Before we talk about how to do SEO for Leeds businesses, let me give you a scenario.
Picture this:
You run a cozy little bakery right at the heart of Kirkgate Market.
You’ve got everything from artisan sourdough and fresh croissants to bespoke celebration cakes that are the talk of the town.
You know your way around a dough hook like an artist knows their brush, and your pastries come out of the oven golden, buttery, and impossible to resist.
But none of it matters if people don’t know where to find you.
Sure, you might get a few curious passersby who stumble across your bakery, drawn in by the smell of fresh sourdough wafting into the market or the sight of your perfectly layered cakes displayed in the window.
Maybe a loyal customer posts a picture of their morning pastry haul with your logo in the background, or someone raves about your brownies to a friend in need of a sugar fix.
That’s great — it really is. The buzz, the word of mouth, the chalkboard sign outside your stall — it all plays a part.
But SEO?
SEO is how your bakery gets found when someone in Leeds Googles best bakery leeds after craving fresh croissants.
It’s how your name shows up when a tourist searches for artisan sourdough Leeds while exploring the city.
It’s how you keep getting discovered long after that Instagram photo of your tiered wedding cake gets buried under 100 brunch snaps.
Let’s talk about how to make that happen.
How SEO can grow your Leeds 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 Leeds.
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 city like Leeds.
Need help brushing up your SEO strategy for the Leeds 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 Leeds 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 feel like trying to navigate through a maze of sourdough recipes. Where do you even 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 bakery scenario we mentioned earlier.
Imagine there’s another bakery in Leeds that’s ranking at the top because their local SEO is on point, but they have a slow website speed…
Well, that’d be your chance to overtake them.
By understanding what your competitors are doing right — and wrong — you’re setting yourself up to figure out exactly what you need to do to rank higher.
The takeaway? Don’t rush into your SEO strategy without a game plan.
Take a breather, maybe grab a cup of tea, and start by scoping out the competition.
Here’s how you do it:
Start by Googling your own keywords
Fire up Google and type in the keywords you think people in Leeds might be using to find businesses like yours.
These are your main competitors — the ones you’ll need to beat to grab that top spot.
Jot down their website URLs, because we’re about to take a closer look at what they’re doing right (and wrong).
Find areas for improvement in your competitor's content
Visit their websites and take a proper look around.
What kind of content are they putting out? Are they posting recipes, sharing tips for perfect sourdough, or highlighting testimonials from happy customers who can’t get enough of their pastries?
Pay attention to the tone they’re using, the topics they’re covering, and how they’re keeping their audience engaged.
Your job is simple: figure out what’s working for them and 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 Leeds business
Let’s go back to our bakery scenario.
Let’s say someone in Leeds is searching for their next loaf of artisan bread or a birthday cake for a special occasion.
They’re not Googling best bakeries uk.
No, they’re typing in best bakeries in leeds.
The latter is what we call local keywords.
Local keywords matter because they connect you with the customers who are right there in your city, ready to walk into your bakery and grab a fresh loaf or place an order for a custom cake.
They cut through the noise of the internet, putting your business in front of the people who are most likely to become your next regulars.
Here’s why this is important.
If your goal is to bring in more local customers, targeting local keywords should be at the very top of your to-do list.
Why? Because it’s not about pulling in everyone — it’s about pulling in the right ones.
A keyword like best bakeries uk might attract a higher search volume, but it’s from people scattered across the country who aren’t hopping on a train for a sourdough loaf.
On the flip side, someone Googling best bakeries in leeds is much more likely to show up at your door.
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 answer’s right in the name.
A seed keyword is your starting point—a broad keyword that grows into all the other keywords you’ll uncover.
It’s the foundation of your entire keyword strategy.
For example, bakeries in leeds would be the seed keyword for my Leeds-based bakery.
3. Pick your country and language
Since we’re focusing on the Leeds audience, select the UK as your country and English as your language.
Getting this right ensures the keyword data you’re pulling is from your local traffic.
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 Leeds and the surrounding areas.
Here’s how you can make them work for you:
Pages that target suburbs, towns and cities
Let’s say you run a bakery in Leeds City Centre but also serve customers in Headingley, Chapel Allerton, and Morley.
Here’s what we could do: create individual location pages for each of these suburbs and towns.
Why? Because each page lets you target the specific keywords people in those neighbourhoods are Googling when they’re craving fresh bread or custom cakes.
