SEO Basics - Getting Found on Google Without the BS
SEO gets made out to be this mystical complicated thing. It's really not. Here's what actually matters.
Be found locally
Most small businesses should focus on local SEO first. This means:
- Set up your Google Business Profile - it's free and takes 10 minutes
- Use your actual location in your website text
- Get a few reviews from happy customers
That's it. That alone will outrank 90% of your competitors who haven't bothered.
On your website
Put keywords in the right places. Not stuffed everywhere - that actually hurts you. Just naturally in your page titles, headings, and a bit in the text.
If you're a plumber in Manchester, your homepage should mention "plumber in Manchester" a few times. Not "best plumber in Manchester UK and surrounding areas" twenty times.
The real secret
Google wants to show people what they're looking for. So just write your website for humans. Clear descriptions of what you do, who you do it for, and how to contact you.
That's literally all most small businesses need.
Links
Other websites linking to yours helps. But don't pay for dodgy link schemes. The best way to get links is just to have a good website that people want to mention.
Don't overthink it
Most small businesses would be better off spending time on their Google Business Profile and getting reviews than worrying about complex SEO. Get the basics right first.