How SEO Works for Small Businesses
How SEO Works for Small Businesses (A.K.A. How to Stop Being Invisible Online)
Let’s play a game.
Go to Google and type in what you do + your city.
Example: “cupcake shop in Santa Clarita” or “auto repair near me.”
Now… do you show up?
If yes, congrats! You’re a digital unicorn.
If not, don’t panic, you’re not alone. That’s what SEO is for.
So what is SEO, how does it actually work, and why should you care as a small business owner? Let’s break it down in real-talk terms (no nerdy tech talk, promise).
Wait… What Does SEO Even Stand For?
SEO = Search Engine Optimization
Or in normal people language: “how to make Google like you and show your business to people who are already searching for what you offer.”
Google is basically the matchmaker of the internet. SEO is how you get on the guest list.
How SEO Works (Without Giving You a Headache)
Think of your website like a storefront.
Now imagine it’s on a side street no one walks down. Great lighting, beautiful setup… but no foot traffic. That’s your business without SEO.
SEO helps move you from the alleyway to Main Street.
Here’s what actually goes into it:
🧠 1. Keywords (What People Type In)
These are the exact phrases your customers are Googling—like:
“Best tacos near me”
“SEO for dentists in Pasadena”
“Affordable nail salon Santa Clarita”
Your site needs to include those phrases in a natural way—on your homepage, service pages, blog posts, and even photo captions.
📌 Pro Tip: Don’t just guess—use tools like Google’s Keyword Planner or just think like your customer.
🧹 2. Website Cleanup (AKA: Google's Not Into Messy)
Your site needs to load fast, work on mobile, and not look like it was built in 2006. Google likes tidy homes.
Broken links? ✂️ Fix them.
Confusing menus? 🧭 Simplify.
No “Contact Us” page? 💼 Add it yesterday.
📝 3. Content is King (And Queen and the Whole Court)
Blog posts, FAQs, videos, service descriptions—this is what tells Google what you do. The more relevant, keyword-rich content you have, the better you’ll rank.
No, you don’t have to become a writer. Just answer the questions your customers always ask you. That’s content.
🔗 4. Backlinks (Internet Street Cred)
When other websites link to yours, Google thinks, “Hey, people trust this biz. Let’s bump them up.” That’s a backlink.
Try getting mentioned in a local blog
Ask partners to link to you
Submit to local directories
It’s like networking, but for robots.
📍 5. Local SEO (Small Biz Superpower)
If you’re a local business, Google Maps is your BFF.
Make sure your Google Business Profile is claimed, verified, and updated
Use your city name in your content
Collect legit reviews (they help more than you know!)
Local SEO = showing up when someone nearby searches “[your service] near me.”
Okay… But Does This Really Work?
Yup. It’s not magic, but when done consistently, SEO helps you:
✅ Show up when people are actually looking for your service
✅ Build trust with searchers who see you ranked high
✅ Get more clicks, calls, visits, and $$$
Think of SEO as your digital word-of-mouth, except you don’t have to awkwardly bring it up at dinner parties.
Final Thoughts: Be Findable, Not Forgettable
You don’t need to become a tech expert to win at SEO.
You just need a solid game plan, some good content, and a little consistency.
And if all of this still sounds like too much? No shame, that’s what we do. We’ll optimize your site, boost your rankings, and make sure your business doesn’t just exist online… it stands out.
Let’s get you found.
Contact us now.
www.inhousebrandlab.com
@inhousebrandlab by @imsodebs