SEO Fundamentals Every Small Business Should Know

# SEO Fundamentals Every Small Business Should Know

Getting found on Google doesn't require a PhD in SEO. Here are the fundamentals every business owner should understand.

## What is SEO?

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the practice of improving your website to rank higher in search results.

**Why It Matters:**
- 75% of users never scroll past the first page of Google
- Organic search drives 53% of all website traffic
- SEO provides long-term, sustainable results

## The 3 Pillars of SEO

### 1. Technical SEO
Make sure Google can find and understand your site.

**Key Elements:**
- Fast loading speed
- Mobile-friendly design
- Secure HTTPS connection
- XML sitemap
- Clean URL structure
- Proper redirects

### 2. On-Page SEO
Optimize individual pages for target keywords.

**Essentials:**
- Title tags with keywords
- Meta descriptions
- Header tags (H1, H2, H3)
- Keyword-rich content
- Internal linking
- Alt text for images

### 3. Off-Page SEO
Build authority through external signals.

**Strategies:**
- Quality backlinks
- Social media presence
- Online reviews
- Local citations
- Guest blogging
- Industry partnerships

## Keyword Research Basics

### Finding the Right Keywords

**Tools to Use:**
- Google Keyword Planner (free)
- Google Search Console (free)
- Answer the Public (free)
- Ubersuggest (freemium)

**What to Look For:**
- Relevant to your business
- Good search volume
- Reasonable competition
- Buyer intent

### Long-Tail Keywords

Instead of targeting "lawyer" (impossible to rank), target "personal injury lawyer in Miami" (achievable).

**Benefits:**
- Less competition
- Higher conversion rates
- More specific intent
- Easier to rank

## Local SEO

For service businesses, local SEO is crucial.

### Google Business Profile

**Optimize:**
- Complete all fields
- Add photos regularly
- Collect reviews
- Post updates
- Respond to questions

### Local Citations

Get listed on:
- Yelp
- Yellow Pages
- Industry directories
- Chamber of Commerce
- Local business associations

## Content is King

Regular, quality content helps you rank.

### Blog Strategy

**Post Regularly:**
- 1-2 posts per week
- Focus on user questions
- Include keywords naturally
- Add images and videos
- Internal linking
- Call-to-action

### Content Ideas

- How-to guides
- FAQs
- Industry news
- Case studies
- Tips and tricks
- Behind the scenes

## Measuring Success

### Key Metrics

**Track These:**
- Organic traffic
- Keyword rankings
- Bounce rate
- Time on page
- Conversion rate
- Backlink growth

### Tools

**Free Options:**
- Google Analytics
- Google Search Console
- Bing Webmaster Tools

## Common SEO Mistakes

### Avoid These:

❌ Keyword stuffing
❌ Buying links
❌ Duplicate content
❌ Ignoring mobile users
❌ Slow loading times
❌ No HTTPS
❌ Poor user experience

## SEO Takes Time

**Realistic Timeline:**
- Month 1-3: Foundation building
- Month 3-6: Initial improvements
- Month 6-12: Significant results
- 12+ months: Compounding returns

## We Handle SEO for You

Every website we build includes:
- ✅ Technical SEO setup
- ✅ Keyword research
- ✅ On-page optimization
- ✅ Google Analytics integration
- ✅ Search Console setup
- ✅ Monthly reporting (maintenance plans)

[Get an SEO-Optimized Website](/pricing)