Before we dive into how to do SEO for Brighton businesses, let me give you a scenario.
Picture this:
You run an accounting firm right in the heart of Brighton, helping local businesses keep their books in order and navigate tax season without breaking a sweat.
You are the go-to for business owners who need a helping hand to keep their finances spotless.
But none of it matters if people don’t know where to find you.
Sure, you might get a few business owners who hear about your firm from a happy client who just got through tax season.
Or maybe a Brighton freelancer posts a glowing review on LinkedIn about how you saved their bacon with last-minute bookkeeping advice.
That’s great — it really is.
The referrals, the word of mouth — they all play their part.
But SEO?
SEO is how your accounting firm gets found when a local startup Googles brighton small business accountant at 11pm after realising they’ve got two weeks to file their tax return.
It’s how you keep getting discovered long after your testimonial gets lost in their feed of cat videos and holiday photos.
How SEO can grow your Brighton business
Social media posts and word of mouth are solid for getting the buzz going, but SEO keeps the spotlight on you.
Whether you’re kneading dough in a bakery, running a boutique, or pouring lattes in a café, SEO is what gets you in front of the right people at the right time.
And if there’s a city where SEO can work like a charm, it’s Brighton.
Folks here are Googling everything—from the best place to grab a curry to who can fix a leaky tap.
These are your people. And they’re not just scrolling — they’re ready to walk through your door.
And if your business isn’t showing up for these local searches, you’re leaving dough on the table (don’t worry — we’ll dive into local keywords later on in this guide.
I’m a freelance SEO consultant with over 4 years of experience.
I’ve helped dozens of businesses use SEO to grow their sales and bring in more customers.
So, yeah, you could say I know a thing or two about making a business stand out in a place like Brighton.
Need help brushing up your SEO strategy for the Brighton area? Check out my services below:
But if you’re looking for a more DIY approach, I’ve put together a no-nonsense guide to show you exactly how to nail SEO in the area.
Thousands of hours worth of research packed into a simple, practical guide. No fluff.
Let’s get started.
Use the Table of Contents below to navigate to the areas you’re interested in.
How to analyse your competitor's Brighton SEO strategy
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Let’s take it back to square one.
There’s so much information out there about SEO, it can get complicated to even know where to begin.
I’ll make it simple: break it down into bite-sized, practical steps. And before you start obsessing over keywords, there’s something even more important to tackle first.
You need to know who you’re up against.
Competitor analysis is hands down one of the best places to start.
It shows you where your competitors are smashing it and where they’re falling flat. It’s like getting a sneak peek at what’s working for them—and what isn’t.
Let’s go back to that accounting firm scenario we mentioned earlier.
Imagine there’s another accounting firm in Brighton that’s ranking at the top because their local SEO is on point, but their website speed is slow.
Well, that’d be your chance to overtake them.
Understanding where your competitors are doing well — and where they’re stumbling — gives you the edge you need to get ahead.
The moral of the story? SEO without research is like driving blindfolded.
Take a moment, fix yourself a tea, and dive into what’s already working in your industry before building your strategy.
Here’s the first step:
Start by Googling your own keywords
Fire up Google and type in the keywords you think people in Brighton might use to find businesses like yours.
These are your main competitors — the ones you’ll need to outshine if you want to grab that top spot.
Jot down their website URLs, because we’re about to dig into what they’re doing right (and where they’re missing the mark).
Find areas for improvement in your competitor's content
Visit their websites and take a proper look around.
So for our accounting firm, we can find out what other Brighton firms are doing online.
Are they offering free tax tips, sharing guides for freelancers navigating self-assessment, or highlighting glowing testimonials from satisfied clients?
Pay close attention to the tone they’re using, the topics they’re tackling, and how they’re connecting with their audience.
Your job is simple: see what’s working for them, and then figure out how to do it better.
I spent the good part of an afternoon writing a guide that explains how to analyse your competitor’s content and use that insight to write better content.
