The Small Business Guide to SEO: 10 Easy Tips to Increase Your Website Traffic
If you've ever found yourself wondering, "What is SEO, and why does everyone keep talking about it?" you’re not alone. SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is how you get your website to show up in search engine results when people look for things related to your business. For example, if you own a cheese shop, you want to pop up when someone types "cheese shop near me" or "best cheddar cheese." Good SEO practices make that happen.
Let's break it down simply, and I'll share some tips to get your small business site SEO-friendly without needing a tech degree!
Why is SEO Important?
Think of SEO as the road signs that lead people to your website. The more optimized your website, the more likely customers are to find you instead of your competition. A few benefits of good SEO for small businesses include:
More Traffic: A higher ranking on Google means more clicks and visits.
Cost-Effective Marketing: SEO brings in visitors over time without paid ads.
Builds Credibility: Websites that rank well are often seen as trustworthy by users.
Quick Tips to Improve Your Website’s SEO
1. Use Keywords Wisely
Keywords are the words or phrases people type into search engines. Think of words that describe your business, products, or services.
Pick one main keyword and a few related ones per page. For example, for a cheese shop, “artisan cheese,” “gourmet cheese platter,” and “local cheese shop” might be key phrases.
2. Write for People, Not Just Search Engines
Google’s algorithms can tell if content is written in a natural way or stuffed with keywords. Write your website content with your customers in mind—make it interesting, useful, and easy to read.
3. Make Sure Your Site Loads Quickly
People won’t stick around if a site takes too long to load, and Google notices. Optimize images and check your website speed with free tools like Google’s PageSpeed Insights.
4. Use Titles and Headings Properly
Use headings (H1, H2, etc.) to break down sections of your page. Each page should have one H1 (usually the page title) and then H2 or H3 headings to organize content. This helps Google understand what’s most important on each page.
5. Optimize Your Images
Add descriptive "alt text" to your images. This tells search engines what the image is about (and helps with accessibility). If you sell cheese platters, instead of "IMG1234.jpg," try “gourmet-cheese-platter.jpg.”
6. Create Quality Content Regularly
Adding new, relevant content keeps your site fresh in Google’s eyes. A blog can be a great tool—cover topics related to your business, answer customer questions, or share tips.
7. Claim Your Google Business Profile
For local businesses, this is a must! Fill in your business information (address, hours, contact info) so you show up in local search results, especially on Google Maps.
8. Make Your Website Mobile-Friendly
Many people browse on their phones, so make sure your site looks good on smaller screens. Google favours mobile-friendly websites, and it’s easy to check with Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test tool.
9. Add Internal Links
Link to other relevant pages on your site. For example, if you have a blog post on "How to Make a Cheese Platter," link to it from your homepage or product pages. Internal links help Google navigate your site and spread SEO value.
10. Collect Reviews and Testimonials
Positive reviews can boost your credibility and rank, especially locally. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, or industry-related sites.
Final Thoughts on SEO
SEO can sound intimidating, but you don’t need to be a tech whiz to make improvements! Start small—apply these simple tips, and over time you’ll build a strong foundation that makes it easier for potential customers to find you.
Remember, SEO isn’t a one-time thing. It’s a bit like a garden; you need to tend it regularly.