A Complete Guide for Doing SEO in Greece

Intro

Greece has a growing digital economy with a high number of internet users and increasing e-commerce adoption. With Google as the dominant search engine, businesses must optimize for Greek and English-language searches, local SEO strategies, and mobile-first indexing. This guide outlines essential SEO tactics to improve rankings in Greece.

1. Understanding the Greek Search Landscape

Google Greece holds over 97% of the search engine market, making it the primary focus for SEO. However, local directories, social media platforms, and e-commerce sites also influence search visibility.

Key Factors Affecting SEO in Greece:

• Greek-language search dominance, but with English searches common in tourism and international business sectors.
• Mobile-first browsing, with over 80% of searches conducted via smartphones.
• E-commerce-driven searches, with platforms like Skroutz, BestPrice, and Public.gr ranking highly.
• Local search importance, as Greek users rely on Google Maps and business directories.

2. Keyword Research for the Greek Market

SEO in Greece requires Greek and English keyword research with considerations for regional search intent.

Best Practices for Keyword Research:

• Use Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs Greece, and Ranktracker’s Keyword Finder to analyze local search trends.
• Optimize for both Greek and English search terms, as many users mix both languages in queries.
• Focus on long-tail, intent-driven keywords (e.g., "καλύτερα εστιατόρια στην Αθήνα" – "best restaurants in Athens").
• Consider seasonal and event-based searches, especially around tourist seasons, sales periods, and national holidays.

3. Local SEO for Businesses in Greece

Local SEO is crucial for businesses targeting Greek consumers, particularly in cities like Athens, Thessaloniki, and Heraklion.

Optimizing Google Business Profile (GBP) for Greece:

• Ensure NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) consistency across directories.
• Optimize business descriptions in Greek and English.
• Collect and respond to customer reviews, as online reputation plays a key role in rankings.
• Use high-quality images and local keywords.

Building Local Citations and Business Listings:

• Get listed on Greek business directories like Vrisko, Xo.gr, and Foursquare Greece.
• Register your business on Skroutz, BestPrice, and Public.gr if applicable.
• Ensure your business appears on Google Maps and local Greek directories.

4. Content Optimization for Greek Audiences

Greek users prefer engaging, informative, and culturally relevant content.

Content Best Practices:

• Write in Greek and English, using local expressions and proper grammar.
• Use a conversational yet authoritative tone, as credibility is essential.
• Optimize for voice search, as Google Assistant adoption is increasing in Greece.
• Create seasonal and industry-specific content tailored to local events and consumer behavior.

5. Technical SEO Considerations

Greece’s high-speed internet and mobile-first audience require optimized website performance.

Technical SEO Checklist:

• Use a .gr domain for better local ranking.
• Optimize for Core Web Vitals to improve page speed and user experience.
• Implement AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) for better mobile performance.
• Ensure mobile-first indexing is enabled.
• Use structured data (schema markup) to enhance search visibility.

6. Link Building & Digital PR in Greece

Acquiring backlinks from high-authority Greek websites improves domain authority and rankings.

Effective Link Building Strategies:

• Get featured on local news sites like Kathimerini, Proto Thema, and Naftemporiki.
• Collaborate with Greek influencers and bloggers for guest posts.
• Engage in local forums like Insomnia.gr and Reddit Greece.
• Submit press releases to Greek media outlets.

7. Measuring SEO Success in Greece

Tracking SEO performance ensures continuous optimization and improved rankings.

Key Metrics to Monitor:

• Organic traffic growth via Google Analytics.
• Keyword rankings using Ranktracker’s SERP Checker.
• Click-through rate (CTR) and bounce rate for engagement insights.
• Conversions from organic search to assess SEO effectiveness.

Conclusion

SEO in Greece requires a localized, mobile-first, and content-driven approach. By implementing strong local SEO strategies, optimizing for Google’s ranking factors, and leveraging Greek digital trends, businesses can achieve higher search visibility and better audience engagement in this competitive market.