Dig into data with SEO tools
SEO tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, and Mangools should be your best friends.
These SEO tools do the heavy lifting, saving you hours — maybe even days — of scouring spreadsheets and guessing your next move.
They dig up the data you can’t find on your own: competitor strategies, traffic trends, keyword opportunities, and so much more.
If you’re serious about growing your site’s traffic, you should invest in a good SEO tool.
For me, it’s Semrush.
Pop in your competitor’s URL, press go, and find out more about your competitor:
You’ll uncover exactly what keywords they’re ranking for, where their backlinks are coming from, and which pages are driving the most traffic.
With this kind of intel, you can refine your keyword strategy and figure out where you can outperform your competitors.
Don’t want to drop cash on a premium SEO tool? No sweat.
There are free options that can get the job done:
- Hoth Rank Checker – for analysing a site’s ranking keywords.
- Ahrefs Backlink Checker – for digging into a site’s backlink profile.
They might not have all the bells and whistles, but these tools are a solid starting point without costing you a penny.
Keyword research for your Brighton business
Let’s go back to our accounting firm scenario.
Let’s say someone in Brighton is searching for an accountant to help with their taxes or a freelancer-friendly firm that gets the creative industry.
They’re not Googling best accountants uk.
No, they’re typing in best accountants in brighton.
The latter is what we call local keywords.
Local keywords matter because they connect you with the clients who are right there in your city, ready to book a consultation or trust you with their year-end finances.
They cut through the noise of the internet, putting your business in front of the people who are most likely to pick up the phone and call you.
Here’s why this matters.
If your goal is to attract more local clients, targeting local keywords needs to be your first priority.
Why? Because it’s not about pulling in everyone—it’s about pulling in the right ones.
A keyword like best accountants uk might draw a bigger search volume, but it’s from people spread across the country who aren’t popping down to Brighton for tax advice.
On the other hand, someone Googling best accountants in brighton is much more likely to walk into your office or book a call.
Long story short: local relevance beats high search volume every time.
Related searches
You can find free keyword ideas using Google’s related searches.
This is how you do it:
Type something into Google, scroll to the bottom of the results page, and there it is — a neat list of searches connected to your original query.
They’re not just suggestions; they’re a window into what people are really searching for, the exact words they’re using, and the questions they’re asking.
And the best part? It’s stupidly easy.
All you’ve got to do is type in a keyword tied to your business, scroll down, and let Google hand you a list of ideas that are practically begging to be used.
So, if you’re looking for an easy way to expand your keyword list, start with related searches.
It’s free, it’s fast, and it’s right there waiting for you to take advantage of it.
Answer Socrates
Here’s a tool not enough people talk about: Answer Socrates.
It’s a free, no-nonsense way to uncover the questions people are asking about your service or product.
1. Go over to the Answer Socrates website
First, head over to Answer Socrates.
The site is super straightforward, letting you dive right into the research without a hitch.
It’s perfect for anyone who wants to skip the fluff and get straight to the good stuff.
It used to be unlimited searches, but now they’ve limited it to 5 free searches per day 🙁
2. Plug in your keyword
Type your seed keyword into the search bar.
What’s a seed keyword, you ask?
The clue’s in the name.
A seed keyword is your starting point—a broad keyword that branches out into all the other keywords you’ll discover.
It’s the foundation of your entire keyword strategy.
For example, accountants in brighton would be the seed keyword for my Brighton-based accounting firm.
3. Pick your country and language
Since we’re focusing on the Brighton audience, select the UK as your country and English as your language.
Getting this right ensures the keyword data you’re working with reflects the local traffic in Brighton.
4. Analyse the results
Answer Socrates will serve up a list of questions, prepositions, and comparisons people are searching for related to your keyword.
Cross-reference the keyword data from Answer Socrates with data from an SEO tool like Ahrefs or Semrush.
