3 Simple SEO Tweaks Any Small Business Owner Can Do Right Now
Introduction: SEO Doesn't Have to Be Rocket Science
You don't need to be an SEO expert to boost your Google rankings.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) often seems like a mysterious black box - something only tech wizards with expensive tools can tackle. But that's simply not true. Think of your website like a shop window on a busy street. Even small improvements to your display can catch many more eyes as people walk by. That's exactly what these SEO tweaks do for your online presence.
In this article, I'll walk you through three practical, non-technical changes you can implement today to help more customers find your business online. No coding required. No fancy software needed. Just simple adjustments that can make a real difference in how many people discover your business when searching online.
Tweak #1: Add Keywords Naturally to Key Pages
What This Means
Keywords are simply the words and phrases your potential customers type into Google when looking for businesses like yours. Using these words strategically on your website helps Google understand what your business offers.
Why It Matters
It's like speaking the same language as your customers. If they're looking for an "affordable dentist" but your website only mentions "dental care provider," you're missing connections.
How to Do It
Here's how to find and use keywords effectively:
- Think like your customer: What would someone type when looking for your product or service? Make a list of 5-10 phrases.
- Use Google for inspiration: Type the beginning of a phrase related to your business into Google search and see what suggestions appear. These are actual searches people make!
- Check what competitors rank for: Look at the websites of successful competitors. What key phrases do they use in their titles and headings?
Once you have your keywords, naturally include them in:
- Your page titles (the text that appears in the browser tab)
- The main heading on each page
- The first paragraph of content
- Subheadings where relevant
Pro Tip
Don't overdo it! Adding your keywords 20 times on a page (known as "keyword stuffing") will hurt your rankings. Think of keywords like seasoning in a recipe - enough to enhance the flavor, but not so much that it's all you taste.
For example, if you're a florist in Portland, don't write: "Portland florist providing Portland flower arrangements for Portland weddings and Portland events as the best Portland florist."
Instead, write naturally: "As a local Portland florist with 15 years of experience, we create stunning flower arrangements for weddings and special events that capture your personal style."
Tweak #2: Optimize Page Titles & Meta Descriptions
What These Are
Think of page titles and meta descriptions as your website's first impression in search results. The page title is the clickable headline people see in Google search results, while the meta description is the brief preview text that appears below it.
Why It Helps
Your title and description are like a mini-advertisement in search results. A compelling title with the right keywords can dramatically increase both your visibility and your click-through rate.
How to Do It
Updating these elements is easier than you might think:
- For WordPress users: Install a free plugin like Yoast SEO or Rank Math. These tools add simple fields where you can edit your titles and descriptions for each page.
- For Wix, Squarespace, or other platforms: Look for "SEO Settings" or "Page Settings" sections where you can edit these elements.
For each important page on your site:
- Page Title: Include your main keyword + location (if relevant) + your business name
- Example: "Affordable Family Portrait Photography in Denver | Jane Smith Photography"
- Keep it under 60 characters so it doesn't get cut off in search results
- Meta Description: Write a brief, compelling summary that includes your keywords and a clear benefit or call to action
- Example: "Create lasting family memories with our affordable portrait sessions in Denver. Natural, joyful photos in 30+ local parks. Book your session today!"
- Aim for 120-155 characters
Pro Tip
Just like a newspaper headline, your page title should catch attention while accurately describing what's on the page. Avoid clickbait titles that don't deliver what they promise - Google penalizes this behavior.
Tweak #3: Use Alt Text on All Images
What It Is
Alt text (alternative text) is a short description attached to images on your website. While visitors don't typically see this text, it serves two crucial purposes: it helps search engines understand your images, and it makes your site accessible to people using screen readers due to visual impairments.
How to Do It
Adding alt text is surprisingly simple:
- Go to each important image on your website
- Look for "alt text," "image description," or "accessibility" in your website editor
- Write a brief but descriptive phrase about the image that includes your keywords where natural
For example:
- Poor alt text: "IMG_29384.jpg" or "photo"
- Better alt text: "Handmade leather wallet in brown with custom monogram"
Focus on your most important pages first, especially product images or photos showcasing your services.
Pro Tip
Think of alt text as describing the image to someone over the phone. Be specific about what's in the image, but keep it concise (about 8-10 words maximum). Include your keywords only when they naturally fit the image description.
Conclusion: Small Changes, Big Results
SEO doesn't have to be overwhelming or time-consuming to make easy changes. These three adjustments:
- Adding relevant keywords to your content
- Optimizing your page titles and descriptions
- Using descriptive alt text for images
These can be done in a single afternoon and can significantly improve how easily customers find your business online.
Think of these tweaks as planting seeds in your digital garden. They may take a few weeks to fully bloom in search results, but once they do, they'll continue working for you day and night.
Ready to Boost Your Online Visibility?
If you've made these changes and want to make sure you've done them correctly, I'd be happy to review your website's SEO basics. Just reach out, and I'll provide feedback on what you've done and suggest any additional simple improvements that could help even more customers find your business online.
Remember, you don't need to become an SEO expert. You just need to take small, consistent steps toward making your business more visible. And you've already taken the first step by reading this article.
Why not set aside 30 minutes this week to implement one of these tweaks? Your future customers are searching for you right now. Let's make sure they can find you.