SEO Basics Every Small Business Owner Should Know

Iyanu Emmanuel
Aug 14
3 min read

Updated: Sep 6

If you run a small business, chances are you’ve heard about SEO (Search Engine Optimization). But what does it really mean, and why does it matter for your business?

In simple terms, SEO is the process of making your website more visible on search engines like Google. When someone searches for a product or service you offer, SEO helps your business appear in those search results — bringing you free, organic traffic.

Here are the SEO basics every small business owner should understand:

1. Keywords: Speak Your Customer’s Language

Keywords are the words and phrases people type into Google. For example, if you own a bakery in London, a potential customer might search for “best bakery near me” or “custom cakes London.”

Tip: Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or even simple Google suggestions to find the phrases your customers are searching for. Then, naturally include those keywords in your website content.

2. On-Page SEO: Optimizing Your Website Content

On-page SEO is all about making sure each page on your site is structured properly for both users and search engines. This includes:

Using clear headings (H1, H2, H3) with keywords
Adding meta titles and meta descriptions (these show up in Google search results)
Optimizing images with alt text
Keeping content clear, relevant, and easy to read

Tip: Every page should focus on one main topic or keyword to avoid confusion.

3. Local SEO: Be Found in Your Area

For small businesses, local SEO is often the most important. Customers searching for services near them often add “near me” or their city name in searches.

Tip:

Create and optimize your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business).
Include your business name, address, and phone number consistently across your website and directories.
Collect customer reviews to boost local trust.

This helps you show up in the Google Map Pack, the section that lists local businesses at the top of results.

4. Backlinks: Building Online Authority

Backlinks are links from other websites pointing to yours. Think of them as “votes of confidence” — the more high-quality sites linking to you, the more trustworthy Google sees your website.

Tip: Start small. Partner with local bloggers, directories, or community websites to earn backlinks. Always prioritize quality over quantity.

5. Meta Tags: Small but Powerful

Meta titles and descriptions are short snippets of text that appear in Google results. While they don’t directly boost rankings, they influence whether people click on your site or not.

Tip: Write compelling meta descriptions that answer what the searcher is looking for and include your main keyword.

Why SEO Matters for Your Small Business

Unlike paid ads, which stop once you stop paying, SEO builds a long-term foundation for your online presence. It helps you:

Drive consistent, free traffic
Build trust and authority with customers
Compete with larger businesses on a fair playing field
Grow your brand visibility over time

Final Takeaway

SEO doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require consistency. By focusing on keywords, on-page SEO, local SEO, backlinks, and meta tags, you can improve your visibility and attract more customers to your small business.

At Wix Website Pro, we help small businesses grow with SEO services tailored to their goals — from keyword research to local SEO strategies. If you want your business to be found online, Let’s Talk About Your Website.