Small-batch, carefully crafted, and full of character — artisan cheese has a loyal following, but without a strong online presence, many potential customers may never discover it. For producers, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is about more than just ranking on Google; it’s a way to connect with cheese lovers, tell your story, and drive sales. In this blog, we’ll explore innovative, practical SEO strategies to help artisan cheese producers boost visibility and reach the right audience.
For artisan cheese producers, effective SEO starts with understanding exactly what your ideal customers are searching for. Generic terms like “cheese” or “buy cheese” are too broad and competitive. Instead, focus on niche, long-tail keywords that reflect your unique offering and appeal to your target audience.
Think about the specific qualities of your cheese — is it made from raw milk, goat’s milk, or produced in a particular region? Phrases like “award-winning raw milk cheddar in Devon” or “buy handmade goat cheese online UK” are more targeted and more likely to attract customers who are ready to buy.
You can use tools such as Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, or AnswerThePublic to discover the phrases people are typing into search engines. It’s also worth researching your competitors to see which keywords they’re ranking for, then identifying gaps or opportunities.
Don’t forget seasonal and event-based keywords, such as “artisan cheese hampers for Christmas” or “cheese tasting events near me.” These can capture high-intent searches at the right time of year.
By investing time in keyword research, you can focus your SEO efforts on terms that are relevant, achievable, and profitable — ensuring your artisan cheese business is found by the customers who value it most.
Once you know the right keywords, the next step is to create content that uses them naturally while engaging your audience. For artisan cheese producers, this is where storytelling and expertise really shine.
Start with a blog on your website. Regular posts not only help your site rank for more search terms but also give you fresh material to share on social media and in email newsletters. Topics could include:
Make sure your content is useful and genuinely interesting — Google rewards pages that keep visitors engaged. Including high-quality images and videos will increase dwell time and make your posts more shareable.
Think beyond the written word. Video tours of your dairy, Instagram reels of cheese being cut, or a short Q&A with your head cheesemaker can all be embedded on your site. Not only does this improve user experience, but it also boosts your SEO, as search engines increasingly prioritise multimedia-rich pages.
Where possible, structure your content to answer common customer questions — “How long does artisan cheese last?” or “What’s the difference between Brie de Meaux and Somerset Brie?” This taps into voice search queries and helps establish your authority.
Consistent, keyword-informed content creation turns your website into a resource hub for cheese lovers, keeping your brand top of mind and high in search rankings.
For many artisan cheese producers, local customers are the backbone of the business — whether they visit a farm shop, attend tasting events, or buy at local markets. Local SEO ensures those nearby can find you easily when they search online.
Start by claiming and fully optimising your Google Business Profile. Add up-to-date contact details, opening hours, location, and high-quality images of your products and premises. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews — not only do they build trust, but they also help your ranking in local search results.
Incorporate location-specific keywords into your website and blog content, such as “artisan blue cheese in Somerset” or “cheese tasting events in Yorkshire.” This makes it easier for search engines to connect you with local searches.
Don’t overlook local backlinks. Partner with nearby businesses, food bloggers, or tourism websites to gain mentions and links to your site — these signals boost your local search authority.
Finally, list your business in relevant online directories, farmers’ market listings, and local food networks. The more consistent your business information is across the web, the better your local SEO will perform, helping you attract customers right on your doorstep.
Even the most engaging content won’t perform well if your website isn’t technically optimised. Technical SEO focuses on the behind-the-scenes elements that help search engines understand, index, and rank your site effectively.
First, check your site speed — slow-loading pages can frustrate visitors and harm your ranking. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to identify issues and implement fixes such as image compression or better hosting.
Mobile-friendliness is equally important. Many customers will discover you via a smartphone, especially if they’re searching while travelling or at a market. A responsive design ensures your site looks and functions well on all devices.
Ensure your metadata (titles, descriptions, and alt tags for images) is complete and keyword-optimised. For artisan cheese producers, adding structured data (schema markup) for products, events, and recipes can help search engines display rich snippets, such as star ratings or event dates, directly in search results.
Regularly check for broken links, duplicate content, and crawl errors using tools like Google Search Console. These issues can quietly undermine your SEO efforts if left unchecked.
By maintaining strong technical foundations, you give your content and keywords the best chance to rank, ensuring your artisan cheese is easy to find online.
Strong SEO is more than a marketing extra — it’s a vital tool for connecting artisan cheese producers with the customers who value their craft. By combining targeted keyword research, engaging content, local visibility, and solid technical foundations, you can stand out in search results and build lasting relationships with cheese lovers. Start small, focusing on one or two strategies, and expand as you see results. Over time, these consistent efforts will boost your online presence, drive sales, and ensure your artisan cheese reaches the audiences who will appreciate it most.