On Page SEO
How to set up location pages
Crafting killer location pages is hands down one of the best ways to pull in customers from Brighton and the surrounding areas.
Here’s how you can make them work for you:
Pages that target cities
Let’s say you run an accounting firm in Brighton but also serve clients in Hove, Portslade, and Rottingdean.
Here’s what we could do: create individual location pages for each of these areas.
Why? Because each page lets you target the specific keywords people in those neighbourhoods are Googling when they need tax advice or bookkeeping services.
Think along these lines:
- hove accounting firm
- portslade bookkeepers
- rottingdean tax advice
- brighton small business accountant
All of these keywords are right on target.
We like to imagine our clients are all clustered in the main area you serve, but the reality is they’re often spread out across nearby areas as well.
So why not create pages for each of those neighbourhoods?
By targeting these specific keywords, you’ll show up when people nearby are searching for accounting help they can trust.
It’s a smart way to expand your client base without losing the local focus that makes you relatable.
You’re planting your flag in each of these areas so that when people need your services, your name is the first they see.
Of course, you should only target these types of keywords if you actually provide services to nearby towns and areas.
Most plumbers wouldn’t turn down a big project just because they’d need to drive the extra 14 miles from Brighton to Worthing. That’s like watching money fall down the drain.
I once worked with an external wall insulation contractor based in Coventry who happily served customers within a 50-mile radius.
Most local Brighton businesses can afford to stretch their boundaries a little, taking on jobs in towns like Hove, Portslade, or even Shoreham-by-Sea.
But if you’re running a brick-and-mortar business that only serves a small area, you’re probably more focused on attracting Brighton-based customers.
If that sounds like you, stick to the strategy below:
Pages that target local neighbourhoods
Brighton is made up of many distinct neighbourhoods and nearby areas.
If you were running an accounting firm in Brighton, you could create location pages that speak directly to these parts of the city, like:
- Hove
- Seven Dials
- Rottingdean
People often search for services specific to their neighbourhoods.
If someone’s searching for an accountant in Hove, your Hove-focused page is much more likely to pop up in the search results.
You might assume these ultra-specific keywords won’t bring in much traffic.
But they absolutely do:
Sure, they’re not setting any records for search volume, but they are being searched.
And here’s the kicker — the more specific the keyword, the higher the chance the person searching is ready to walk through your door and buy.
Local landmark pages
This is one of the most underrated ideas for nailing on-page SEO as part of your local SEO strategy.
If we had a restaurant tucked away near Brighton Dome, we could create a location page titled Restaurant near Brighton Dome.
And yup, you guessed it. That’s a keyword.
Here are a few examples of landmark pages:
Landmarks like Brighton Pier are magnets for pulling local search traffic.
When you optimise your content around these landmarks, you’re tapping into searches from both locals and visitors, giving you an edge over competitors who aren’t this precise.
Basic on-page SEO for your Brighton business
Remember these tips for your on-page SEO:
Nail the URL
Keep it short, sweet, and to the point: Think of your URL like an address—it should tell people exactly where they’re headed.
If you’re running an accounting firm and want to target the Hove area, your URL should look something like this:
If you’re also targeting Seven Dials, you could personalise it like this:
This way, Google knows exactly where to send folks, and your customers can find you without any hassle.
Write killer titles and headings
Just because you need to sneak keywords into your headings doesn’t mean they have to put people to sleep.
- Use unique titles: Your page title is your first impression. Make it pop. Be clear, be specific, and include your location.
- Example: ‘Trusted Accountants in Brighton – Your Firm’s Name.’
Speak their language
This is how I’d make my accounting firm resonate with the people of Brighton:
- Tell a story: Share how your accounting firm began. Maybe you started as a freelancer helping local creatives navigate their taxes or your love for numbers led you to open an office in The Lanes. A story creates trust, and trust builds long-term clients.
