Why local SEO matters: search engine optimisation in Sidmouth, Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton and beyond

Whether you're baking sourdough in Budleigh Salterton, offering holistic treatments in Sidmouth, or running a trades service in Exmouth, your website should be working quietly in the background and bringing people to your door.

That’s where local SEO comes in. It’s not just about being online. It’s about being visible to the people who are actually looking for what you offer, in the towns and villages you serve.

So, what exactly is local SEO?

Local SEO (that’s short for search engine optimisation) helps your business show up when someone nearby searches for your product or service. It’s what gets you into those map listings, top results, and featured spots that people click on first.

Think:

• Being found in Google Maps
• Showing up for search terms like “search engine optimisation in Exmouth”
• Making your Google Business Profile work harder
• Getting listed in the right local directories
• Earning links from other trusted Devon-based websites

Local SEO is about showing up when it matters most—when someone is actively searching for a business like yours.

Why it’s so important

Here’s the thing: 76% of people who search for something local on their phone visit a business within 24 hours. That’s not a marketing stat, that’s a wake-up call.

So if someone searches for “search engine optimisation in Sidmouth” or “SEO consultant Devon”, and your business doesn’t appear you’ve probably just lost a customer to the competition.

And if your competitors are investing in SEO and you’re not… well, it’s not hard to guess who’s getting the call.

Local SEO in action: putting Devon businesses on the map

Here’s how I look at it when I’m building a local SEO plan for a business in Devon:

Search engine optimisation in Exmouth

A busy coastal town with a strong residential base and plenty of footfall. If you’re not showing up in local searches here, you’re missing both locals and tourists.

Search engine optimisation in Budleigh Salterton

Small town, big community. Businesses that thrive here often do so because of relationships and trust, local SEO makes sure those happy clients can shout about you online too.

Search engine optimisation in Sidmouth

With its mix of independent shops and long-standing businesses, Sidmouth rewards visibility. If you’re on page two, you’re invisible. Let's fix that.

Search engine optimisation in Bovey Tracey

Niche businesses do well in Bovey Tracey, but only if people can find them. A tailored SEO campaign can help you stand out without having to shout.

What I actually do as an SEO consultant in Devon

I don’t just drop a few keywords in and call it a day. Here’s what working with me looks like:

• Full website audit: what’s working, what’s broken, what’s missing
• Local keyword optimisation: making sure you rank for the right search terms
• Improving speed, mobile performance, and usability
• Google Business Profile setup and optimisation
• Link building with other trusted, local sources
• Content planning that speaks to your audience and search engines

I bring over 20 years of web and digital experience to the table, and I know Devon like the back of my hand. You’ll get advice that’s grounded, practical, and relevant to your business, not some off-the-shelf solution.

Let’s get your business found

If you’re based in Bovey Tracey, Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton, or Sidmouth, and you want to start showing up for the people looking for businesses just like yours, I’d love to help.

At 1010 Media, I deliver search engine optimisation in Devon that’s rooted in strategy and shaped by experience. No jargon, no fluff—just work that gets results.

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