SEO Basics Every Small Business Owner Should Know
You could have the best product or service in town—but if your website doesn’t show up when people search, it’s like having a great storefront with no signage.
That’s where SEO (Search Engine Optimization) comes in. It helps your business get found online by the people who need what you offer. If your website isn’t optimized, you could be missing out on valuable traffic, leads, and local visibility.
Here are a few SEO basics every small business owner should understand—and how to start putting them into action today.
1. Use the Right Keywords
Keywords are the words and phrases your ideal customer types into Google when searching for a solution. Think like your customer—what would you search to find your own business?
Once you’ve identified relevant keywords, add them naturally into your website content, especially in page titles, headers, and service descriptions.
2. Keep Your Content Fresh
Search engines love new content. Updating your site regularly with blog posts, new services, or testimonials keeps your business looking active and relevant.
Not sure what to write? Start with FAQs, project highlights, or seasonal tips related to your industry.
3. Use Local SEO to Attract Nearby Customers
If you serve a local area, make sure your business is listed on Google My Business and that your location info is accurate across all online directories. Include your city and state in key parts of your website to boost visibility in local searches.
Bonus: Ask happy clients to leave Google reviews—these help with both trust and local rankings.
4. Improve Your Site Speed
Site speed isn’t just about user experience—it’s a ranking factor. A slow website can push you down in search results and frustrate visitors.
Use Google PageSpeed Insights to test your site and follow the recommendations for faster load times.
SEO can seem technical, but it’s really just about making your business easier to find and trust online. Start small with these basics, and you’ll already be ahead of many competitors.
Need help figuring out keywords or local SEO for your industry? Let’s talk—we’re here to make SEO feel simple and actionable.