How to Get Your Business Found on Google (Without Paying for Ads)

If you’re a small business owner in the UK, you know how important it is to show up on Google when potential customers search for what you offer. But with paid ads dominating the search results, you might wonder if there’s any way to get your business found without spending money on ads. The good news? There absolutely is.

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is the key to improving your online visibility and getting found by customers searching for your products or services. While SEO can seem complex, there are plenty of steps you can take—even without hiring an SEO agency—to improve your rankings and attract more traffic.

In this guide, we’ll break it all down in plain English, covering everything from keyword research to Google My Business, backlinks, and FAQs about SEO.

1. Optimise Your Google My Business Profile

One of the easiest (and most effective) ways to get your business found on Google is through your Google My Business (GMB) listing. This is the profile that appears when people search for businesses near them, showing details like your name, location, contact details, reviews, and more.

Steps to Optimise Your GMB Listing:

Claim Your Listing: If you haven’t already, go to Google Business Profile and claim your business.

Fill Out Every Section: Add your correct business name, address, phone number, website, opening hours, and business category.

Add Photos: High-quality images make a massive difference. Upload pictures of your storefront, products, team, and anything else relevant.

Encourage Reviews: The more (positive) reviews you have, the better your chances of appearing in the “local pack” (the top three business listings that appear in search results).

Keep It Updated: If your hours change, update them. If you’re running a special offer, add it to your profile.

2. Get Your Website SEO-Friendly

Your website plays a crucial role in how Google ranks your business. If your site isn’t optimised, you’re missing out on potential traffic.

Key Website SEO Tips:

Use Keywords Properly: Find out what people search for in your industry (we’ll cover keyword research below) and include these terms naturally in your website content.

Mobile-Friendly Design: Google prioritises mobile-friendly websites, so make sure your site works well on all devices.

Fast Loading Speed: A slow website frustrates visitors and hurts your rankings. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to check your speed.

Clear Navigation: Make it easy for users to find what they need. A confusing website structure can harm both user experience and SEO.

3. Master Keyword Research

Keyword research is about understanding what people are searching for so you can tailor your content accordingly.

How to Do Keyword Research:

Use Free Tools: Google’s Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, or AnswerThePublic can help you find what people are searching for.

Think Like a Customer: What would you type into Google if you were looking for your business?

Look at Competitors: Search for your competitors and see what keywords they rank for.

Use Long-Tail Keywords: Instead of just "plumber," try "emergency plumber in London"—these phrases have less competition and bring in more targeted traffic.

4. Create High-Quality Content

Google loves fresh, relevant content. Blogging, FAQs, and guides can help your business rank higher while also educating your potential customers.

Content Ideas to Boost SEO:

Write Blogs Answering Common Questions in your industry.

Create “How-To” Guides relevant to your business.

Use Video Content (Google ranks YouTube videos in search results!).

Update Old Content to keep it relevant.

5. Get Local Citations & Backlinks

A citation is a mention of your business online (even if there’s no link). Directories like Yell, Thomson Local, and Checkatrade can boost your local SEO.

A backlink is a link from another website to yours. Google sees these as a sign that your site is trustworthy.

How to Get Quality Backlinks:

Guest post on other blogs related to your industry.

Partner with local businesses and link to each other.

List your business in directories (Yelp, Google My Business, local chamber of commerce sites, etc.).

6. Use Social Media & Online Engagement

While social media doesn’t directly affect Google rankings, it does help drive traffic and build brand awareness.

Social Media SEO Tips:

Share your content (blog posts, special offers, etc.).

Engage with your audience (answer questions, run polls, encourage reviews).

Encourage shares to increase visibility.

FAQs About Getting Found on Google

How long does SEO take to work?

SEO isn’t an overnight fix. It can take a few months to start seeing results, depending on competition and how much effort you put in.

Can I do SEO myself?

Yes! While an SEO expert can help, many small business owners successfully improve their rankings by following guides like this.

Do I need a blog for SEO?

A blog isn’t essential, but it does help! Regularly publishing quality content gives Google more reasons to rank your site higher.

What’s the difference between SEO and paid ads?

SEO brings organic traffic, meaning you don’t pay for each visitor. Paid ads (Google Ads) get instant results but stop working the moment you stop paying.

Why is my website not ranking?

Common reasons include:

Your site is new (it takes time!).

You’re not using the right keywords.

Your website is slow or not mobile-friendly.

You don’t have backlinks from other websites.

Is SEO still worth it in 2025?

Absolutely! While competition is tough, good SEO gives long-term results, making it one of the best investments for your business.

Getting your business found on Google without paying for ads is possible, but it takes consistent effort. By optimising your Google My Business profile, improving your website, using the right keywords, and creating great content, you’ll start to see better rankings and more customers finding your business.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider working with an SEO expert to fast-track your results. But even if you’re doing it yourself, these tips will put you ahead of most of your competition.

So, where will you start first?

Give us a call if you want any help 07816 528421