SEO vs GEO: What’s the Difference, and Why Should Florists Care?
In today’s digital world, where most flower searches begin on a phone or laptop, understanding how to be found online is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. Yet many florists are still unsure about the difference between SEO and GEO. So let’s break it down and explore how you can use both to bring in more local customers, book more weddings, and grow your floral business.
What Is SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)?
SEO is all about improving your website so it ranks higher on search engines like Google. Think of it as the art (and science) of being found when someone types in “wedding florist Ireland” or “flower delivery near me.”
SEO includes:
Keyword optimisation: Using the right words that your customers are searching for
Page speed: Ensuring your website loads quickly
Mobile friendliness: Making sure your website works well on phones
Content: Blog posts, service pages, and product descriptions that add value
Links: Other websites linking to yours (a sign of credibility)
Why It Matters for Florists:
Whether someone is looking for a last-minute bouquet or planning a wedding six months out, if your website isn’t showing up in search results, you’re invisible. SEO helps people find your business when they’re actively looking for your services.
What Is GEO (Geotargeting or Local SEO)?
GEO, or local SEO, is a branch of SEO focused on location. It ensures your business appears when someone in your area searches for a florist. If SEO is the roadmap to your website, GEO is the pin that drops you on the map.
GEO includes:
Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business)
Local keywords like “Florist in Castlebar” or “Wedding flowers Mayo”
Customer reviews and ratings
Local citations: Your business info listed on directories like Yelp, Golden Pages, etc.
Location pages: Dedicated web pages for areas you serve (ideal for wedding work)
Why It Matters for Florists:
Most floristry is local. You want to be the go-to florist in your town, your county, and for weddings in your service area. GEO helps you dominate those local search results and show up in Google Maps, which drives calls, foot traffic, and orders.
How Should Florists Use Both?
The key is to treat SEO and GEO as a team—they work best together. Here’s what you should be thinking about:
✅ 1.
Set up and optimise your Google Business Profile
Include fresh photos, accurate business hours, and respond to reviews. This is essential for GEO visibility.
✅ 2.
Use location-based keywords
Instead of just saying “luxury bouquets,” say “luxury bouquets in Sligo” or “wedding flowers in Westport.”
✅ 3.
Add a blog to your website
Post about real weddings, flower trends, seasonal availability, or how to care for flowers. Google loves fresh content.
✅ 4.
Create dedicated location pages
If you deliver to or serve multiple areas, build a page for each—e.g., “Wedding Florist Galway,” “Funeral Flowers Ballina,” etc.
✅ 5.
Ask happy customers to leave Google reviews
These boost your local ranking and build trust with new customers.
What’s the Benefit?
When SEO and GEO are working together, you’re visible to the right people, in the right place, at the right time.
More walk-in traffic
More online orders
More wedding and event enquiries
Less reliance on social media or word-of-mouth alone
