Whether someone is searching for services, ways to donate, or volunteer opportunities, you want your charity to be the first thing they find. Local SEO is key to achieving this.
Local SEO helps your charity show up in searches from people nearby, making it easier for your community to connect with your cause.
What is Local SEO and Why Does it Matter for Charities?
Local SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is the process of improving your online presence to attract more local search traffic.
When a user searches “[service] near me”, or location terms, such as “volunteer opportunities in Southampton”, local SEO helps make sure your charity is one of the top results.
For non-profits, this is especially important, as it makes your connects your mission and services with the people in your local community.
Better local search visibility means:
- More people reached: Connect with more people who need your support in your local area.
- Increased donations: Attract more local donors looking to support charities in their area.
- Stronger community engagement: Encourage more volunteers and foster stronger community ties.
Key Local SEO Strategies for Non-Profits
1. Optimise Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile is one of the most effective tools for boosting your local search presence. It ensures that when someone searches for your services, they find accurate information like your contact details, location, and operating hours.
By regularly updating your profile and encouraging positive reviews, you make it easier for people to find and trust your charity.
2. Use Location-Based Keywords
Keywords that include your location (like “youth support charity in Hampshire”) help Google understand where your charity operates.
These should be added to your website’s content, including blog posts, service pages, and meta descriptions, to improve your chances of appearing in location-specific searches.
3. Get Listed in Local Directories
Getting listed in trusted directories helps build credibility and trust with search engines and potential supporters.
4. Create Locally Relevant Content
Sharing stories, updates, and blog posts that relate to your local community helps attract visitors from the area. For example, creating a blog about your involvement in a local event, and adding it onto your website and Google My Business profile.
5. Earn Backlinks from Local Partners
Backlinks (when another website links to yours) are a key factor in how search engines rank websites.
Partnering with local businesses and community organisations can help you earn local backlinks, boosting your authority.
6. Ensure Your Website is Mobile-Friendly
Most local searches happen on mobile devices. A mobile-friendly website that loads quickly and is easy to navigate helps potential supporters access your content easily.
7. Use Social Media for Local Engagement
Sharing posts that highlight your local impact, events, and partnerships helps reinforce your local relevance and encourages community interaction.
Make Your Charity More Discoverable Locally
Local SEO is one of the simplest ways to connect with more people in your community, but it’s also easy to overlook.
By focusing on key areas of local SEO, you can build a stronger online presence that serves your community more effectively.
How Atelier Can Help
Local SEO might sound straightforward, but it requires consistent effort and expertise to get right.
Whether you need help optimising your Google Business Profile, creating locally relevant content, or getting high-quality backlinks, our team help. Get in touch today to start boosting your local digital presence.