Search Engine Optimization (SEO) might sound complicated, but it doesn't have to be. You don't need to be a tech expert to improve your website's visibility on Google. With a few simple strategies, you can boost your rankings and attract more customers to your business.
Here are 5 easy-to-implement SEO tips that will help your small business get found online.
Use Local Keywords That Your Customers Are Searching For
Keywords are the words and phrases people type into Google when looking for businesses like yours. The key is to think like your customer and use the exact terms they'd search for.
Example:
If you're a plumber in Seattle, don't just say "plumbing services." Use phrases like:
- • "Emergency plumber in Seattle"
- • "Seattle residential plumbing"
- • "24/7 plumber near me"
Pro tip: Include your city, neighborhood, or region throughout your website—in page titles, headings, and content. This helps Google understand where you operate and shows your site to local customers.
Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is one of the most powerful free tools for local SEO. When someone searches for businesses like yours, Google often shows a map with local listings at the top—and you want to be there.
How to optimize your profile:
- Fill out every section completely (business hours, phone, website, services)
- Add high-quality photos of your business, team, and work
- Choose the right business categories
- Encourage customers to leave reviews (and respond to them!)
- Post regular updates about offers, events, or news
An optimized Google Business Profile can dramatically increase your visibility in local search results and drive more customers to your door.
Create Quality Content That Answers Customer Questions
Google loves websites that provide valuable, helpful content. Instead of just listing your services, create content that answers the questions your customers are asking.
Content ideas:
- • Blog posts: "How to Fix a Leaky Faucet" or "5 Signs You Need a New Roof"
- • FAQ pages: Answer common customer questions
- • Service pages: Detailed descriptions of what you offer
- • How-to guides: Step-by-step tutorials related to your industry
Why this works: When you answer questions that people are searching for, Google is more likely to show your website in search results. Plus, helpful content builds trust with potential customers.
Aim to publish new content regularly—even one blog post per month can make a difference!
Make Sure Your Website Loads Fast on Mobile
Over 60% of Google searches now happen on mobile devices, and Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites in search results. If your site is slow or hard to use on a phone, you're losing both rankings and customers.
Quick mobile optimization tips:
- Use responsive design so your site looks good on all screen sizes
- Compress images to reduce file size without losing quality
- Minimize code and use fast hosting for quicker load times
- Make buttons large and easy to tap on touchscreens
Test your site: Use Google's Mobile-Friendly Test tool to see how your website performs on mobile devices and get specific recommendations for improvement.
Get Reviews and Build Local Citations
Google trusts businesses that other people trust. Customer reviews and online citations (mentions of your business name, address, and phone number) signal to Google that you're a legitimate, reputable business.
How to build your online reputation:
Get More Reviews:
- • Ask satisfied customers to leave a review on Google
- • Make it easy by sending a direct link to your review page
- • Respond to all reviews (positive and negative) professionally
- • Never buy fake reviews—Google will penalize you
Build Local Citations:
- • List your business on Yelp, Facebook, and industry directories
- • Make sure your Name, Address, and Phone (NAP) are consistent everywhere
- • Join local business associations and chambers of commerce
- • Get listed on local news sites or community blogs
The more positive reviews and citations you have, the more Google sees you as a trustworthy local business—which means higher rankings and more customers finding you online.