Before we dive into how to do SEO for Cardiff businesses, let me paint a scenario for you.
Picture this:
You run a care agency in Cardiff, providing support to families across the city who need reliable, compassionate care for their loved ones.
From Cathays to Roath, you’ve built a reputation for connecting families with carers who treat their clients like their own.
But none of it matters if people don’t know where to find you.
Sure, you might have families in Cardiff recommending you to their neighbors after you found a carer who truly treated their grandmother like family.
Or maybe a glowing review lands on a local Facebook group about how you provided support when no one else could.
That’s great — it really is.
The trust, the word of mouth, the pamphlet you dropped off at the GP’s office — it all helps.
But SEO?
SEO is how your care agency gets found when someone in Cardiff Googles best care agency Cardiff after an emotional conversation with their family.
It’s how you show up when a worried son searches for elderly care services in Cardiff late at night, desperate for a solution.
It’s how you keep being discovered long after those heartfelt referrals have been shared over coffee.
How SEO can grow your Cardiff business
Social media posts and word of mouth are great for starting a buzz, but SEO is what keeps your phone ringing.
In Cardiff, people are Googling everything — from finding a care agency for their parents to booking a handyman for that dripping tap that’s driving them mad.
These are your locals, your neighbours, your potential clients.
They’re searching because they need help right now.
SEO makes sure that when they’re ready to call, it’s your name they see first.
And if your business isn’t showing up for these local searches, you’re leaving opportunities on the table (don’t worry — we’ll get into local keywords soon).
I’m a freelance SEO consultant with over 4 years of experience.
I’ve worked with businesses in all kinds of industries, helping them use SEO to get more sales and connect with their local audience.
So, you could say I know a thing or two about making businesses shine in cities like Cardiff.
Need help brushing up your SEO for the Cardiff 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 Cardiff 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 a little confusing.
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 care agency scenario we mentioned earlier.
Imagine there’s another care agency in Cardiff 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.
By figuring out what your competitors are crushing — and where they’re falling short — you’ll uncover the exact moves you need to make to outrank them.
The takeaway? Don’t sprint into your SEO strategy without a map.
Slow down, grab a coffee (or a pint, no judgment), and take the time to size up the competition.
Here’s how you get started:
Start by Googling your own keywords
Fire up Google and type in the keywords you think people in Cardiff might use to find businesses like yours.
These are your main competitors — the ones standing between you and that coveted top spot.
Make a note of their website URLs, because we’re about to take a closer look at what they’re doing well (and what they’re not).
Find areas for improvement in your competitor's content
Visit their websites and take a proper look around.
For our care agency, we can check what other Cardiff agencies are putting out there.
Are they sharing stories about the lives they’ve changed, offering guides on how to choose the right care provider, or showcasing heartfelt testimonials from families who trust them?
Notice the tone they’re using, the services they’re highlighting, and how they’re building trust with potential clients.
Your task? Spot what they’re doing well, and find ways to outshine them.
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 Cardiff
Let’s go back to our care agency scenario.
Let’s say someone in Cardiff is looking for support — maybe help for their elderly parent or recovery care after surgery.
They’re not Googling best care agencies uk.
No, they’re typing in best care agencies in cardiff.
That’s what we call local keywords.
Local keywords are essential because they connect you with the families who are right there in your area, ready to reach out for your services.
They slice through the online clutter and put your agency in front of the people who genuinely need what you’re offering.
Here’s why this is so important.
If your goal is to bring in more clients, targeting local keywords should sit at the top of your list.
Why? Because you’re not aiming for clicks from everywhere — you want clicks that turn into calls from your community.
A keyword like best care agencies uk might bring in a lot of traffic, but it’s from people scattered across the country who aren’t going to hire a Cardiff-based agency.
On the flip side, someone Googling best care agencies in cardiff is much more likely to trust you with their family’s care.
Long story short: being relevant locally always beats attracting meaningless traffic.
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 answer’s in the name.
A seed keyword is your starting point—a broad keyword that expands into all the other keywords you’ll uncover.
It’s the foundation of your entire keyword strategy.
For example, care agencies in cardiff would be the seed keyword for my Cardiff-based care agency.
3. Pick your country and language
Since we’re focusing on the Cardiff audience, select the UK as your country and English as your language.
Getting this right ensures the keyword data you’re pulling is relevant to the local searches happening in Cardiff.
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 Cardiff and the surrounding areas.
Here’s how you can make them work for you:
Pages that target cities
Let’s say you run a care agency in Cardiff but also serve families in Llandaff, Pontprennau, and Penarth.
