top of page
Search

Local SEO Keyword Research: Ranking Your SaaS Business in Manchester

Elliot Bolland

Introduction


For SaaS businesses operating in Manchester, local SEO plays a crucial role in attracting relevant customers and standing out from the competition. SEO agencies can help businesses with local SEO by providing expert guidance and strategies.


As more businesses adopt digital-first strategies, ranking for location-based keywords can help SaaS companies generate high-quality leads, increase visibility, and establish local authority. A range of SEO services, including on-page optimisation, link building, and content creation, can support local SEO efforts.


Local keyword research ensures that your business appears in search results when potential customers in Manchester search for relevant solutions. This guide explores how to conduct local SEO keyword research and optimise your SaaS business for Manchester-based searches.


Yellow tram on elevated tracks between modern buildings. Front tram text reads "Eccles via MediaCityUK". Bright, urban scene.


Understanding SEO


What is SEO?


Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is the process of enhancing a website’s visibility and ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs) through various techniques and strategies. It involves understanding how search engines operate, what users are searching for, and the specific keywords and phrases they use.


By optimising a website for search engines, businesses can increase their online presence, attract more visitors, and ultimately boost their sales and revenue. Effective search engine optimisation (SEO) ensures that your website appears prominently when potential customers search for relevant solutions.


How SEO Works


SEO works by employing a mix of technical and creative elements to improve a website’s ranking on search engine results pages. This includes conducting thorough keyword research to identify the terms your target audience is using, optimising on-page elements like title tags and meta descriptions, building high-quality backlinks, and creating valuable content that meets user needs.


Search engines like Google use complex algorithms to rank websites based on factors such as relevance, authority, and user experience. By optimising your website to align with these factors, you can improve your search engine rankings and drive more traffic to your site.


Understanding the Importance of Local Search Engine Optimisation for SaaS Businesses


Many SaaS businesses assume that their target audience is purely global. However, there is a growing demand for local SaaS providers, especially among businesses looking for industry-specific solutions within their region.


Ranking well in Manchester-related search queries can help SaaS companies target small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), agencies, and corporate clients seeking local partnerships. Tailored SEO strategies are crucial for achieving local success.


A strong local SEO strategy can:


  • Improve brand trust and credibility in Manchester.

  • Increase website traffic from location-based searches.

  • Boost conversion rates by targeting businesses that prefer local SaaS providers.

  • Improve Google My Business (GMB) rankings and visibility in Google Maps results.


Conducting Local Keyword Research


Identifying Local Keyword Variations


The first step in local keyword research is identifying variations that include geographic terms relevant to Manchester. Targeting Manchester-specific keywords is crucial for effective local SEO, often referred to as 'SEO Manchester'. These can include:

  • “[SaaS service] in Manchester” (e.g., “CRM software in Manchester”)

  • “Best [SaaS category] near me” (e.g., “best accounting SaaS near me”)

  • “Manchester [SaaS solution] for [industry]” (e.g., “Manchester payroll software for SMEs”)


Using keyword tools such as Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, and SEMrush can help uncover location-specific keyword opportunities.


Leveraging Google Autocomplete and “People Also Ask”


Google’s Autocomplete and “People Also Ask” sections provide insights into the most common searches related to local SaaS queries. These tools help understand user intent and improve search result targeting by generating auto-suggestions when typing in partial search phrases such as “best SaaS solutions in Manchester.”

Similarly, the “People Also Ask” section offers questions that potential customers frequently ask. These insights can help shape your keyword strategy and inform content development.


Competitor Keyword Analysis


Analysing competitors ranking well in Manchester for SaaS-related terms can provide valuable insights into keyword gaps and opportunities. Link building plays a crucial role in competitor keyword analysis and improving domain authority. By using Ahrefs or SEMrush, SaaS businesses can:


  • Identify which local keywords competitors rank for.

  • Discover long-tail keyword variations that competitors may not be fully targeting.

  • Assess domain authority and competition levels for specific search terms.


By understanding the keywords that drive traffic to local competitors, SaaS companies can refine their strategies and optimise their content accordingly.


Optimising for Local SEO


Google My Business Optimisation


Claiming and optimising your Google My Business (GMB) profile is essential for ranking in local search results and Google Maps listings. To enhance GMB visibility, SaaS businesses should:


  • Use accurate and consistent business information (name, address, phone number).

  • Select relevant SaaS-related business categories.

  • Include Manchester-based keywords in the business description.

  • Collect and respond to customer reviews to build credibility.


Working with an SEO agency in Manchester can provide specialised local expertise to optimise your Google My Business profile effectively.


