Local SEO Tips for Bedford Businesses
If you run a business in Bedford or Bedfordshire, local SEO isn't optional – it's essential. When potential customers search for services "near me" or "in Bedford," you want your business to appear at the top.
This guide covers practical, actionable local SEO strategies specifically for Bedford businesses. No jargon, no fluff – just what works.
Why Local SEO Matters for Bedford Businesses
76% of people who search for something nearby visit a business within a day. That's a staggering statistic – and it shows why appearing in local search results is so valuable.
For Bedford businesses, local SEO is particularly important because:
- Competition is growing: More local businesses are investing in their online presence
- Consumer behaviour has shifted: Even for local purchases, people research online first
- Google prioritises local results: The "Map Pack" (those 3 businesses shown on Google Maps) gets the most clicks
Whether you're a café in Bedford town centre, a professional services firm in Milton Keynes, or a specialist clinic serving Bedfordshire, local SEO determines whether customers find you.
Google Business Profile: Your Most Important Asset
If you do nothing else, optimise your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). This free tool directly controls how you appear in local search results and Google Maps.
Setting Up for Success
1. Claim and verify your listing
If you haven't already, claim your business at business.google.com. Google will verify you're the owner, usually by sending a postcard to your address.
2. Complete every field
Google rewards complete profiles. Fill in:
- Business name (exactly as it appears on your signage)
- Address
- Phone number
- Website
- Hours (including special hours for holidays)
- Business description (use relevant keywords naturally)
- Categories (primary + secondary)
- Services/products
- Photos (lots of them – see below)
3. Choose the right categories
Your primary category is crucial. Choose the most specific option that accurately describes your business. You can add secondary categories too, but don't go overboard.
4. Add quality photos
Businesses with photos get 42% more requests for directions and 35% more website clicks. Add:
- Exterior photos (so people can recognise you)
- Interior photos
- Team photos
- Product/service photos
- Photos of your work (if relevant)
Update photos regularly – Google notices freshness.
Keeping Your Profile Active
Google Business Profile isn't "set and forget." Regularly:
- Post updates: Share news, offers, events
- Respond to reviews: Every single one, positive or negative
- Answer questions: Monitor the Q&A section
- Add new photos: At least monthly
- Update hours: Especially for holidays
Reviews: Your Local SEO Superpower
Reviews are the most powerful local ranking factor you can influence. More reviews + better ratings = higher rankings.
Getting More Reviews
1. Just ask. After positive interactions, simply ask customers to leave a review. Most people are happy to help if you ask nicely.
2. Make it easy. Create a direct link to your review page and share it via:
- Follow-up emails
- Text messages (where appropriate)
- QR codes on receipts/materials
- Your email signature
3. Time it right. Ask when the customer is happiest – immediately after a successful service, after positive feedback, or after a project completion.
4. Train your team. Everyone who interacts with customers should know how to ask for reviews.
Responding to Reviews
Respond to every review. Yes, every one.
For positive reviews: Thank them personally, mention something specific about their experience, and invite them back.
For negative reviews: Respond professionally, apologise for their experience, offer to resolve the issue offline, and never be defensive. Your response is really for future customers reading the review.
Local Citations: Consistency is Key
Citations are mentions of your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) on other websites. They help Google verify your business is legitimate and located where you say.
Where to List Your Bedford Business
Essential directories:
- Google Business Profile
- Bing Places
- Apple Maps
- Yell.com
- Thomson Local
- Yelp
Bedford/Bedfordshire specific:
- Bedford.co.uk
- Bedfordshire business directories
- Local Chamber of Commerce
- Bedford BID (if town centre)
Industry-specific: Whatever directories serve your sector (healthcare, trades, professional services, etc.)
The Golden Rule: Consistency
Your NAP must be exactly the same everywhere. Not "Los Webos, Bedford" on one site and "Los Webos Ltd, Bedford, Bedfordshire" on another.
Pick a format and stick to it. Use the same abbreviations (St vs Street, Rd vs Road), the same phone number format, and the exact same business name.
On-Page Local SEO
Your website needs to signal to Google that you serve Bedford and Bedfordshire.
Location Pages
If you serve specific areas, create dedicated pages. For example:
- /web-design-bedford
- /web-design-milton-keynes
- /web-design-luton
Each page should have unique, valuable content – not just the same text with the location swapped out.
Local Content
Create content relevant to your local community:
- Local guides and resources
- Coverage of local events
- Case studies featuring local clients (with permission)
- Community involvement
This signals local relevance to Google while providing genuine value.
Technical Basics
- Include your address in your website footer
- Add local business schema markup
- Include Bedford/Bedfordshire in your title tags and meta descriptions (where natural)
- Embed a Google Map on your contact page
What Not to Do
Avoid these common local SEO mistakes:
Keyword stuffing: "Bedford web design Bedford websites Bedford" doesn't work and makes you look spammy.
Fake reviews: Google detects them and will penalise you severely.
Inconsistent NAP: Nothing confuses Google more than conflicting information about where you're located.
Ignoring mobile: Most local searches happen on phones. Your site must work perfectly on mobile.
Buying links: Low-quality link building will hurt you more than help.
Measuring Success
Track these metrics monthly:
- Google Business Profile views and actions
- Local keyword rankings (e.g., "web design Bedford")
- Website traffic from local searches
- Phone calls and direction requests
- Review count and average rating
Getting Help
Local SEO is achievable for any business, but it takes consistent effort. If you'd rather focus on running your business, consider working with a local agency that understands the Bedford market.
At Los Webos, we help Bedford and Bedfordshire businesses improve their online presence through web design and SEO services. We've been based in Bedford since 2015 – we understand the local landscape.
Get in touch if you'd like to discuss your local SEO strategy.
Los Webos is a Bedford-based web design agency helping local businesses grow online since 2015.