Think along these lines:
- headingley bakery
- chapel allerton custom cakes
- morley sourdough bread
- best bakeries leeds
All of these keywords hit the mark.
We like to think our customers are all clustered in Leeds, sometimes, they’re scattered across surrounding areas.
So why not create pages for each of those areas?
By targeting these specific keywords, you’ll show up when people nearby are searching for a bakery to visit or order from.
It’s a smart way to grow your customer base without losing your local charm.
You’re planting your flag in each of these spots so when people need your services, your name is the one they see first.
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 Leeds to Bradford. That’s like letting money slip through your fingers.
I once worked with an external wall insulation contractor based in Coventry who happily served customers within a 50-mile radius.
Most local Leeds businesses can afford to stretch their boundaries a little, handling jobs in nearby towns and cities.
But if you’re running a brick-and-mortar business that only serves a small area, you probably care more about attracting Leeds-based customers.
If that sounds like you, stick to the strategy below:
Pages that target local neighbourhoods
Leeds is made up many neighbourhoods and suburbs.
If you were running a bakery in Leeds, you could create location pages that speak directly to these parts of the city, like:
- Headingley
- Chapel Allerton
- Horsforth
People sometimes search for services specific to their own neighbourhoods.
If someone’s looking for your service in Headingley, your Headingley-focused page has a much better shot at showing up in the search results.
You might think these hyper-local keywords won’t generate much traffic.
But 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 tucked near Leeds Train Station, we could create a location page titled Restaurant near Leeds Train Station.
And yup, you guessed it. That’s a keyword.
Here are a few examples of local landmark keywords:
Landmarks like Leeds Train Station 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 Leeds 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 bakery and you want to target the Headingley area, your URL should look something like this:
If you’re also targeting Chapel Allerton, 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 bore people to tears.
- Use unique titles: Your page title is your first impression. Make it stand out. Be clear, be specific, and make sure to include your location.
- Example: ‘Best Artisan Bread in Leeds – Your Bakery Name.’
Speak their language
This is how I’d make my bakery hit home with the people of Leeds:
- Tell a story: Leeds loves a good backstory. Share how your bakery came to life. Maybe you started in a little stall at Kirkgate Market or your grandmother’s bread recipe inspired you to open shop in Headingley. Stories build connection — and connection builds loyalty.
- Make it about the locals: Talk about what makes Leeds unique. Mention morning runners grabbing a croissant before a stroll through Roundhay Park or students picking up a snack between classes at the University of Leeds. Show you know and love the people you’re baking for.
- Show, don’t tell: Use photos that make your bakery feel alive. Show a tray of fresh-baked sourdough cooling by the window, happy customers enjoying their pastries, or your team kneading dough with smiles. Make it feel warm, inviting.
Let the locals do the talking
Pop in some testimonials from folks who live just down the street.
Nothing says “this is your bakery” quite like locals raving about it.
- Example: “Headingley’s best spot for fresh bread and pastries. The sourdough here is unmatched!” — Sarah, Headingley 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 grabbing a loaf on their way home or swinging by after a jog, make it easy for them to find you.
- Landmarks and directions: Mention local spots or streets to make finding your bakery a breeze. Something like, ‘We’re tucked away in Headingley, just down the road from Headingley Stadium.’
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 little nudge by connecting your images to your target keywords.
For example:
- Instead of generic alt text like ‘loaf of bread,’ go for something like ‘fresh sourdough bread at our Headingley bakery in Leeds.’
It’s a simple tweak that can make a big 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 Leeds 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 words like “rankings” and “organic traffic” at you. Listen carefully, and make sure what they’re saying actually makes sense.
Let’s go back to that bakery scenario.
If some smooth-talking SEO consultant promises your Headingley bakery is going to outrank Greggs by next Thursday, don’t take the bait. That’s like saying your homemade sourdough is going to outsell Hovis by Friday
Before you bring in an SEO, you’ve got to know what you want. Too many small businesses throw money at SEO without a plan, hoping it’ll magically fix everything.
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 just any traffic — it’s about the right traffic.
For our Leeds-based bakery, we want people who’ll stop by your bakery, order a birthday cake, or rave about our pastries to their mates. Not people who click, glance, and bounce.
Traffic that doesn’t convert is useless.
So, be clear on what you’re looking for, and ask the 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 Leeds.
And that is how you do SEO for your Leeds business.
That’s all, folks.
That’s all he wrote.
Thanks for reading.
