If you’ve ever Googled your business and wondered why it doesn’t show up—or worse, why your competitor does—you’re not alone.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) sounds complicated and technical, but it really comes down to this:
Can your ideal customers find you when they’re searching online?
You don’t have to be a tech expert or marketing guru to improve your visibility. Here are simple, low-tech SEO tips that small business owners can actually use—no coding required.
✅ 1. Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
This is your #1 SEO asset if you serve a local market.
- Make sure your business info (name, phone, hours, website) is accurate
- Add real photos of your location, team, or services
- Choose the right category (e.g., “Insurance Agency” or “Graphic Designer”)
- Ask happy customers for reviews—and respond to them!
- Use “Posts” to share updates or promos (like social media)
💡 Most local searches happen on Google Maps or Search—this is how you show up.
✅ 2. Use Keywords Your Customers Actually Search For
Think like your customer. What words would they use to find someone like you?
Example:
Instead of “personalized insurance solutions,” say “health insurance for self-employed in Asheville.”
Tips:
- Use these keywords in your homepage, about page, and service pages
- Put them in your page titles and headlines, not just body text
- Avoid jargon—keep it conversational
💡 SEO loves clarity. Fancy language confuses Google—and your customers.
✅ 3. Create Helpful, Local-Focused Content
Google rewards businesses that create useful, relevant content for their audience.
You don’t need a blog that goes viral—you just need content that helps people.
Try this:
- Write a short post or FAQ page that answers a common client question
- Create a “Guide to [Your Industry] in Asheville”
- Post service area pages (e.g., “Home Cleaning in West Asheville”)
💡 The more helpful your content is, the more Google trusts your site.
✅ 4. Make Your Website Mobile-Friendly and Fast
Most people will find you on their phone. If your site loads slowly or doesn’t work on mobile, they’ll bounce—and Google notices.
Quick wins:
- Test your site at pagespeed.web.dev
- Use clear buttons and big fonts
- Avoid image-heavy designs that slow things down
💡 Fast, simple sites win. Always.
✅ 5. Get Listed in Local Directories and Link Back
Google loves backlinks—when other sites link to your business, it’s like a vote of confidence.
Easy ways to get started:
- Make sure your business is listed on Yelp, Chamber websites, LinkedIn, BBB, etc.
- Ask partners to link to you from their websites
- Contribute a guest post or article for a local blog
💡 Local links build your authority and help you rank higher.
🎯 Final Thought: You Don’t Have to Be a Tech Expert—Just Be Findable
SEO doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be consistent. A few small steps done well can make a big difference in helping the right people find you.
✨ Start with this:
“If someone searched for what I do in Asheville… would they find me?”
If the answer is “I don’t know” or “probably not”—try one of the tips above this week. You’ll be surprised how fast things can improve.