As a small business owner, you know how important it is to be visible online. Most of your potential customers are likely searching for services in your local area, and if your business isn’t appearing in those search results, you’re missing out on opportunities. But did you know that something as simple as having a business number can actually improve your SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and boost your local search rankings?
In this guide, we’ll explain how using a business number can help you rank higher on Google, how it impacts your local SEO, and why it’s a valuable tool for small, one-man-band businesses in the UK. By the end, you’ll see how a business number can do more than just protect your privacy—it can actively help you grow your business online.
What Is Local SEO and Why Does It Matter?
Before we dive into how a business number can boost your SEO, let’s quickly cover what local SEO is and why it’s so important for your business.
Local SEO is the process of optimizing your online presence so that your business appears in search results when people in your area are looking for the services you offer. For example, if you’re a plumber in Manchester, you want to show up in Google’s search results when someone types "plumber near me" or "plumber in Manchester."
Local SEO is especially important for small businesses because it targets people who are nearby and actively looking for services. Ranking well in local search results helps you get noticed by potential customers in your area, driving more foot traffic (or in your case, more phone calls) to your business.
How a Business Number Impacts SEO
Now that we understand the importance of local SEO, let’s explore how having a business number can directly affect your search rankings:
1. Consistency in NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number)
Google looks for consistency when it’s ranking businesses for local search results. One of the key factors it checks is your NAP information—which stands for Name, Address, and Phone Number.
Having a dedicated business number that’s consistent across your website, Google My Business profile, and any online directories helps Google recognize your business as legitimate and trustworthy. This boosts your credibility in the eyes of the search engine, making it more likely that your business will rank higher in local search results.
If you’re using a personal mobile number on one platform and a different number elsewhere, it can confuse Google, hurting your chances of ranking well. A business number provides a single, consistent point of contact that Google can easily track and verify.
2. Improved Google My Business Ranking
A business number plays a huge role in your Google My Business (GMB) profile, which is essential for local SEO. When people search for local businesses, GMB listings often appear at the top of the results, alongside a map showing nearby businesses.
When you list a local business number in your GMB profile, it increases your chances of appearing in the local pack (those top three listings that show up on Google Maps). Google prioritizes businesses that have a local number because it indicates that you’re genuinely operating in the area.
A local business number shows that you’re established in the community, which is exactly what Google wants to see when determining which businesses to feature in local search results.
3. Higher Click-Through Rate
When potential customers are searching for a local business, they’re more likely to click on businesses that have professional-looking listings. A dedicated business number not only improves your appearance on Google but also encourages more clicks and calls.
Think about it: if a customer sees a professional business number listed on your website or Google profile, they’re more likely to trust you over a competitor who’s just listing a personal mobile number. This leads to a higher click-through rate (CTR), which is another factor Google uses to determine your search ranking. The more people who click on your listing, the higher you’ll rank over time.
How a Business Number Helps with Local SEO Best Practices
A business number doesn’t just help with the technical side of SEO—it also supports broader local SEO best practices. Here’s how it works:
1. Boosts Trust and Credibility
Trust is a major ranking factor for Google. Businesses that appear more trustworthy tend to rank higher, and having a professional business number can contribute to that trust. It shows both customers and search engines that you’re a legitimate business, not just someone casually offering services.
By listing a business number across all your online platforms—your website, social media profiles, online directories, and GMB profile—you create a cohesive, trustworthy online presence. This increases your chances of ranking higher in local search results.
2. Citations and Directories
A business number also helps with something called local citations. Citations are online mentions of your business, including your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP). These citations appear on business directories, review sites, and other online platforms.
The more consistent and accurate your citations are, the better your local SEO will be. By having a dedicated business number, you ensure that your NAP information is always correct and consistent, making it easier for Google to rank you higher. Plus, customers are more likely to find you in local directories when your contact information is professional and consistent.
3. Encourages More Reviews
Businesses with dedicated business numbers often appear more professional, which encourages customers to leave reviews. Positive reviews on Google and other platforms are huge for your local SEO. Google takes reviews into account when ranking businesses, and a steady flow of positive feedback can boost your rankings.
A business number shows customers that you’re serious about your business, which can encourage them to leave reviews. More reviews = better rankings.
4. Helps with Voice Search
Voice search is becoming more common, especially with the rise of smart devices like Google Home and Amazon Alexa. When people use voice search to find local businesses, they often ask for businesses "near me" or in specific locations.
By having a local business number, you increase your chances of being found in voice search results. Google tends to favor businesses with local numbers when people are searching for nearby services through voice commands. This is yet another way a business number can help you get noticed.
How to Maximize the SEO Benefits of a Business Number
To get the most out of your business number for SEO, follow these tips:
1. Keep Your NAP Information Consistent
Make sure your business name, address, and phone number are the same across all platforms—your website, Google My Business, and any directories or review sites. Consistency is key when it comes to local SEO.
2. Optimize Your Google My Business Profile
List your business number on your Google My Business profile and make sure all your details are accurate. Add photos, post updates, and encourage customers to leave reviews. The more complete your profile is, the better you’ll rank in local searches.
3. List Your Business Number in Local Directories
There are plenty of online business directories in the UK, such as Yelp, Thomson Local, and others. Make sure your business number is listed in as many relevant directories as possible to boost your online visibility and improve your local SEO.
4. Encourage Customer Reviews
Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google. Not only will this boost your SEO, but it will also help build your online reputation.
Final Thoughts
Using a business number is more than just a way to protect your personal mobile number—it’s a smart SEO strategy. By ensuring consistency in your NAP information, improving your Google My Business listing, and encouraging more clicks and reviews, a business number can directly impact your local search rankings.
For small businesses in the UK, especially one-man-band operations, a business number redirect is an affordable, practical way to boost your online presence without the complexities of VOIP. It’s a simple, low-cost tool that can help you climb the local search rankings and get noticed by more customers.
At just £39 per year, it’s an easy investment that pays off in more visibility and better search rankings.