Let’s talk about how to do SEO for Manchester businesses.
There was a time in Manchester — not so long ago— when running a business meant rolling up the shutters each morning and hoping for the best.
Back then, success depended on a good location, a loyal customer base, and a lot of luck.
Competition was brutal.
The streets of Manchester were littered with stories of small businesses that couldn’t quite make it, their names now etched only in fading memories and dusty directories.
But time’s have changed.
The truth is, we’ve never had a better time to be a small business in Manchester.
SEO has leveled the playing field.
It’s no longer just about who has the biggest budget or the flashiest storefront.
It’s about who knows how to be seen, how to connect, and how to turn clicks into customers.
SEO isn’t some mystical art for billion-pound brands. It’s how a café in Ancoats can fill tables or a plumber in Didsbury can get their phone ringing.
It’s how you go from invisible to indispensable.
If you’re ready to make your business the one people find, this guide will show you how. Let’s get started.
How SEO can grow your Manchester business
While social media posts and word of mouth might bring in a customer or two, SEO is what keeps your Manchester business front and center every single day, making sure you don’t fade into the background.
That’s the power of SEO — it keeps you in the conversation.
Whatever your business, the principle is the same:
SEO helps you get in front of more customers who are already searching for what you offer.
People here are constantly Googling everything, from the best curry in Rusholme to an emergency electrician in Salford.
If your business isn’t showing up, you’re missing out.
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 Manchester SEO strategy
Before you obsess about keywords, you should know who you’re up against.
Competitor analysis is a great (if not the best) place to start.
It shows you what’s working for your competitors and what’s not; where they’re killing it and where they’re dropping the ball.
I love scenarios. So let’s go back to that coffee shop scenario.
Let’s say we found out that there’s a rival coffee shop that’s ruling the search results because they nailed local SEO, but their website speed is slower than a snail on a rainy day.
That would be our opportunity to swoop in and take their throne.
By understanding what your competitors are doing right— and wrong — you’re getting a better idea of what you need to rank better.
Moral of the story? Before you dive headfirst into your SEO strategy, take a step back, pour a cup of coffee and scope out the competition.
This is how you do that:
Start by Googling your own keywords
Fire up Google and type in the keywords you think people in Coventry are using to find businesses like yours.
Check out who’s hogging the top spots.
These are your main competitors — the ones you need to beat.
Take a note of their website URLs because we’re going to dig deeper.
Find areas for improvement in your competitor's content
Visit their websites and look around.
What kind of content are they pumping out? Are they writing blog posts, offering free guides, or showcasing testimonials?
Notice the tone, the topics, and how they engage their audience.
The goal here is to figure out what’s working for them so you can 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 are an SEO’s best friend.
They’re packed with features that can make your life as an SEO much easier.
So you get the kind of insights and data that would take hours, if not days, to gather on your own.
If you’re serious about building your site’s traffic, you should invest in one.
I personally use Semrush.
Pop in your competitor’s URL and let the tool do the rest.
You’ll see what keywords they’re ranking for, where their backlinks are coming from, and even what pages are driving the most traffic.
You can then use this intel to refine your own keyword strategy and find areas of improvement on their websites.
Alternatively, if you don’t want to pay for an SEO tool, you can also do keyword research for free.
These are some free tools you can use:
- Hoth Rank Checker – for analysing a site’s ranking keywords
- Ahrefs Backlink Checker – for analysing a site’s backlink profile
Keyword research for your Manchester business
Let’s go back to our coffee scenario.
Let’s say someone in Manchester is on the hunt for a cozy spot to grab a cup of coffee.
They’re not Googling best coffee uk.
No, they’re typing in best coffee shops in manchester.
The latter is an example of what what we call local keywords.
Local keywords matter because they connect you with the customers who are right there in your backyard, ready to waltz in through your door.
They help you cut through the noise of the internet so you’re seen by the people who actually have a shot at becoming your regulars.
Let me explain.
If your goal is to attract more local customers, focusing on local keywords should be your first priority.
It’s a better strategy: quality over quantity.
