SEO Basics Every Small Business Owner Should Know

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is one of the most effective ways to attract customers to your business. Unlike paid advertising, SEO brings you free, consistent traffic from people actively searching for your services.

What Is SEO?

In simple terms, SEO is the process of making your website more visible on Google. When someone searches for "plumber near me" or "best restaurant in [city]," SEO determines whether your business appears on page one or page ten.

Why It Matters for Small Businesses

Here's a stark reality: 75% of users never scroll past the first page of Google results. If your business isn't on page one, you're essentially invisible to the vast majority of potential customers.

The Basics You Need to Know

1. Keywords Are Everything

Keywords are the words and phrases your potential customers type into Google. Identifying the right keywords and incorporating them into your website content is the foundation of SEO.

2. Your Google Business Profile Is Free

If you haven't claimed your Google Business Profile, you're missing out on free visibility. It's the easiest SEO win for any local business.

3. Content Is King

Google rewards websites that provide valuable, relevant content. Regular blog posts, FAQ pages, and service descriptions all help improve your rankings.

4. Mobile-Friendliness Is Non-Negotiable

Google uses mobile-first indexing, meaning it primarily looks at your mobile site when determining rankings.

5. Page Speed Affects Rankings

Slow websites rank lower. Period. Invest in a fast, optimized website and you'll see improvements across the board.

Getting Started

SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. But every step you take today brings you closer to page one tomorrow. Start with the basics, be consistent, and the results will follow.