Advance Online

17/09/2026

As the old adage goes, no backlinks, no party 😎

If your website isn't being linked to by other relevant, high-quality websites, it will struggle in the search results.

Here are 5 simple ways to get local backlinks and boost your SEO:

1. Sign up to local directories. Seek out directories in your local area and enter your details, though make sure they're legitimate first.

2. Sponsor local events and organisations. Not only is this a great way to get a link from a local website, it shows to customers you are part of the local community.

3. Create locally useful content. Local price guides; common issues that affect your local area and trade (subsidence, pests, adverse weather); posts about local events. Reach out to local journalists and bloggers and ask them to link back to you.

4. Get featured in local media. Give local journalists something newsworthy, such as novel data, an interesting take, or a humorous anecdote from the day-to-day.

5. Partner with other local businesses. For example, if you're a plasterer, partner with a painter decorator and link to each other appropriately.

Can you tell us any other ways you've gained local backlinks? Tell us in the comments.

15/09/2026

A 5-star average from 4 reviews?

Maybe not...

A 4.8-star average from 204 reviews?

Now you're talking.

Google reviews are the lifeblood of your online marketing.

They make your Google Business Profile more prominent, boost your website's local SEO, and serve as reliable trust signals for prospective customers.

And it's as much about quantity as it is quality.

Here are four simple ways to get more Google reviews.

10/09/2026

Last Verse had the last word!

We had a great time at Lingfield Park a couple of weeks ago, sponsoring the 18:15 Advance Online Digital Media Group Handicap.

Last Verse won by a comfortable margin. Congratulations to owners Trevor and Ruth Milner, trainer Joseph Parr and jockey Pat Cosgrave.

Until next time!

08/09/2026

If your search rankings have dropped recently, it might be due to Google’s latest update.

Google finished rolling out the August 2026 spam update on August 21st, its third update of the year.

For a full breakdown of the update and advice on what to do if your rankings have taken a hit, check out our blog post.

https://advanceonline.co.uk/google-spam-update-2026/

We take stock of the August 2026 Google Spam Update and assess what you should do if you've seen your rankings change.

03/09/2026

Three quick wins to improve your website this week.

1. Check your contact details. An outdated phone number or a broken contact form is one of the quickest ways to lose hard-earned leads.

2. Update your calls to action. If your buttons still say 'Contact us' with little urgency, try something clearer like 'Get a free quote' or 'Call now for same-day service.'

3. Refresh your testimonials. A couple of recent, genuine reviews on your homepage will improve customer trust.

When it comes to websites, small changes can bring real results.

Give these three a go this week and let us know if you see a difference.

01/09/2026

If you've got a decent Google Business Profile, do you even need a website?

The short answer is: probably, yes.

Your Google Business Profile is great for the basics.

Hours, reviews, contact information.

It can quite literally bring a customer to your door.

But it can't:
- Show off your personality or your work in real detail
- Rank for all the extra keywords a website can
- Give you proper analytics on who's visiting and why
- Guarantee it'll even still be there tomorrow

A website builds trust, backs up your credibility, and (if you're working with us) it's actually yours.

So don't neglect your website just because your GBP is flying.

Do both!

27/08/2026

Are you missing out on easy traffic?

Checkatrade gets ~ 2 million visits a month from one content type: pages answering "how much does X cost?"

Why? Because before anyone searches "plumber near me," they search "how much does a rewire cost?" That's when they decide if the job's worth it. Answer clearly, with a real number, and you're the one they remember.

Here's how to do it well:

- One page per job type (not "plumbing costs" but "boiler installation cost")
- Give a real number, not "it depends"
- Explain what changes or affects the price
- Add the year/your town for local search
- Link to a service page + contact form

These pages don't just drive traffic, they build trust before the phone even rings.

25/08/2026

Are you getting 'The Ick' with your marketing agency?

The nagging sense that something's just... not right.

Here are some typical red flags to look out for.

🚩 They over-promise and under-deliver
🚩 You're getting ghosted (or they're calling non-stop to upsell)
🚩 Prices creep up without explanation
🚩 The ideas have dried up, and there's no sign of a plan
🚩 You've just got a bad feeling about it all

Marketing isn't magic, but it should be clear. A good agency explains what they're doing, sticks to a plan, and picks up the phone when you call.

We work with over 500 local businesses and tradespeople who want marketing that makes sense. Get in touch with via the website if you want change.

21/08/2026

🏇 Saturday night at Lingfield Park! 🏇

We're delighted to sponsor the Advance Online Digital Media Group Handicap @ 18:15 tomorrow evening.

Best of luck to all the runners and riders. We'll be cheering from the stands and presenting the prize to the winner.

Will it be Hebridean Nomad, Mountbatten or Betelgeuse? Or will another contender take it from the pack? We can't wait to find out.

20/08/2026

Your roofing website should be informative, trustworthy and easy to use.

Otherwise, the customer will be clicking the back button faster than you can say 'torch on mineral felt'.

Here's what to include on a roofing website to turn those speculative visitors into genuine leads.