Running a coffee shop in Swansea is a labour of love, but in today’s competitive world, attracting new customers isn’t just about pouring the best cup of coffee, or ever offering the cosiest atmosphere. Local SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is one of the most powerful tools you can use to make sure your coffee shop in Swansea stands out from the crowd.
This guide will show you how to get more foot traffic by optimising your online presence for local searchers.
After all, if Swansea locals and visitors aren't aware that your lovely coffee shop exists, how will they find you?
1. Claim and optimise your Google Business Profile
The first step in local SEO for your coffee shop is making sure you’re visible when people search for places nearby. Claim and optimise your Google Business Profile (GBP), which will show up in search results and Google Maps when people search for “coffee shops near me” or “best coffee in Swansea.”
Follow these three simple steps to get you started:
- Verify your coffee shop’s name, address, and phone number (NAP). These should match exactly what’s listed on your website and other local directories.
- Add high-quality photos of your coffee shop, interior, and signature drinks. People love seeing what a coffee shop looks like before they visit!
- Regularly update your profile with Google Posts (e.g., daily specials, seasonal offers, or upcoming events).
2. Use local keywords
Make sure your website and online content are using local keywords that your potential customers are likely to search for.
Examples of local keywords include:
- “Best coffee shop in Swansea”
- “Coffee shops near me in Swansea”
- “Coffee shop in Swansea City Centre”
Here's how you can implement this on your website:
- 1. Use these keywords in your page titles, headings, and meta descriptions.
- 2. Write blog posts about Swansea’s coffee culture or local events to boost your relevance for Swansea-based searches.
- 3. Use location-based tags on your images (e.g., “coffee shop in Swansea” in the alt text). Not only does this help with SEO, but it also makes your content more accessible.
3. Encourage and respond to reviews
One of the biggest deciding factors for people choosing a coffee shop is reviews left by your customers. Encourage your regular customers to leave reviews on Google and TripAdvisor.
Expert Advice
"Be polite and direct when asking for reviews. For example, “If you loved your visit, please consider leaving us a review. It really helps us out!”"
After receiving a review, respond as soon as possible to show you care about feedback and encourage more interaction.
4. Engage with the local community
Get involved in the local Swansea community to boost your coffee shop’s reputation. Host events, sponsor local festivals, or simply show your support for nearby causes.
- Sponsor Swansea-based events or charities (this can also earn you backlinks for SEO).
- Create **local content** like a list of “5 Best Coffee Shops in Swansea for Studying” or “Top 5 Places in Swansea for a Great Flat White.”
- partner up with nearby shops, gyms, and book shops. Offer joint deals, feature each other on social media, or create a loyalty program that works across multiple businesses to expand your reach and attract more customers.
5. Keep Customers Coming Back with Loyalty & Marketing
Attracting customers with local SEO is just the first step — keeping them coming back is just as important. Implementing loyalty marketing, email marketing, and POS integrations can help you turn first-time visitors into regulars.
Expert Advice
"Offer a loyalty card or app-based rewards program to encourage repeat visits."
"Capture customer emails and send them exclusive offers, birthday discounts, or event invites."
"Make the most of your POS with helpful integration. Use scannable coupons or special promotions that integrate with your payment system to provide a seamless experience."
Building a loyal customer base leads to long-term success, so consider adding these strategies alongside your SEO efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Optimise your Google Business Profile, use local keywords, gather customer reviews, and build local backlinks from Swansea-based websites.
Ensure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) is consistent across directories, write location-focused content, and engage with the local community.
Very important! Google prioritises businesses with positive, recent, and frequent reviews. Respond to all reviews to show engagement.
Yes! Posting regularly on Facebook, Instagram, and Google Posts with location-based hashtags helps boost visibility in Swansea.
Consider writing posts like “Best Coffee Shops in Swansea for Remote Work” or “Top 5 Swansea Cafés with Vegan Options” to attract searches.
Loyalty marketing, using scannable coupons, email marketing, etc, is one of the best ways to incentivies visits to your coffee shop. It’s also a fantastic way to build a relationship with your customers, and improve brand loyalty. You can reward them on their birthday, offer them a discount if they haven’t been in for a while, and more. Like SEO, Loyalty Marketing should be another important aspect of your Digital Marketing Strategy.
Bottom line
By using local SEO strategies like optimising your Google Business Profile, focusing on location-based keywords, gathering reviews, earning good quality SEO backlinks, and engaging with your community, you can start seeing more people walking through your coffee shop’s door in no time.
Moreover, implementing loyalty programs, email marketing, and POS integrations will help you retain customers and grow your business long-term.
Need help?
Book a free SEO audit and consultation with SEO Swansea
We went from page 7 on Google to the top of page 1 - in just a few months.
Need help with SEO? Get in touch with us today for a free audit and consultation from SEO Swansea. We can help get more customers to your coffee shop, and keep them coming back!