🔍 SEO Basics Every Business Owner Should Know

(Without Being an Expert)

Author

Robert Millar
April 24, 2025

Hello

Is your website invisible to potential customers? You're not alone. Every day, millions of small businesses miss out on sales because they can't be found online. Your website might be beautiful, but if it doesn't show up in search results, it might as well be a billboard in the desert.

Think about the last time you needed a product or service. What did you do? Like most people, you probably pulled out your phone and searched on Google. If your business isn't appearing in those search results, you're missing out on customers who are actively looking for what you offer.

The good news? You don't need to be a tech genius to improve your search visibility. Let's demystify SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and give you practical steps to get your business found online.

🔍 Five SEO Fundamentals Anyone Can Master

1. Keyword Research Without Complicated Tools

Keywords are the bridge between what you offer and what customers are searching for. Start by listing the products or services you provide, then expand to how customers might describe their problems or needs.

Think about phrases like "how to fix a leaky faucet" rather than just "plumber." People often search in questions, especially with voice search growing (over 20% of searches on the Google App are now by voice).

Free tools can help: Type potential keywords into Google and note the auto-suggestions. Scroll to the bottom of search results to see "related searches." These show you exactly what real people are searching for.

2. On-Page Optimization Basics

Once you know your keywords, place them strategically in page titles, meta descriptions, and headers while keeping language natural.

Just a reminder, it's better to use natural language than to stuff in keywords. Google rewards content that satisfies user intent rather than just cramming in keywords.

3. Local SEO Essentials for Business Listings

For local businesses, optimizing your Google Business Profile is non-negotiable. Complete businesses receive 70% more location-based inquiries via search.

Some key things to do are:

  • Claiming and fully completing your Google Business Profile

  • Ensuring your business name, address, and phone number are consistent across all online platforms

  • Encouraging satisfied customers to leave reviews (87% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses)

4. Content Quality Principles

Google's algorithms prioritize high-quality, informative content. The average word count of top-ranking pages is nearly 1,400 words, yet only 3% of blogs regularly publish content over 2,000 words in length.

Quality content should:

  • Answer specific questions your customers are asking

  • Provide genuine value rather than just promoting your business

  • Include supporting media like images, videos, or infographics

  • Be updated regularly to stay relevant

Businesses with blogs receive 97% more backlinks than those without, significantly improving search rankings.

5. Technical SEO Foundations

While technical SEO can get complex, these basics make a huge difference:

  • Mobile optimization: With over 60% of searches coming from mobile devices, your site must work flawlessly on smartphones

  • Page speed: 53% of mobile users abandon sites that take more than 3 seconds to load

  • Secure site: Ensure your website uses HTTPS (look for the padlock icon in your browser)

Each of these factors directly impacts how search engines view your site, and small improvements can lead to significant ranking boosts.

🤔 Did You Know? Statistics That Should Keep You Up at Night

Imagine getting $4 back for every $1 you spend on marketing. That's not a fantasy—it's the reality for small businesses that invest strategically in SEO, with average returns of 400% or more on their investment.

While paid ads stop working the moment you stop paying, proper search optimization continues building value over time, creating a sustainable advantage that compounds month after month.

Only about 9% of small businesses are investing adequately in SEO, which means those who do gain a tremendous competitive edge in their local markets.

❓️ Ask Robert: Q&A

Question: "How long does SEO take to work, and how will I know if it's working?"

Answer:  SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. Typically, you'll start seeing meaningful results in 3-6 months, though this varies based on your industry, competition, and current website condition.

As for measuring success, focus first on these metrics:

  • Organic traffic growth (track in Google Analytics)

  • Keyword ranking improvements (monitor in Google Search Console)

  • Conversion rates from organic traffic

The most important thing is to track your starting point so you can measure progress. Our Silver tier optimization package includes detailed monthly reports tracking these metrics, showing you exactly what's working and what needs improvement.

đź«Ą Is Your Website Buried in Search Results?

Boost your online visibility with our comprehensive SEO service and stop losing customers to competitors who rank higher. We'll implement the five SEO fundamentals mentioned above, plus advanced optimization techniques to help your business claim valuable space on Google's first page.

Don't let your perfect customers go to competitors just because they can't find you online. Your website should be your best salesperson, working 24/7 to bring in new business.

Use code IMSERIOUS at checkout for your special subscriber discount.

Robert Millar
Founder and Chief Website Specialist
Innovacious.com
Website Management, Design and Social Media Solutions

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