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 neighborhoods are Googling when they’re looking for reliable care services.
Think along these lines:
- llandaff care agency
- pontprennau elder care
- penarth in-home care
- best care agencies cardiff
All of these keywords hit the nail on the head.
We like to think our clients are all within Cardiff, but often, they’re spread out across surrounding neighbourhoods.
So why not create pages for each of those areas?
By targeting these specific keywords, you’ll appear when families nearby are searching for a care agency they can rely on.
It’s a smart way to grow your reach while keeping your personalised, community-focused charm.
You’re staking your claim in each of these areas so that when families need help, you’re the name that comes to mind.
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 10 miles from Cardiff to Pontypridd. That’s like turning your back on easy money.
I once worked with an external wall insulation contractor based in Coventry who happily served customers within a 50-mile radius.
Most local Cardiff businesses can afford to stretch their boundaries a little, covering towns like Penarth, Caerphilly, or Barry.
But if you’re running a brick-and-mortar business that only serves a small area, you probably care more about attracting Cardiff-based customers.
If that sounds like you, stick to the strategy below:
Pages that target local neighbourhoods
Cardiff is made up of many neighbourhoods and surrounding areas.
If you were running a care agency in Cardiff, you could create location pages that speak directly to these parts of the city, like:
- Llandaff
- Pontcanna
- Roath
People frequently search for services right in their local neighbourhoods.
If someone’s looking for a care agency in Llandaff, your Llandaff-focused page will have a much better chance of showing up in search results.
You might think these highly specific keywords won’t generate much traffic.
But trust me, they 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 located near New Theatre, we could create a location page titled Restaurant near New Theatre Cardiff.
And yup, you guessed it. That’s a keyword.
Here are a few examples of local landmark keywords:
Landmarks like Cardiff Castle 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 Cardiff 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 a care agency and want to target the Llandaff area, your URL should look something like this:
If you’re also targeting Pontcanna, 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 be dull as dishwater.
- Use unique titles: Your page title is the first thing people see. Make it count. Be clear, be specific, and include your location.
- Example: ‘Reliable Care Agency in Cardiff – Your Business Name.’
Speak their language
This is how I’d make my care agency feel at home with the people of Cardiff:
- Tell a story: Cardiff is a city built on community. Share the story of your care agency. Maybe it started as a way to help your own family or grew from your passion for supporting elderly residents in Llandaff. A story creates trust, and trust is everything in care services.
- Make it about the locals: Cardiff’s charm lies in its people. Mention supporting families in Pontprennau, providing companionship for seniors in Roath, or helping busy professionals in Penarth find reliable care for their loved ones. Show you’re part of the city’s fabric.
- Show, don’t tell: Use photos that capture the heart of your care agency. Show your team chatting with seniors over tea, lending a hand at a local charity event, or comforting a family during a consultation. Make your care feel as personal as it is professional.
Let the locals do the talking
Pop in some testimonials from folks who live just around the corner.
Nothing says “this is your care agency” quite like locals raving about it.
- Example: “The care my mum receives in Llandaff has been exceptional. We couldn’t ask for a more compassionate team!” — Emma, Llandaff Resident
Give them a map and directions
- Drop a pin: Add a Google Map to your page so families can quickly locate your care agency. Whether they’re visiting from nearby or checking in after errands, make your location accessible and convenient.
- Landmarks and directions: Highlight nearby landmarks or streets to make finding you effortless. Something like, ‘We’re in Llandaff, just a short walk from Llandaff Cathedral.’
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 an edge by connecting your images to your target keywords.
It’s a small tweak that can make a noticeable impact.
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 Cardiff 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 spouting jargon like “rankings” and “organic traffic.” Really listen, and make sure what they’re saying actually holds water.
If some slick SEO consultant promises your business is going to rank #1 for every keywords by next week, don’t fall for it.
Before you bring in an SEO, you’ve got to know what you want. Too many businesses toss money at SEO without a plan, hoping it’ll work magic.
Who do you want to attract? What do you want those visitors to do on your site? And why does any of it matter?
SEO isn’t about bringing in just any traffic — it’s about connecting with the right people.
For our Cardiff care agency, we want families looking for reliable care for their loved ones. Not folks who click, skim, and leave without reaching out.
Traffic that doesn’t convert is a missed opportunity.
So, get crystal clear on your goals, and don’t hesitate to ask the hard 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 Cardiff.
And that is how you do SEO for your Cardiff business.
That’s all, folks.
That’s all he wrote.
Thanks for reading.
