Business owners looking to sell, and buyers looking for a business, search Google for a broker. If your website isn’t on the first page for those searches, the leads go to brokers who are.
I’ve seen what SEO can do in this industry. One broker I work with closed more than $10M in deals over 12 months, including a $4.45M sale to a buyer who found them through organic search.
This guide covers six ways to help a brokerage rank for searches like “business broker near me”, bring in more seller and buyer leads and build trust in your market.
1. Optimise your website for local SEO
Most owners who want to sell look for a broker in their own area, so local SEO decides who gets their call. Aim to rank for searches like:
- “Business broker in [city]”
- “Sell my business in [state]”
- “How to find a business broker near me”
To do that:
- Add your city and state to your homepage, service pages and page titles.
- Keep your business name, address and phone number identical on your site and in every directory.
- Embed a Google Map on your contact page.
2. Claim and fill out your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile is one of the biggest factors in local rankings. A complete profile helps you appear in Google Maps and the map results at the top of local searches.
- Claim and verify your listing on Google Business Profile.
- Upload good photos of your office, your team and client meetings.
- Ask happy clients for reviews. More reviews tend to mean higher rankings.
- Use Google posts to share recent deals and client stories.
3. Target the right keywords
Some searches come from people ready to act. Others come from people still learning. You need pages for both.
Searches from people ready to act:
- “Sell my business in [city]”
- “Find a business broker near me”
- “Best business brokers in [state]”
Searches that build trust:
- “How to value a business before selling”
- “How to find the right buyer for my business”
- “What does a business broker do?”
Check local search volume in Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs or Ubersuggest, then work these terms into your homepage, service pages and blog posts.
4. Start a blog for sellers and buyers
A blog that answers real questions brings in organic traffic and shows you know the market. Write about the questions sellers and buyers ask you, such as:
- “How long does it take to sell a business?”
- “What documents do I need to sell my business?”
- “Do I need a business broker, or can I sell on my own?”
Publish one or two in-depth articles a month and share them on LinkedIn and in industry forums. Posts with real case studies and results tend to rank and convert better.
5. Earn links from other websites
When other websites link to yours, Google takes it as a sign your site can be trusted.
- Get featured on local business news sites and industry blogs.
- Write guest posts for M&A websites.
- Ask clients who mention working with you to link to your site.
6. Hand SEO to someone who does it every day
Your time is better spent closing deals and finding buyers than keeping up with Google updates. I can take the SEO off your hands. I’ll optimise your site for Google and local search, bring in qualified leads without paid ads and build your reputation as the broker to call in your area.
Book a free strategy call and we’ll look at where your brokerage ranks today.
