How to Set Up SSG for Your Business Website: The Ultimate Guide
Why SSG is Perfect for UK Business Websites
Static Site Generation (SSG) delivers lightning-fast load times, unbeatable security, and top SEO performance. It’s ideal for ranking for long-tail local keywords (e.g., “affordable web design London”, “best plumber Manchester”).
- Speed: SSG sites load in milliseconds, keeping visitors engaged and reducing bounce rates.
- SEO: Pre-rendered pages are easy for search engines to crawl, helping you rank for competitive and long-tail keywords.
- Security: No server-side code means fewer vulnerabilities—ideal for small businesses and e-commerce sites.
- Scalability: SSG sites handle traffic spikes effortlessly, perfect for seasonal promotions or viral campaigns.
- Cost-Effective: Host your site on affordable platforms like Vercel, Netlify, or your own VPS.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up SSG in Next.js
1. Install Next.js
npx create-next-app@latest your-business-site
cd your-business-site
2. Configure SSG with getStaticProps
// pages/[service]/[city].js
export async function getStaticProps(context) {
const { service, city } = context.params;
// Fetch data for the service/city
return {
props: {
service,
city,
// ...other data
},
};
}
3. Optimise for Local SEO
- Add city/service schema markup to each page.
- Use local keywords in titles, meta, and content.
- Add FAQs, testimonials, and case studies for each location.
4. Deploy Your SSG Site
- Use Vercel, Netlify, or your own VPS for hosting.
- Set up automated builds and deployments.
5. Monitor and Refine
- Track rankings for local keywords.
- Use Google Search Console and Analytics.
- Test SSG performance with Lighthouse.
Case Study: SSG Success
A Manchester-based e-commerce site switched to SSG and saw a 60% increase in organic traffic and a 40% boost in sales.
FAQs
Q: Is SSG better than SSR for business websites? A: SSG is ideal for static, evergreen pages. SSR is best for dynamic, location-based content.
Q: Can I combine SSG and SSR in Next.js? A: Yes, use SSG for static pages and SSR for dynamic ones.
Action Steps
- Audit your site for SSG opportunities.
- Implement
getStaticProps
for key business pages. - Add schema markup and local content.
- Monitor results and refine monthly.
Ready to build a high-performance, SEO-optimized business website? Start with SSG today!