Soho is packed with vibrant shops, cosy cafés, buzzing bars and hidden gems, but if you’re not showing up online, you’re missing out on customers who are already searching for exactly what you offer. The good news? You don’t need to be a tech wizard to improve your visibility. This guide breaks down simple, beginner-friendly steps to help your business stand out on Google with tips from an expert SEO in central London and get more people through the door.
1. Start with Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile is what people see when they search for you on Google Maps or in local listings. It’s free and absolutely essential.
🛠️ Simple Steps:
● Go to https://business.google.com/uk/business-profile/ and claim your profile.
● Make sure your business name, address, and phone number are accurate.
● Add business hours, website, photos, and a short description.
● Choose the right category (e.g. “Coffee Shop”, “Boutique”, “Live Music Venue”).
💡 Quick Win:
Add a few photos of your shopfront, inside space, and popular products or menus. It makes a big difference!
2. Use Local Keywords on Your Website
To show up in local searches like “bookshop in Soho” or “best wine bar near Carnaby Street”, your website needs to include these exact types of phrases.
🛠️ Simple Steps:
● Mention your location (e.g., Soho, London) naturally throughout your website.
● Include it in your page titles, meta descriptions, and headers.
● Write a short “About” paragraph that explains who you are and where you’re based.
💡 Quick Win:
Add a short sentence to your homepage like: “Located in the heart of Soho, we’ve been serving locals since 2015.”
3. Get Listed on Local Directories
Being listed on trusted directories helps Google trust your business and improves your chances of showing up in local search results.
🛠️ Simple Steps:
● Add your business to popular sites like Yelp, Bing Places, and Apple Maps.
● Use the exact same business name, address, and phone number on every site.
● Look for local guides or Soho-focused platforms like TimeOut or DesignMyNight.
💡 Quick Win:
Search your business name. If you find an old listing with wrong info, update it.
4. Ask Happy Customers for Google Reviews
Reviews tell Google (and new customers) that you’re trusted and worth visiting. Plus, they help you rank higher in local searches.
🛠️ Simple Steps:
● Ask regulars or happy customers to leave a quick review on Google.
● Create a simple review card with a QR code linking to your Google listing.
● Reply to every review, good or bad, to show you’re active and care.
💡 Quick Win:
Stick a sign near your till or window that says: “Loved your visit? Leave us a review on Google!”
5. Make Sure Your Website Works Well on Mobile
Most people looking for shops or cafés nearby are on their phones. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, they’ll click away fast.
🛠️ Simple Steps:
● Test your website on your phone. Does it load quickly? Is it easy to scroll?
● Avoid tiny text, slow-loading images, and messy layouts.
● Use tools like PageSpeed Insights to check your site speed.
💡 Quick Win:
If your site takes longer than 3 seconds to load, try reducing large image sizes.
6. Add Local Schema to Help Google Understand Your Business
Schema is a small bit of code you (or your web designer) can add to help Google display your opening hours, location, and contact details directly in search results.
🛠️ Simple Steps:
● Use the Google Structured Data Markup Helper to create your code.
● Add details like your address, phone number, and opening times.
● Ask your developer or use a plugin (like RankMath or Yoast) to insert the code.
💡 Quick Win:
Once added, test it using Google’s Rich Results Tool.
7. Get Links from Local Websites
When local sites link to your website, it boosts your credibility and helps you rank better in Soho-related searches.
🛠️ Simple Steps:
● Collaborate with a nearby business to write a blog post or cross-promote.
● Reach out to local bloggers or event guides who feature small businesses.
● Join Soho business groups or sponsorships to be mentioned on their websites.
💡 Quick Win:
If you’re hosting or involved in an event, ask the organiser to link to your site.
8. Use Social Media with Location Tags
Tagging your location in posts helps more local people find you, and it’s one of the easiest ways to get noticed in your area.
🛠️ Simple Steps:
● Always tag “Soho” or your street on Instagram and Facebook posts.
● Use hashtags like #SohoLondon, #LondonShops, or #HiddenGemsSoho.
● Share behind-the-scenes photos, staff intros, or daily specials.
💡 Quick Win:
Repost customer photos with your location tagged. It builds trust and boosts visibility.
9. Keep Track of What’s Working
It’s important to know where your traffic is coming from so you can do more of what’s working and less of what’s not.
🛠️ Simple Steps:
● Use Google Analytics 4 to see which pages get the most traffic.
● Check Google Search Console to find the exact keywords people use to find you.
● Look at your Google Business Profile Insights to see how many people call or request directions.
💡 Quick Win:
Set a reminder to check your stats once a month. You don’t need to be an expert to spot trends.
10. Create Location-Specific Pages for Events or Offers
If you run events, promotions or seasonal offers, create individual pages or blog posts that target local searches.
🛠️ Simple Steps:
● Make simple pages like “Bottomless Brunch Soho Saturdays” or “Live Jazz in Soho Every Friday”.
● Include the day, type of event, and your location in the title.
● Link from your homepage or menu so people can easily find it.
💡 Quick Win:
Even a one-paragraph event page with the right keywords can help you rank in Google.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a huge budget or digital team to make local SEO work for you. Just a bit of consistency, local pride, and these easy-to-follow steps. Whether you’re running a shop on Brewer Street or a cocktail bar tucked behind Old Compton, a strong local search presence means more people finding you when they’re ready to visit
