How to Rank #1 on Google in Nigeria: 2024 SEO Guide for Lagos Businesses
Want more customers from Google search? As a Lagos-based business, ranking high on Google Nigeria can triple your website traffic and sales. But with 90% of Nigerian websites making critical SEO mistakes, you need a localized, data-backed strategy.
At Codevenant, we’ve helped 200+ Nigerian businesses dominate search results. Here’s our proven 2024 SEO playbook for Lagos companies.
Why Nigerian SEO is Different (And Harder)
Google Nigeria prioritizes:
✔ Local relevance (Lagos-focused content)
✔ Mobile-first performance (Slow sites get buried)
✔ Naira-and-kobo solutions (Affordability keywords)
✔ Trust signals (Business address, reviews)
Fact: 75% of Nigerian searches include local terms like “near me” or “in Lagos” (Source: Google Nigeria Data, 2024).
Step 1: Technical SEO – Fix These Firs
1.1 Speed Up Your Website (Lagos Tested)
- Ideal load time: Under 2 seconds (3G speeds)
- Tools to check: Google PageSpeed Insights
- Quick fixes:
- Use local hosting (Whogohost, SmartWeb)
- Compress images with ShortPixel
- Enable LiteSpeed caching
🔹 Keywords: “Website speed test Nigeria”, “Lagos web hosting”
1.2 Mobile Optimization
- Must-pass: Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test
- Critical elements:
- Tap targets spaced properly
- Text readable without zooming
- No horizontal scrolling
1.3 Secure Your Site
- HTTPS encryption (Non-negotiable)
- Malware scans (Use Wordfence for WordPress)
Step 2: Content That Ranks in Nigeria
2.1 Keyword Research – Nigerian Style
Tools we use:
- Google Keyword Planner (Filter for Nigeria)
- Ubersuggest (Check “Lagos” search volume)
2024 Winning Keyword Types:
- “Service + Lagos” (e.g., “SEO services Lagos”)
- “Affordable + Product” (e.g., “Cheap website design Nigeria”)
- “Best + Near me” (e.g., “Best plumber in Ikeja”)
2.2 Content Optimization Checklist
✅ Title Tag: Include main keyword + location
- Example: “Best Digital Agency in Lagos | Codevenant”
✅ Headers (H2/H3):
html
Copy
Download
Run
<h2>SEO Services in Lagos</h2> <h3>Why Choose Our Lagos SEO Team?</h3>
✅ Localized Content:
- Mention Lagos neighborhoods (Victoria Island, Lekki, Surulere)
- Use Nigerian English (“Go slow” vs “Traffic jam”)
Step 3: Local SEO Domination
3.1 Google My Business (GMB) Optimization
- Verification: Must have Nigerian business address
- Posts: Share Lagos-specific offers weekly
- Reviews: Aim for 50+ authentic Nigerian reviews
Pro Tip: Respond to all reviews (Especially negative ones professionally).
3.2 Nigerian Directory Listings
Submit to:
- Nairaland Business Directory
- NigeriaGalleria
- Lagos Chamber of Commerce
🔹 Keywords: “Google ranking Lagos”, “Local SEO Nigeria”
Step 4: Backlinks from Nigerian Websites
4.1 Guest Post on These Sites
- TechCabal (Tech links)
- Nairametrics (Business/finance)
- Lagos Tourism Board (For location-based businesses)
4.2 HARO for Nigeria
- Use HelpAReporter.com to source interviews with queries like:
“Seeking Lagos business growth experts”
Step 5: Track & Outperform Competitors
5.1 Essential Nigerian SEO Tools
- Ahrefs (Check competitors’ backlinks)
- codevenant.com/tools/
- Google Search Console (Filter for Nigeria traffic)
- BrightLocal (Track Lagos rankings)
5.2 Monthly Action Plan
Week | Task |
---|---|
1 | Fix technical errors |
2 | Publish 2 Lagos-focused blogs |
3 | Acquire 3 Nigerian backlinks |
4 | Update GMB with new photos |
Case Study: How a Lagos Restaurant Ranked #1
Client: Lagos Eatery
Problem: Page 4 for “best jollof rice Lagos”
Our Actions:
- Optimized for “near me” searches
- Got featured on Nigerian Food Bloggers
- Ran Google Ads to boost reviews
Result: #1 in 3 months → 200% more walk-ins
Need Help? Codevenant’s SEO Services in Lagos
Our Nigerian SEO experts offer:
🔍 Free Website Audit
📈 Guaranteed Ranking Improvements
📞 Lagos Office Support
Limited-Time Offer: Get 15% off Lagos-based SEO packages. Book Consultation Now.