tourist hotspots like Salisbury and Stonehenge. For businesses here, showing up in local searches isn’t just about visibility-it’s about being the first option when someone nearby is ready to buy.

Imagine a potential customer searching “best bakery near me” or “Wiltshire wedding photographer.” If you’re not appearing in those results, you’re missing out on valuable traffic—and revenue.

1. Optimise Your Google Business Profile (GBP)

Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is the cornerstone of local SEO. Here’s how to make yours shine:

  • Ensure your name, address, and phone number (NAP) are accurate and consistent.

  • Add high-quality photos of your shop, team, or products.

  • Use a detailed business description that includes Wiltshire-based keywords like “florist in Chippenham” or “Salisbury dog groomer.”

  • Keep your hours updated—especially during holidays or events.

🔍 Pro tip: Ask happy customers to leave a Google review—it directly improves your local rankings.

2. Use Local Keywords That Reflect Wiltshire

It’s not just about what you do, but where you do it. Sprinkle in place-specific keywords throughout your website:

  • Homepage title tags and meta descriptions

  • Service pages (e.g., “Carpet Cleaning in Swindon”)

  • Blog posts with a Wiltshire angle (e.g., “Top 5 Venues in Wiltshire for Outdoor Weddings”)

Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to find high-traffic local terms.

3. Get Found in Local Directories

Being listed consistently across the web reinforces your legitimacy to both Google and potential customers. Start with:

  • Yell.com

  • Thompson Local

  • Wiltshire Chamber of Commerce directory

  • Industry-specific platforms (e.g., Checkatrade, TripAdvisor)

Make sure your NAP details match exactly.

4. Build Local Links & Community Relationships

Backlinks from other trusted Wiltshire sites can give your SEO a big boost. Try:

  • Partnering with local bloggers or influencers

  • Writing guest posts for Wiltshire lifestyle or business websites

  • Sponsoring local events or charities and requesting a link in return

The more connected you are within your local digital ecosystem, the more visible you’ll become.

5. Make Your Website Mobile & Speed Friendly

With most local searches happening on mobile, your website must:

  • Load in under 3 seconds

  • Be easy to navigate on phones and tablets

  • Include clear calls to action (“Call now,” “Book online,” “Find us in Corsham”)

Google rewards fast, mobile-optimised websites with higher rankings—especially for “near me” queries.

6. Showcase Reviews & Social Proof

Potential customers often check reviews before reaching out. Use testimonials on your website and encourage feedback on:

  • Google

  • Facebook

  • Yelp or industry-specific platforms

Responding to reviews (good or bad) also shows you’re active and trustworthy.

Ready to Put Wiltshire on the Map?

Local SEO isn’t about tricking search engines-it’s about making it easier for the right people to find you at the right time.

At Clarissa Digital Marketing, we help small businesses across Wiltshire boost their visibility, grow their audience, and generate more leads. If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, get in touch for a free consultation.

👉 Let’s talk about your Wiltshire SEO strategy.

Clarissa Galloway