❌ Mistake 1: Neglecting Local SEO & Google Business Profile

When someone searches “plumber near me” or “dentist in London”, Google usually shows a map pack at the very top. If your business isn’t there, you’re invisible to customers who are literally ready to buy.

A lot of UK businesses skip this step, or worse, they create a Google Business Profile (GBP) and never update it. Outdated opening hours, no photos, and zero reviews all send the wrong signals to Google and potential customers.

✅ How to fix it:

• Claim and verify your Google Business Profile (takes minutes).

• Add accurate business details: name, address, phone (NAP), hours, website.

• Upload high-quality images and post updates regularly.

• Actively request reviews from happy customers — they’re a big ranking factor.

📍 SnapShift tip: GBP optimisation is one of the fastest wins we deliver. If you’re not showing up on maps today, you’re probably losing out on dozens of calls each month.

❌ Mistake 2: Targeting the Wrong Keywords

Too many businesses in the UK try to rank for broad, ultra-competitive keywords like “SEO” or “accountant.” The problem? You’ll be competing against national companies with huge budgets.

At the same time, some go too narrow — using jargon their customers would never type into Google. Both mistakes mean you’re missing the middle ground: the keywords your actual customers use.

✅ How to fix it:

• Use free tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to see what people in your area actually search.

• Focus on long-tail keywords like “emergency plumber Croydon” or “affordable accountant in Manchester.”

• Build service pages or blog posts around those terms to attract highly targeted, ready-to-convert traffic.

📍 SnapShift tip: Keyword research isn’t about stuffing phrases into your site — it’s about understanding your customers. That’s why our audits always include a clear map of what your audience is searching right now.

❌ Mistake 3: Ignoring Technical SEO Issues

Your site might look fine to you, but to Google it could be a nightmare to crawl. Slow loading times, broken links, poor mobile design, and missing sitemaps all hurt your chances of ranking.

The worst part? Most of these issues happen quietly in the background, so business owners don’t even realise Google is struggling to read their site.

✅ How to fix it:

• Run a free check with Google PageSpeed Insights or Search Console.

• Make sure your site loads fast on mobile and desktop.

• Fix broken links and redirect outdated pages.

• Submit an XML sitemap so Google knows what pages to index.

📍 SnapShift tip: Think of technical SEO as the plumbing of your website — if pipes are blocked, nothing flows. We spot and fix these issues so Google can actually reward your content.

❌ Mistake 4: Thin or Duplicate Content

Google loves content that’s useful, original, and in-depth. Yet many UK businesses either:

• Copy/paste generic text from competitors.

• Write service pages that are 100 words long.

• Create multiple pages targeting the same keyword with no unique value.

The result? Google sees it as low quality — and pushes it down the rankings.

✅ How to fix it:

• Expand thin service pages into detailed guides that answer customer questions.

• Avoid duplicating the same text across different pages.

• Start a blog to target long-tail keywords and show expertise.

📍 SnapShift tip: Content isn’t about word count — it’s about trust. We create copy that answers real questions, attracts clicks, and positions you above competitors.

❌ Mistake 5: Forgetting About Backlinks

Even with great content and a fast site, Google still asks: “Do other sites trust you?” That’s where backlinks come in.

Many small businesses in the UK either have zero backlinks or worse, spammy links from dodgy directories. Both situations hold you back.

✅ How to fix it:

• Get listed on trusted UK directories (Yell, Thomson Local, etc.).

• Ask partners, suppliers, and local organisations to link to your site.

• Publish shareable content (like checklists or guides) that others naturally reference.

📍 SnapShift tip: Backlinks are votes of confidence. We focus on quality, relevant UK links that grow your authority without risking penalties.

🏁 Wrapping Up

Most businesses make at least one of these mistakes — and that’s okay. The important part is fixing them before competitors pull further ahead.

👉 Want to see which of these mistakes might be costing you customers? Book your free SEO audit with SnapShift and we’ll show you exactly where you stand (and how to move up).