Ashford is full of brilliant local businesses – from family-run cafés to ambitious new start-ups and long-standing service providers. But in an increasingly digital world, being great at what you do is only part of the story. If people can’t find you online, you’re missing out on a huge pool of potential customers turning to Google first whenever they need something local.
At The Bright Click, we work with businesses across Surrey and beyond to help them appear right where their audience is looking. And for Ashford businesses in particular, there are some straightforward, effective steps you can take to start showing up on Google faster – and more often.
It starts with your Google Business Profile. This is often the first thing people see when they search for businesses like yours, especially if they’re using their phone or searching “near me”. Setting up your profile properly, or claiming it if it already exists, is one of the simplest ways to boost your visibility. Ensure your contact information, opening hours, website link, and business category are accurate and current. Upload recent photos – not just logos, but your shopfront, products or work in action. Businesses with well-maintained profiles appear more often in local search results, especially in the prominent ‘map pack’ at the top of the page.
Alongside this, Google pays close attention to what customers say about you. Positive reviews don’t just build trust with potential customers – they actively influence how high your business ranks in local search results. That makes it all the more important to ask happy clients to leave a review, and to respond to them when they do. A simple thank you goes a long way, and replying to less-than-perfect feedback professionally shows you care about your reputation.
However, showing up on Google isn’t just about your profile but your whole digital presence. That’s where local SEO comes in. Search engine optimisation might sound like a big job, but the local side of it is about telling Google where you are and who you serve. That means clearly mentioning your location on your website, ideally on more than just your contact page. Mentioning Ashford – or nearby areas like Sunbury, Shepperton, or Staines – in your service descriptions, testimonials, or blogs can help Google match your site to local searches. It also means ensuring your business details (name, address, phone number) are consistent everywhere you appear online – from your website to social directories and listings.
Content can be a game-changer here, too. Businesses that publish regular, useful content tend to perform better in search, not just because of the keywords, but because Google sees them as active and relevant. For Ashford-based companies, that could mean writing about local events you’re involved in, answering common questions your customers ask, or sharing behind-the-scenes stories from your team. When that content mentions your location naturally, it helps your site appear for local searches – and helps potential customers connect with your brand.
Some businesses also see great results from Google Ads, especially when targeting a specific audience in a local area. You don’t need a huge budget to make it work – the trick is to set up your campaigns with smart targeting. That might include choosing “Ashford” and neighbouring postcodes in your settings, selecting keywords that reflect your services, and using callout extensions that highlight things like “Free Local Delivery” or “Same Day Quotes”. If you’re done right, Google Ads can put you straight in front of people when they’re ready to act.
Of course, none of this will matter much if your website isn’t performing as it should. Google prioritises websites that load quickly, look great on mobile devices, and offer a good user experience. So if your site takes ages to load, or is hard to use on a phone, the chances are you’re being pushed further down the results page. A clean, responsive website with clear calls to action and easy navigation can make a big difference, not just in how Google sees you, but in whether visitors turn into customers.
One often-overlooked factor in getting found is your involvement in the local community. When you engage with other businesses in Ashford, sponsor events, support local causes, or collaborate on content, you create organic opportunities for backlinks – another important SEO factor. But more than that, it humanises your brand and gets your name out to those who live and work in your area.
Getting found first on Google isn’t just about ticking a few boxes and hoping for the best. It’s about building a complete digital presence that tells search engines – and potential customers – exactly who you are, where you are, and why they should choose you. If your business is based in Ashford, the good news is that your competition is still catching up. Many local companies haven’t optimised their profiles, or are still running on outdated websites. That leaves a great opportunity to step in, stand out, and show up.
At The Bright Click, we’re passionate about helping local businesses grow online—not with jargon but with real, achievable strategies that actually work. If you’re ready to take control of your Google presence and start attracting customers who are already searching for what you offer, we’re here to help.