On-Page SEO Optimisation for Local Keywords


Once the right local keywords are identified, SaaS businesses must integrate them into their website strategically. This includes:


  • Title Tags and Meta Descriptions: Incorporating Manchester-based keywords naturally in title tags and descriptions (e.g., “Top Marketing Automation SaaS in Manchester | Get a Free Demo”).

  • Header Tags and Content: Using localised keywords in H1, H2, and H3 tags and ensuring content is structured to address local SaaS needs.

  • Image Alt Text: Adding location-specific alt text to images (e.g., “CRM software for Manchester SMEs”).

  • Internal Linking: Creating internal links to location-specific landing pages to enhance relevancy and improve SEO structure.


Working with an SEO agency Manchester can provide significant advantages for effective on-page SEO optimisation.


Creating Location-Specific Landing Pages


To effectively target local search queries, SaaS companies should create dedicated location pages optimised for Manchester-based keywords. These landing pages should:


  • Include detailed information about services tailored to Manchester-based businesses.

  • Highlight case studies or testimonials from local clients.

  • Feature location-specific call-to-action phrases (e.g., “Schedule a demo with our Manchester team today”).

  • Embed a Google Map with business location details.


Working with a Manchester SEO agency can help in creating optimised location-specific landing pages that effectively target the local audience.


Building Local Citations and Backlinks


Local citations and backlinks improve domain authority and reinforce a business’s local relevance. SaaS companies should:


  • List their business on Manchester-based directories such as Yell, Manchester Chamber of Commerce, and SaaS-specific directories.

  • Engage with local Manchester publications and industry blogs for guest posting opportunities.

  • Network with local SaaS partners to establish cross-promotional backlinks.


Collaborating with Manchester SEO agencies can provide significant advantages in building local citations and backlinks.


Encouraging Customer Reviews and Testimonials


Customer reviews play a crucial role in local SEO rankings. Encouraging Manchester-based customers to leave positive reviews on Google My Business and other platforms can significantly boost visibility. SaaS businesses should:


  • Actively request reviews from satisfied customers.

  • Respond to all reviews, whether positive or negative, to demonstrate engagement.

  • Highlight strong testimonials on their website’s local landing pages.


An SEO agency can assist in managing and responding to customer reviews effectively.


Technical SEO


Ensuring Website Technical Health for Local SEO


Technical SEO is a critical component of search engine optimisation that focuses on ensuring a website is technically sound and optimised for search engines. For local SEO, maintaining a technically healthy website is essential to improve search engine rankings and attract more local traffic. Here are key aspects to consider:


  • Website Speed: A fast-loading website is crucial for both user experience and search engine rankings. Slow websites can lead to higher bounce rates and lower rankings. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to identify and fix speed issues.

  • Mobile Responsiveness: With the majority of users accessing the internet via mobile devices, having a mobile-responsive website is vital. Ensure your site is optimised for mobile viewing to improve user experience and search engine rankings.

  • Secure Protocols (HTTPS): Google favors websites that use secure protocols (HTTPS). Ensure your website has an SSL certificate to protect user data and improve your search engine rankings.

  • Website Structure and Architecture: A well-structured website with clear navigation helps search engines understand your content and improves user experience. Use a logical hierarchy and ensure all pages are easily accessible.

  • XML Sitemaps and Schema Markup: XML sitemaps help search engines understand your website’s structure, while schema markup provides additional context about your content. Implementing these can improve your search engine rankings and visibility.


By focusing on these technical SEO elements, businesses can enhance their search engine rankings, drive more local traffic, and ultimately increase their sales and revenue. Ensuring your website is technically sound is a foundational step in any successful local SEO strategy.


Tracking and Refining Local SEO Performance


Local SEO is an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring and optimisation. SaaS businesses should regularly track their local keyword rankings, website traffic, and conversion rates using:


  • Google Search Console for keyword performance insights.

  • Google Analytics for tracking local traffic and user behavior.

  • SEMrush or Ahrefs for monitoring keyword trends and competitor performance.


Continuous improvement in digital marketing efforts is crucial for local SEO success. If certain keywords are underperforming, adjustments should be made to on-page content, metadata, or backlink strategies to enhance rankings and visibility.


Conclusion


Ranking a SaaS business for local searches in Manchester requires a well-researched keyword strategy, on-page optimisations, and strong local engagement.


By identifying the right location-based keywords, optimising Google My Business, creating dedicated landing pages, and building authoritative backlinks, SaaS companies can significantly improve their local search rankings.


Continuous tracking and refinement of local SEO strategies will ensure sustained visibility and increased conversions in Manchester’s competitive SaaS landscape.

0 views0 comments

Yorumlar


Hear From Us

Get Monthly SEO Tips direct to your inbox

Cybernetic Marketing

Simplified SEO

Contact: info@cyberneticmarketing.co.uk | Manchester, England 

  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

We will be in touch soon

bottom of page