Setting Up Local Business Features

This article shows you how to set up key features that local Irish businesses need on their websites.

Add Your Business Contact Information

Start by adding your business name, address, phone number, and email to your website footer or contact page.

1. Go to your WordPress admin dashboard
2. Click Appearance then Customize
3. Look for Footer or Contact Information settings
4. Add your business details in the provided fields
5. Include your Eircode for better local search results
6. Click Publish to save changes

If you cannot find these options, go to Pages and edit your contact page directly.

Set Up Business Hours and Location

Customers need to know when you're open and where to find you. WordPress makes it easy to display this information clearly.

1. In your WordPress dashboard, go to Pages
2. Edit your homepage or contact page
3. Add a new block by clicking the + button
4. Search for "business hours" or use a Columns block to create a simple layout
5. Type your opening hours for each day
6. Add your full business address including Eircode
7. Update the page

For detailed steps on adding business hours and location information, see How to Add Your Business Hours and Location.

Create a Contact Form

A contact form lets customers reach you without showing your email address publicly. This reduces spam and makes it easier for people to get in touch.

1. Go to Pages in your WordPress dashboard
2. Edit your contact page or create a new one
3. Click the + button to add a new block
4. Search for "contact" or "form"
5. Choose the contact form block
6. Add fields like name, email, phone, and message
7. Set where form submissions should be sent (your business email)
8. Update the page

For complete instructions, see Creating a Contact Form.

Add an Interactive Map

A map helps customers find your business location easily. Most WordPress themes support embedded maps.

1. Go to Google Maps in your web browser
2. Search for your business address
3. Click Share then Embed a map
4. Copy the embed code
5. In WordPress, edit your contact page
6. Add a Custom HTML block
7. Paste the map code
8. Update the page

The map will show your exact location and customers can get directions directly from your website.

Display Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Social proof helps build trust with potential customers. Add a testimonials section to your homepage or services page.

1. Go to Pages and edit your homepage
2. Add a new section with the + button
3. Use Quote blocks for individual testimonials
4. Include the customer's name and business (with permission)
5. Add a photo if available
6. Update the page

Keep testimonials short and specific. Focus on results and benefits your business provided.

For more guidance on adding reviews, see How to Add Customer Reviews.

Set Up Local SEO Elements

Help people in your area find your website by adding location-specific information.

1. Include your town or city name in page titles and headings
2. Add your county name to your contact page
3. Mention local landmarks or areas you serve
4. Use Irish spelling and terminology
5. Add your VAT number if you're VAT registered

This helps search engines understand you're a local Irish business and show your site to nearby customers.

If you're still stuck with any of these steps, contact Web60 support through your account dashboard. Include details about which specific feature you're trying to set up.

FAQ

Q: Do I need a Google My Business account for my website?

A: Google My Business is separate from your website, but it works well alongside these website features. It helps your business appear in local Google searches and maps.

Q: Can customers book appointments through my contact form?

A: Basic contact forms collect messages but don't handle bookings. For appointment booking, you'll need a booking system. See Setting Up Online Booking Forms for booking options.

Q: How do I add my business logo to the website?

A: Your logo goes in the site header area. Go to Appearance > Customize > Site Identity and upload your logo file there. Most themes will automatically resize it to fit.

Q: Should I put my mobile number on my website?

A: Yes, many customers prefer calling mobile numbers. Make sure it's a business mobile or you're happy receiving business calls on your personal phone.

Q: What if my business has multiple locations?

A: List all locations on your contact page with separate addresses and phone numbers. You can also create separate pages for each location if needed.

Q: Can I hide my address but still show my location area?

A: Yes, you can list your service area (like "Dublin 4" or "Serving County Cork") without giving your exact address. This works well for home-based businesses.

Q: How often should I update my business hours on the website?

A: Update immediately when hours change, especially for holidays or seasonal changes. Customers get frustrated when websites show incorrect opening times.