While a keyword like best coffee uk might attract more search volume, people searching that are spread all over the country and are less likely to step into your shop.
In contrast, someone searching for best coffee shops in manchester is far more likely to walk through your door.
Long story short, the local relevance of a keyword is more important than sheer volume.
I’ve already mentioned how you can use SEO tools to find local keyword ideas, whether you go for a paid option or one of the free alternatives I’ve recommended.
But here’s an extra tip. There are two more quick and free methods to uncover local ideas:
Related searches
Related searches are like little keyword ideas Google hands you for free.
You know when you’re typing something into Google, and you scroll down to the bottom of the page?
There’s this neat little list of searches that other people have made, closely connected to what you just typed in.
That’s what we call related searches.
Those related searches are a peek into the collective brain of your audience.
They show you what else people are curious about, what other words they’re using, and sometimes, what questions they’re asking.
And the best part? It’s dead simple.
Just type in a keyword related to your business, scroll down, and boom—Google’s handing you a list of ideas on a silver platter.
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
I don’t see a lot of people mention this next tool. It’s called Answer Socrates.
It’s a free, hassle-free way of finding questions people are searching about your service or product.
1. Go over to the Answer Socrates website
So firstly, head over to Answer Socrates.
The site is simple to get around, so you can dive right in without any hassle.
No log-in, no credit card details required.
Perfect for folks who want to jump straight into the keyword research.
2. Plug in your keyword
Type your seed keyword into the search bar.
What’s a seed keyword, I hear 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 dig up.
It’s the root of your entire keyword strategy.
So, for example, if I was running a coffee shop, coffee shops manchester would be the seed keyword for my business.
3. Pick your country and language
We want to focus on the Manchester audience, so select the UK as your country and English as your language.
Setting the right country and language will help you search the keyword data for your local audience.
4. Analyse the results
Answer Socrates will brew up a list of questions, prepositions, and comparisons that 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
Creating good location pages is a great way to attract customers in Manchester and its surrounding areas.
Here are a few approaches you can follow:
Pages that target cities
Let’s say you run a plumbing business based in Manchester but also cover areas like Didsbury, Chorlton, and Salford.
Here’s the strategy: you create individual pages for each of these locations.
Why? Because each location page lets you target the exact keywords people in those areas are searching when they’ve got a burst pipe or a boiler on the blink.
Think along these lines:
- manchester plumbing services
- plumbing services in didsbury
- emergency plumber chorlton
These keywords are goldmines for pulling in local customers.
We’d all love it if our clients stayed neatly within a small radius, but the reality is they’re often spread across nearby areas like Stretford, Sale, or Prestwich.
So here’s the move: create targeted pages for each of these places.
By zoning in on specific local keywords, your website will pop up when someone in these areas needs a plumber.
It’s a smart way to widen your reach without losing your Manchester focus.
Think of it as planting a flag in each neighbourhood.
So when someone’s boiler gives up in Didsbury or their kitchen tap leaks in Chorlton, your business is the first they find.
Of course, you should only target these types of keywords if you’re actually able to serve the folks in neighbouring towns and boroughs.
Most plumbers in Manchester aren’t going to turn down a £2,000 job just because they can’t be bothered to drive the 16 miles from Manchester to Bolton.
That’s like tossing perfectly good cash down the drain.
Most service-based businesses can stretch their boundaries. Expanding into nearby areas is worth it when the big-ticket gigs start rolling in.
But if you’re running a brick-and-mortar spot — like a cosy café in the Northern Quarter or a salon in Chorlton — your focus should be on the people who are already searching for you right here in Manchester.
If that’s you, stick around and follow the strategy below.
Pages that target local neighbourhoods
People tend to search for services right in their own neck of the woods.
So, when someone’s Googling best coffee shop in ancoats, your Ancoats-focused page is going to have a much better chance of popping up in their search results.
Now, you might be wondering, “Do these ultra-specific keywords actually get searched?”
Spoiler alert: they do.
Sure, they’re not breaking any records for search volume, but they are getting searched.
And here’s the kicker—the more specific the keyword, the higher the chance that the person searching is ready to walk through your door and buy.
