Is Local SEO Worth it?

May 11, 2025

Is Local SEO Worth It?

Image of a Google webpage with the text SEO
A group of people are sitting around a table with papers and a laptop looking at SEO trends

If you run a small business you have probably heard about the importance of SEO. Maybe you have even been advised to look at local SEO specifically. But is doing local SEO really worth it? The short answer is yes. Whether you are just starting out or you have an established business looking to grow your customer base, investing in SEO can make a real difference to your visibility, traffic and sales.

At Thrive Digital we offer SEO services in Gosport and across Hampshire. Our focus is on helping businesses get found by the right people at the right time. As a web designer in Gosport we understand the local market better than most and know what it takes to get your business noticed online.


What is Local SEO?


Local SEO is the process of optimising your website and online presence so that it appears for searches that have local intent. For example if someone types "coffee shop near me" or "plumber in Gosport" they are looking for businesses in a specific location. Local SEO helps your business show up in these search results including the map listings which often appear at the top of Google.

Good local SEO is not just about stuffing your site with keywords. It involves a combination of on-page optimisation content creation Google Business Profile management citation building and earning local backlinks. The goal is to build trust and authority in your community while making it easy for customers to find and choose you.


Why Local SEO Matters


Most consumers use search engines to find local information. According to Google around 46 percent of all searches have a local intent. That means if you are not investing in local SEO you could be missing out on nearly half of your potential customer base.

Local SEO also tends to drive more qualified traffic. People searching for a "web designer Gosport" are likely looking to hire someone nearby not just researching. This means the traffic you get through local SEO often converts better than general traffic.

Finally local SEO can give you a competitive edge. Many small businesses still overlook the importance of optimising for local search. By taking it seriously you can put your business ahead of competitors who are relying on word of mouth alone.


How Thrive Digital Helps With Local SEO


At Thrive Digital we do more than build beautiful websites. We offer SEO services in Gosport as part of our complete digital marketing approach. When you work with us you are not just getting a website that looks good you are getting a site that is built with SEO best practices in mind from day one.

We offer SEO packages alongside any new website build. This means you can hit the ground running as soon as your new site goes live. Whether you are looking for a web designer in Hampshire a website designer in Gosport or SEO services in Gosport, we have you covered.


Our SEO packages include:


  • Keyword research focused on local terms
  • On-page optimisation including meta titles descriptions and header tags
  • Google Business Profile setup and optimisation
  • Citation building on relevant local directories
  • Monthly performance reports


Because we handle your web design and SEO together you avoid the common pitfalls that happen when different agencies are working in silos. Everything is aligned towards one goal helping your business grow online.


When to Start Local SEO


Many business owners wonder when the right time to start SEO is. The truth is the sooner the better. SEO takes time to show results so the earlier you start the faster you will start climbing the rankings. Even if your business is still new building a strong SEO foundation now can pay off hugely in the long run.

If you already have a website but have not focused much on SEO it is not too late. A good SEO audit can identify opportunities for quick wins as well as longer term strategies to improve your online presence.


Final Thoughts: Is Local SEO Worth It?


There is no doubt about it. Doing local SEO is absolutely worth it. It can increase your visibility drive more qualified traffic and ultimately help you win more customers in your area. In a world where people turn to Google for everything from a takeaway recommendation to hiring a web designer in Hampshire, businesses simply cannot afford to ignore local SEO.


At Thrive Digital we are passionate about helping businesses in Gosport and beyond succeed online. If you are looking for a web designer in Gosport who can also support you with SEO services, we would love to chat. Our SEO packages make it easy to build a strong online presence from the start giving you the best chance to thrive in a competitive market.

Ready to grow your business with local SEO? Contact Thrive Digital today to get started.

