Introduction

Think SEO is only for big brands with big budgets? Think again. If you’re a small business owner trying to get more eyes on your website, understanding a few core SEO basics can make a huge difference to your visibility, traffic, and ultimately, your sales.

In this guide, we’re breaking down the foundational steps of SEO in simple, actionable terms, so you can finally feel confident that your website is set up to be found.

What Is SEO and Why Should You Care?

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation. In plain terms, it’s the process of making your website more visible to people who are searching for what you offer on Google.

Why does it matter? Because the majority of traffic still comes through search engines. And unlike social media, SEO brings you warm, high-intent leads who are actively looking for help or solutions.

The 3 Pillars of SEO (and How to Tackle Them)

Technical SEO: Is Your Website Built Properly?

• Your site needs to load quickly, be mobile-friendly, and have no broken links.
• Use tools like Google Search Console to check your indexing and site errors.
• Make sure your site is SSL secure (https://) and has a clear site structure.

On-Page SEO: Are You Using the Right Keywords in the Right Places?

• Every page should have a clear focus keyword.
• Use that keyword in your title tag, meta description, headers (H1/H2), and naturally within the content.
• Add internal links to other pages on your site, and make sure each image has alt text.

Off-Page SEO: Are Other Sites Linking to You?

• Backlinks from relevant, trustworthy sites signal authority to Google.
• Start small: local directories, guest posts, podcast interviews, and link swaps with partners can help build this over time.

The Biggest SEO Mistakes Small Businesses Make

• Copying content from other sites or using generic placeholder text
• Having beautiful design with no real keyword strategy
• Not updating old blogs or deleting outdated pages
• Ignoring local SEO if you’re targeting people in a specific location
• Skipping the basics like title tags, meta descriptions and internal links

Simple SEO Actions You Can Take This Week

• Install and set up Google Analytics and Google Search Console
• Write a fresh blog post targeting a long-tail keyword related to your services
• Add internal links between related pages and blogs on your site
• Compress large images to speed up your site load time
• Review and update your homepage title tag and meta description

The Long Game That Pays Off

Here’s the thing about SEO: it won’t deliver overnight results. But done consistently and strategically, it becomes a snowball that builds your visibility, trust, and sales month after month.

Want some tailored guidance? I offer SEO audits and simple keyword roadmaps that give you everything you need to take action (without the fluff). Book a free call and we can chat about where your site stands now and what you should prioritise next. Alternatively download my FREE SEO toolkit.