A Complete Guide for Doing SEO in Greek

Intro

SEO in Greece requires a localized approach, cultural adaptation, and technical optimization to cater to users in Greece and Greek-speaking regions. With Google as the dominant search engine, businesses must optimize for Greek-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 95% 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, with some English influence in tourism and business sectors.
• Mobile-first browsing, with over 85% 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 for services.

2. Keyword Research for the Greek Market

SEO in Greece requires Greek-language keyword research with considerations for regional dialects and local 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 Greek linguistic structure, including accents and commonly used phrases.
• Focus on long-tail, intent-driven keywords (e.g., "καλύτερα εστιατόρια στην Αθήνα" vs. "πού να φάω στην Αθήνα").
• Consider seasonal and event-based searches, especially around Greek Easter, Summer Holidays, and Black Friday.

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.
• 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 Marketplace, 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 well-structured, engaging, and informative content.

Content Best Practices:

• Write in high-quality Greek, ensuring proper grammar and localization.
• Use a conversational yet professional tone, as credibility is highly valued.
• Optimize for voice search, as Google Assistant usage is increasing in Greece.
• Create seasonal and industry-specific content tailored to local trends and consumer behavior.

5. Technical SEO Considerations

Greece’s fast-growing internet penetration 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, Reddit Greece, and community blogs.
• 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-language search trends, businesses can achieve higher visibility and better audience engagement in competitive Greek-speaking regions.