The Truth About SEO For Small Business Websites

Let’s be blunt: most SEO advice for small businesses is garbage.

You don’t need complicated keyword strategies or technical SEO wizardry. You need local customers to find you when they’re looking for what you sell.

For most small businesses, SEO comes down to three essential elements:

1. Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business)
   This is how you show up in local searches and on Google Maps. Complete every field, add photos, and collect reviews. This matters MORE than your website for local SEO.
2. NAP Consistency
   Your Name, Address, and Phone number must be identical everywhere online. Different phone formats or address abbreviations confuse Google.
3. Relevant, simple content
   Use the words your customers use when searching. If you’re a plumber in Portland, your homepage should say “Portland plumber” somewhere in a natural way.

Forget about meta keywords (Google ignores them). Don’t worry about posting daily blog content. And please, don’t pay hundreds per month for “SEO services” that promise first-page rankings.

For small businesses with limited budgets, focus on what actually works:

• Collect Google reviews.
• Keep your business information consistent.
• Use natural language on your website that matches how customers search.

Remember: the best SEO strategy is to have a clear, fast website that answers customer questions. Search engines reward usefulness above all else.