Help People Find Your Business
Why your location matters for Google search
If you've been thinking about keywords and how people search, here's something that might surprise you: when people look for a business online, they almost always include a place in their search.
Think about how you search. You don't just type "pizza." You type "pizza near me" or "pizza in Manchester" or "best pizza Chiang Mai." You're looking for something specific, somewhere specific.
This is good news for local businesses. You're not competing with every website in the world. You're just competing with businesses in your area. And if your website clearly says where you are, Google can connect you with the people who are looking for exactly what you offer, right where you are.
Where to put your location on your website
The key is to mention your location in the places where it matters most. You don't need to force it into every sentence. Just make sure it appears where visitors (and Google) will naturally look for it.
Your homepage is the most important place. If your business welcomes customers in person or serves a specific area, include your location in your homepage title. A title like "Family Bakery in Lisbon's Alfama District" tells visitors immediately whether you're relevant to them.
You can also weave location into your homepage text. Phrases like "serving the greater Melbourne area" or "located in downtown Seattle" help without feeling forced.
Your contact page is the second essential place. This is where visitors go when they're ready to get in touch or visit. Along with your contact form, add your full address, phone number, and any other details that help people find you. If you have opening hours, include them here too.
A dedicated location page makes sense if where you are is a key part of what you offer. This is especially helpful if you have multiple locations, or if visitors often need help finding you. Add a Google map, photos of nearby landmarks, and clear directions. Think about what would help a first-time visitor arrive without confusion.
How specific should you be?
More specific is almost always better.
If your business is in a large city, mention the neighborhood or district. "Brooklyn" is more helpful than "New York."
If you are in a small town or rural area, include the name of your region or the nearest well-known city.
The goal is to match the words your future visitors are already using. If people in your area search for "electrician North Shore," make sure "North Shore" appears on your site.
One note: let your location appear naturally in your writing. Don’t repeat your city name as many times as possible. Just make sure that when you mention where you are, you use the same words your visitors would use. Write for people first, and Google will follow.
Add your business to Google Maps and local directories
Your website is only part of how people find local businesses. Many searches happen directly on Google Maps, especially on phones.
Creating a Google Business Profile puts your business on the map, literally. When someone searches for what you offer in your area, your business can appear with your address, hours, photos, and reviews. This is free and worth doing.
Visit business.google.com to set up your profile.
If another maps service is more popular in your country, create a listing there instead. Local business directories specific to your industry or region can help too.
One step to take today
Look at your homepage title. Does it include your location? If someone saw only that title in a Google search result, would they know where you are?
If not, this small change can make a real difference in helping the right people find you.