Image of a mobile app with the text
June 5, 2025
Looking for apps for small business? Thrive Digital builds affordable, high-quality mobile apps for small businesses across the UK. Get your app for takeaway, bookings and more today.
Image of two people looking at a computer, designing a website.
April 3, 2025
Thinking about hiring a professional to build your website? Discover the benefits of working with Thrive Digital, a Gosport web design and digital marketing company offering expert web design and SEO services in Gosport.
Image of two computer screens showing webpages being designed
November 1, 2024
How Much Do Web Designers Charge in the UK? Creating an online presence is a key step for many businesses, and often that starts with building a website. A common question that comes up is, "How much do web designers charge in the UK?" Rates can vary widely depending on location, experience, and project complexity, so let's break down what you might expect to pay for web design services in places like Gosport and Hampshire. Web Design Pricing: What to Expect Web design pricing generally falls into a few categories: hourly rates, fixed project fees, and maintenance costs. Each approach has its benefits, and understanding these can help you find a good fit for your project. Hourly Rates Some web designers charge hourly, with UK rates typically ranging from £25 to £150 per hour with various factors impacting the rate including: Experience: Seasoned designers often charge higher rates. Specialisation: Niche skills, like e-commerce or UX/UI design, can add to the cost. Location: Designers in cities like London might charge more, but in areas like Gosport, you could find competitive rates. Fixed Project Fees Many designers offer fixed project pricing, ideal if you want a set cost upfront. For a basic brochure site, prices might start around £500, while more complex designs, like a custom e-commerce site, could reach £5,000 or more. Ongoing Maintenance Costs Once your website is live, maintenance is often needed for updates, security, or content changes. Monthly maintenance typically ranges from £50 to £200, depending on the level of support. What Impacts Web Design Costs? Several factors influence web design costs: Project Complexity: A simple one-page site will be far less costly than a complex e-commerce site with user accounts and payment systems. Design Customisation: Custom designs cost more than template-based options, but they can also deliver a unique look that’s perfectly suited to your brand. Content Management System (CMS): Popular platforms like WordPress tend to be more affordable, while a custom-built CMS might come at a premium. Additional Services: Services like SEO, branding, and digital marketing can add value but will also increase costs. Average Costs for web design in Gosport In Gosport and Hampshire, you’ll often find competitive pricing compared to larger cities. Here’s a general range: Basic Websites: Between £300 and £1,000. Business Websites: Multi-page business sites usually range from £1,000 to £3,000. E-commerce Sites: Online stores with features like payment processing and inventory management start around £2,500 and can exceed £10,000. Finding Affordable Web Design in Gosport If you’re on the lookout for budget-friendly web design services in Gosport, here are some tips: Local Agencies: Many local agencies have built strong reputations and competitive pricing. Freelancers: Talented freelancers often offer affordable rates; sites like Upwork or Fiverr let you compare portfolios but these can be very challenging to work with and reviews are often not genuine Networking: Local business events can be a great way to meet designers directly, often leading to better rates. Online Searches: Keywords like " web design Gosport " can help you find local options quickly. In Summary Understanding what web designers charge in the UK—and especially in Gosport—helps you budget for a quality website tailored to your needs. Weighing options between hourly rates, fixed fees, and maintenance can give you a clear sense of where your money goes and what fits best for your project. At Thrive Digital, our web design prices start from just £750+VAT, which represents very good value. We are not the cheapest for sure, but your business deserves to work with a business who will represent your brand professionally and be on-hand to support you. Investing in professional web design not only elevates your online presence but also supports your business goals, whether that’s growing e-commerce sales or providing essential information with a brochure site. By researching local options and understanding pricing factors, you’ll be well-prepared to make an informed choice that aligns with your vision and budget.
two glasses of alcohol with straws on a wooden table .
By Eazi Business January 3, 2024
The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating right or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.
a man is walking past a blue food truck on the side of the road .
By Eazi Business January 3, 2024
There are so many good reasons to communicate with site visitors. Tell them about sales and new products or update them with tips and information.
a woman is drinking a cup of coffee in a park .
By Eazi Business January 3, 2024
Write about something you know. If you don’t know much about a specific topic that will interest your readers, invite an expert to write about it.