Local landmark pages
This is hands down one of the most overlooked tricks in local SEO.
It’s simple, it’s effective, and yet so many businesses skip right past it.
Let’s say you’ve got a restaurant nestled near Manchester’s iconic Opera House.
You could create a location page with a title like Restaurant near Manchester Opera House.
People sometimes search for places based on what’s around them.
When you anchor your story to a place that everyone’s already Googling and Instagramming, you’re not just drawing in the Manchester regulars — you’re snagging the tourists, the day-trippers, and the wanderers looking for the best flat white or the fluffiest croissant within walking distance of their cultural escapades.
And that’s how you rise above the competition — by being the place everyone has to visit after the curtain falls.
Basic on-page SEO for your Manchester business
Remember these tips for your on-page SEO:
Nail the URL
Think of your URL like an address; it should tell people exactly where they’re going.
If you’re serving coffee in Didsbury, your URL should look something like this:
Got another branch in Chorlton? Easy:
This way, Google knows where to send folks, and your customers can find you without a hitch.
Write killer titles and headings
Just because you need to slide keywords into your headings doesn’t mean they have to be dull.
Your page title is your first impression, so make it pop. Be clear, be specific, and don’t forget to sprinkle in that Manchester location.
Example:
‘Best Coffee in Ancoats – Your Coffee Shop Name’
Your title should grab attention, give searchers exactly what they’re looking for, and let them know they’ve found the right place.
Let the locals do the talking
Pop in some testimonials from the locals who know you best.
Nothing says “this is the spot” quite like hearing it from a local who’s already a fan.
Example:
“Ancoat’s treasure! I stop here every morning for my flat white.” — Sarah, Ancoat resident
Give them a map and directions
Drop a pin: Add a Google Map to your site so customers know exactly where to find you. Make it easy for them, whether they’re strolling over from Deansgate, biking from Spinningfields, or driving in from Chorlton.
Landmarks and directions: Paint a clear picture of how to get to your place using streets and landmarks people actually know. Like, “Right around the corner from Cutting Room Square, just off Blossom Street in Ancoats.”
Add ALT text to images
For every image on your site, don’t just slap on some boring alt text and call it a day — use it to actually say something.
Something that paints a clear picture for people (and Google) about what’s happening in the shot.
ALT text isn’t just an accessibility box to tick.
It’s a good opportunity to sneak in those Manchester keywords.
Got an image of your barista pouring a latte?
Try this alt text:
“Barista making a latte at our Ancoats coffee shop in Manchester.”
It’s clear, it’s useful, and it leaves no doubt in Google’s mind about what you do and where you do it.
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 Manchester business
So, maybe you read through all of that and thought, “Yeah, I don’t have time for this.”
If that’s you, it might be time to call in an SEO pro.
But don’t just hand over your wallet to the first person who promises you the moon.
Listen to their pitch carefully, and make sure what they’re saying actually makes sense.
If some smooth-talker claims they can have your tiny Manchester plumbing website outranking national competitors by next week, take a step back.
That’s like saying your corner café is going to outsell Starbucks by Friday. It’s not happening.
Before you even start talking to an SEO, you need to know what you’re after.
A lot of small businesses say they need SEO, but when you ask them why, they can’t explain.
They don’t know who they’re trying to reach, what they want those people to do, or how it ties back to their business goals.
They’re just throwing money at SEO and hoping something sticks.
Here’s the thing: it rarely does.
Yes, more traffic sounds nice. But let’s be honest—you don’t just want more people on your site. You want the right people.
The ones who will hang around, click through your pages, and maybe even book your service or buy your product.
Or maybe you want to build brand awareness, change how people see your business, or teach them something useful.
What you don’t want is a flood of visitors who skim your homepage, shrug, and leave. That’s how you end up wasting time and money on traffic that doesn’t help your business grow.
So, if you’re thinking about hiring an SEO, make sure you’re ready to ask the right questions.
Here are a few to get you started:
"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.
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 Manchester.
And that is how you do SEO for your Manchester business.
That’s all, folks.
That’s all he wrote.
Thanks for reading.