- Make it about the locals: Show that you get Brighton. Mention helping independent shop owners in Hove, supporting eco-conscious businesses in Kemptown, or assisting freelancers in Seven Dials during tax season. Let locals know you understand the city’s heartbeat.
- Show, don’t tell: Use imagery that makes your firm relatable. Show your team chatting over coffee with clients at a Brighton café, celebrating a small business’s financial success, or hosting a free tax advice session for locals. It’s about being approachable and professional.
Let the locals do the talking
Pop in some testimonials from folks who live just down the street.
Nothing says “this is your accounting firm” quite like locals raving about it.
- Example: “Hove’s most reliable accountants. They made managing my small business finances a breeze!” — James, Hove Resident
Give them a map and directions
- Drop a pin: Add a Google Map to your page so customers can see exactly where you are. Whether they’re stopping by after shopping in The Lanes or popping in on their lunch break, make it simple for them to find you.
- Landmarks and directions: Mention local spots or streets to make locating your accounting firm easy. Something like, ‘We’re based in Hove, right near Palmeira Square.’
Add ALT text to images
For every image, make sure to add descriptive alt text that includes relevant keywords.
Good alt text doesn’t just improve your site’s accessibility — it gives your SEO a boost by linking your images to your target keywords.
For example:
- Instead of generic alt text like ‘tax forms,’ go for something like ‘small business tax consultation at our Hove accounting firm in Brighton.’
It’s a simple change that can make a big difference.
How to set up Google Business Profile
Complete every section
Fill out every section completely—business name, address, phone number, website, and operating hours.
Use a local phone number to bump up your local SEO.
When you miss out on info you miss out on customers.
An incomplete profile is like leaving the front door open; people can wander in but might not find what they need.
Use posts
Don’t overlook Google Posts.
Use this feature to share news, special offers, or tips related to your services.
Highlighting seasonal promotions or community involvement can really capture attention.
These posts appear in your profile, keeping it engaging.
Collect reviews
After a job well done, ask satisfied customers to leave you a glowing review.
A simple follow-up email can do wonders.
Respond to every review—thank them for their feedback and address any concerns.
This shows you care and builds credibility like nothing else.
Choose the right categories
When it comes to categories, be strategic. Pick categories that describe your business accurately.
If you’re a plumber, make Plumber your primary category, and add secondary options like Emergency Plumber or Drainage Services.
This helps Google serve you to the right crowd.
Use booking features
If you can, enable online booking.
This makes it easy for customers to schedule your services directly.
The simpler you make it for them, the more likely they are to buy.
How to hire an SEO for your Brighton business
So, maybe you skimmed through all that and thought, “Ain’t nobody got time for that.”
If that’s the case, it might be time to call in an SEO.
But here’s the thing: don’t just nod along when your SEO starts tossing around buzzwords like “rankings” and “organic traffic.” Pay attention, and make sure what they’re saying actually makes sense.
Let’s go back to that accounting firm scenario.
If some smooth-talking SEO consultant promises that you’ll rank #1 for every target keyword by next Thursday, don’t take the bait.
Results from SEO don’t happen overnight.
Before you bring in an SEO, you’ve got to know what you want. Too many small businesses throw cash at SEO, hoping it’ll magically fix everything without a clear goal in mind.
Who do you want to attract? What do you want them to do when they land on your site? Why does it matter to your business?
SEO isn’t about pulling in any traffic — it’s about pulling in the right traffic.
For our Brighton accounting firm, we want small business owners, freelancers, and local creatives who need tax help or financial advice. Not random clicks from people scrolling past.
Traffic that doesn’t convert is a waste of money.
So, get clear on what you’re looking for, and don’t be afraid to ask tough questions before hiring an SEO.
"What's your pricing structure?"
When it comes to SEO, asking about the pricing structure is non-negotiable.
The way an SEO charges can tell you a lot about their approach and the value they bring to the table.
Most SEOs use one of two pricing models:
Retainer-based pricing and one-off packages.
