Get Found on Google
3 Simple SEO Steps for Small Business Websites
If Your Customers Can’t Find You on Google, Here’s What to Do About It
You’ve put time and effort into your website—it looks great, your services are clear, and you’re proud of it. But when you Google your business… nothing. You’re nowhere to be found. It’s frustrating, and it feels like you’re invisible to potential customers.
The truth is, even the best-looking website won’t help your business if people can’t find it. And for small businesses, showing up on Google can make all the difference in getting new leads and customers.
The good news? You don’t need to be an SEO expert to improve your visibility. By taking a few simple, strategic steps, you can make it easier for customers—and search engines—to find your website. Let’s walk through three ways to start showing up on Google.
Use the Right Keywords to Connect With Your Customers
Imagine you’re a local bakery specializing in gluten-free treats. If someone in your area searches for “gluten-free cupcakes near me” and your site doesn’t mention gluten-free cupcakes, Google won’t know to show your website.
What’s the Fix? Find and Use the Keywords Your Customers Search For
Start by thinking like your customers. What words or phrases would they type into Google to find a business like yours? These are your keywords.
Here’s how to start:
- Make a List: Write down keywords related to your products, services, and location (e.g., “gluten-free bakery in Austin,” “emergency plumbing service,” or “affordable graphic design for small businesses”).
- Use Tools to Find Popular Keywords: Free tools like Google’s Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, or even Google’s autocomplete can help you identify what people are searching for.
- Add Keywords Naturally to Your Site: Include these terms in key areas:
- Page titles (the text that appears on Google)
- Headlines and subheadings
- Website copy (your homepage, service pages, and blog posts)
- Meta descriptions (the short descriptions shown under your page title on Google)
Real-World Example:
If you’re a personal trainer in Seattle, instead of just saying “Welcome to my fitness website,” you might write: “Seattle’s trusted personal trainer for busy professionals. Get customized workout plans that fit your schedule and goals.”
Why It Works:
By adding keywords your customers are searching for, you help Google connect the dots and understand what your business offers—making it more likely to show your website to the right people.
Optimize Your Google Business Profile (It’s Free!)
If you’re a local business, one of the easiest ways to show up on Google is to create or optimize your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). This is the box that appears when you search for a local business, showing details like your location, hours, reviews, and photos.
What’s the Fix? Claim and Update Your Google Business Profile
- Claim Your Profile: Go to Google Business Profile and either claim or create your listing.
- Add Accurate Information: Include your business name, address, phone number, website, and hours of operation. Consistency is key—make sure this information matches what’s on your website.
- Include Photos and Services: Add high-quality photos of your business, products, or team. List your services clearly so customers know what you offer.
- Encourage Reviews: Positive Google reviews help boost your visibility and build trust with potential customers. Don’t be afraid to ask happy clients to leave a review.
Why It Works:
Google prioritizes local businesses with complete and accurate profiles. By optimizing yours, you’ll show up when someone searches for businesses in your area, like “bakery near me” or “local plumber.”
Real-World Example:
If you run a coffee shop in Denver, a fully optimized Google Business Profile ensures you show up when someone searches “best coffee shop in Denver.” With photos of your cozy space, your hours, and glowing customer reviews, visitors are far more likely to stop by.
Create Content That Google (and Your Customers) Love
Search engines love fresh, valuable content—because it helps answer users’ questions. Creating content, like blog posts, FAQs, or resource pages, gives you more opportunities to include keywords and attract visitors looking for solutions to their problems.
What’s the Fix? Publish Content That Solves Problems
- Answer Common Questions: Think about the questions your customers ask you all the time. Then write content that answers them. For example:
- A plumber could write: “How to Fix a Leaky Faucet in 5 Easy Steps.”
- A boutique owner could write: “The Top 5 Spring Fashion Trends You Need in 2024.”
- Focus on Local Content: If you’re a local business, create content that mentions your area. For example, “The Best Places to Hike in Asheville—And What to Pack.”
- Add Value: Your content doesn’t need to be fancy—it just needs to be helpful. Share tips, how-tos, checklists, or guides that solve real problems for your customers.
Real-World Example:
If you’re a wedding photographer, you might write a blog post titled “5 Picture-Perfect Wedding Venues in San Diego.” Not only does this include valuable local keywords, but it also positions you as an expert who knows the best spots in town.
Why It Works:
Regularly publishing helpful, keyword-rich content signals to Google that your website is active and valuable—improving your chances of ranking higher in search results. Plus, it gives potential customers a reason to trust you and stick around.
Let’s Recap: 3 Ways to Start Showing Up on Google
If your website feels invisible, don’t worry—these simple steps can help you show up where it matters most:
- Use the Right Keywords: Find the words your customers are searching for and include them naturally on your website.
- Optimize Your Google Business Profile: Claim your profile, update your information, and encourage customer reviews.
- Create Helpful Content: Publish blog posts or pages that answer questions and solve problems for your audience.
SEO doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small, consistent changes can help Google find you—and connect you with the customers who are already looking for what you offer.
Next Steps: Let’s Get Your Website Found
If you’re tired of being invisible on Google, we’re here to help. At Digital Rebel, we make SEO simple and achievable for small businesses—no confusing jargon, no guesswork.
Schedule a Free SEO Audit: We’ll take a look at your website and show you exactly where to start.
Your customers are searching for businesses like yours every day. With a few simple tweaks, you can show up, stand out, and connect with the people who need what you offer. You’ve got this—and we’re here to help.
You’ve Worked Hard to Build Your Business
Let’s make sure your customers can find it.
About Digital Rebel Marketing
Digital Rebel Marketing stands at the forefront of digital transformation, empowering businesses to thrive in an ever-evolving online world of website design, SEO, Lead Generation, and Marketing Operations. Digital Rebel Marketing is a Texas-based digital marketing agency that proudly serves clients across the entire United States. While rooted in the vibrant and diverse business landscape of West-Central Texas and the Texas Hill Country, our reach extends coast to coast, offering high-quality, tailored digital marketing services to businesses nationwide.
We understand the unique needs of different regions and industries, and we bring Texas-sized dedication and expertise to each of our clients, no matter where they are located. Whether you're looking to grow your online presence, optimize your digital strategy, or drive customer engagement on your website, Digital Rebel Marketing is equipped to deliver exceptional results across the country.