How to show up when people are already looking for you.
You know that moment when someone is searching for exactly what you offer — a vegan café in Lagos, a wellness clinic in Tavira, or a surf school in Sagres — and ends up booking with your competitor just because their site shows up first on Google?
That’s SEO at work.
And yes, it can work for you too.
First things first: what does Google actually care about?
Think of Google like the ultimate tour guide.
It doesn’t care who’s the biggest or flashiest — it wants to recommend the most relevant, clear, and trustworthy option to the person searching.
And to do that, it looks at:
What you’ve written on your website
How fast it loads
If it works smoothly on mobile
If other websites talk about you
If your business is verified and consistent on Google Maps
All of these pieces tell Google, “This one’s worth showing first.”
Real strategies that work in the Algarve
We’re not talking about sneaky tricks or tech wizardry. We’re talking about smart, simple moves that speak to real humans — locals, expats, and tourists — who are already nearby and ready to buy, book or visit.
1. Speak your customers’ language — literally
If your audience is a mix of locals and tourists, your site should reflect that. At the very least, have versions in both English and Portuguese.
German, Dutch or French? Even better if those clients are part of your base.
And don’t just translate — communicate.
A British tourist might search for “sunset boat trip Algarve,” while a local could be typing “passeio de barco ao pôr-do-sol.”
Same thing, different language, different vibe.
2. Use keywords with real intent (and location)
Forget massive keyword lists. What matters is what people are actually typing when they’re ready to act.
Some examples that work:
“surf lessons Sagres”
“gluten free restaurant Albufeira”
“osteopath Portimão”
“yoga retreat Algarve 2025”
Use those phrases naturally — in your page titles, headings, descriptions, and even image file names. But keep it human. Nobody wants to read robot-speak.
3. Create helpful, local content
Your website isn’t just a digital brochure. It can be a useful tool to attract people before they’re ready to buy.
Simple blog ideas:
“Top 5 things to do in Lagos on a rainy day”
“What to expect at your first acupuncture session”
“Hidden beaches near Aljezur locals love”
These kinds of posts build trust, improve SEO, and keep your site fresh (Google loves that).
4. Get your Google Business Profile in shape
If you haven’t claimed and optimized your Google Business Profile, do that today.
Make sure your opening hours, address, photos and description are all up-to-date. Choose the most accurate categories — not just “services” but “organic café,” “Pilates studio,” or “eco hotel.”
And don’t ignore your reviews. Responding (politely!) shows you’re active and reliable.
5. Build local links and connections
Google loves websites that are trusted by other websites.
So being mentioned on a respected local blog, a tourism portal, or a partner business’s site gives you a serious credibility boost.
A few ideas:
Join Algarve business directories with good reputation
Ask your collaborators to link to your site
Share guest articles on travel blogs or expat platforms
It’s not just about Google — it also builds real visibility in the community.
Feeling overwhelmed?
You don’t have to become an SEO expert overnight.
But if you take even two or three of these steps, you’ll already be miles ahead of most local businesses.
And if you’d rather not do it alone, that’s where we come in.
We’re not some far-away digital agency. We’re here, in the Algarve. We can meet face to face, understand your market, and build a custom SEO strategy that works for your business and your goals.