- Retainer-based pricing:
First up is the retainer model.
This is like having an SEO expert on speed dial.
You pay a fixed monthly fee, and in return, you get ongoing support and strategy adjustments.
This is great for businesses that need a steady hand at the wheel.
The benefits:
- Consistency: Your SEO is in it for the long haul, adapting strategies as needed and keeping your website fresh.
- Proactive improvements: They can continually monitor your site’s performance, jump on issues before they become problems, and make ongoing adjustments to keep you competitive.
- Access to expertise: You get to leverage their knowledge and expertise regularly, which can lead to better results over time.
2. One-off packages:
This is perfect for businesses that may not need full-time SEO support but want to tackle specific projects or objectives.
Whether it’s a website audit, a keyword research report, or a content overhaul, you pay for what you need when you need it.
The benefits:
- Cost-effective: If your budget is tight or you’re just dipping your toes into SEO, this option is more manageable.
- Flexibility: You can choose services that align with your immediate goals. If your focus shifts or your budget changes, you aren’t locked into a long-term contract.
- Quick wins: One-off services can often lead to immediate improvements, whether it’s optimising a specific page or revamping your entire site.
"How do you handle reporting and communication?"
When you’re spending hard-earnt cash on SEO services, the last thing you want is to be left in the dark, wondering if your investment is paying off.
So you need to know exactly how your SEO plans to keep you in the loop.
- Reporting:
Reporting is not about getting a spreadsheet crammed with numbers that might as well be in hieroglyphics.
You want reports that actually tell a story.
A good SEO will break down the data in a way that makes sense, showing you not just what’s happening, but why it matters.
What to look for:
- Practical insights: The best reports don’t just show metrics; they highlight what’s working, what’s not, and what the next steps should be. You’ll know why certain keywords are performing better than others, how your content is engaging users, and where opportunities lie.
- Custom dashboards: They can continually monitor your site’s performance, jump on issues before they become problems, and make ongoing adjustments to keep you competitive.
- Contextual understanding: Look for an SEO who will provide context around the numbers. They should explain industry trends, seasonality, and how your performance compares to competitors. A good SEO should paint a full picture, and not just throw stats at you.
2. Communication:
Now, let’s talk communication.
SEO is an ongoing process that requires regular check-ins and updates.
You want someone who’s proactive in keeping you informed.
What you should expect:
- Regular check-ins: Whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, you should have a scheduled touchpoint to go over what’s been done, what’s coming up, and any adjustments that need to be made. These meetings are your chance to ask questions, get clarification, and steer the strategy if needed.
- Transparent communication: A solid SEO will be straight with you — if something isn’t working, they’ll say so and suggest a pivot. They won’t sugar-coat the challenges or gloss over the setbacks; instead, they’ll involve you in finding solutions.
- Availability: You want an SEO who isn’t a ghost. If you have a question, they should be reachable via email, or even a quick Zoom call. And when they do get back to you, it shouldn’t feel like you’re pulling teeth to get a straight answer.
"How do you measure success?"
When it comes to SEO, measuring success isn’t as simple as watching your website climb the search rankings.
That’s just one piece of the puzzle.
You want to know if the time, money, and effort you’re pouring into SEO are actually moving the needle for your business.
So, when I measure success, I look at a full spectrum of metrics that tell a deeper story about your website’s progress.
Rankings:
Sure, rankings matter.
Seeing your website climb to the top of Google for your target keywords feels good — it’s a sign that the technical side of SEO is working.
But rankings alone are just the tip of the iceberg.
It’s what’s beneath the surface that counts.
What I track:
- Target keyword rankings: I’ll monitor how your site ranks for your most important keywords over time. This gives us a clear picture of your performance in the search engine.
- Competitor rankings: I’ll also keep an eye on how you’re stacking up against your competitors in Brighton.
And that is how you do SEO for your Brighton business.
That’s all, folks.
That’s all he wrote.
Thanks for reading.
