5 SEO Priorities to Make Sure Customers find Your Business On Google
If you’re a small business owner, freelance service provider, or home-based entrepreneur, showing up on Google is critical. People search for businesses like yours every day – so let’s make sure they find you.
This post contains affiliate links; I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
1. Pick the Right Keywords for Your Business
Why it matters: Keywords are the words people type into Google when looking for your products or services. Choosing the right ones ensures your business shows up in search results.
How to start:
- Think like a customer: What would they type in if they wanted your product or service?
- Use free tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to find popular terms.
- Combine broad and specific keywords: e.g. “handmade soap” (broad) + “organic lavender soap for sensitive skin” (specific / niche).
Tip: Focus on 5-10 main keywords for your website and blog to keep it simple and targeted.
1. Pick the Right Keywords for Your Business
Why it matters: Keywords are the words people type into Google when looking for your products or services. Choosing the right ones ensures your business shows up in search results.
How to start:
- Think like a customer: What would they type in if they wanted your product or service?
- Use free tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to find popular terms.
- Combine broad and specific keywords: e.g. “handmade soap” (broad) + “organic lavender soap for sensitive skin” (specific / niche).
Tip: Focus on 5-10 main keywords for your website and blog to keep it simple and targeted.
3. Create Helpful Content (Blogging & Guides)
Why it matters: Google loves fresh, useful content. Blog posts or guides help you target long-tail keywords (more specific searches) and bring the right visitors to your site.
How to do it:
- Write posts that answer questions. your customers ask
- Include keywords naturally in headings, subheadings, and text.
- Examples: “How to choose the best organic soap for sensitive skin”
or “5 tips for first-time wedding photographers”
Tip: Add internal links to your product pages or services – this helps Google and keeps readers on your website longer.
4. Get Listed on Google My Business (GMB)
Why it matters: For local businesses, Google My Business is key. It helps your business appear in Google Maps and local search results.
How to do it:
- Claim your listing at Google Business Profile
- Fill out your business name, address, phone number, hours, website, and photos.
- Encourage reviews – positive reviews boost visibility.
Tip: use keywords in your business description, e.g. “family-owned bakery in Austin specializing in gluten-free cupcakes.”
5. Build Backlinks and Mentions
Why It matters: Google rank sites higher if other trustworthy websites link to you. These are called “backlinks.”
How to start:
- Join your local Chamber of Commerce, which will likely feature your business as a spotlight or link to your website.
- Go for local award opportunities or local sponsorships, where they often link.
- Reach out to local blogs, newspapers, or business directories to feature your business.
- Guest post on relevant websites in your niche.
- Get mentioned on social media and community pages.
Tip: Focus on quality over quantity – one ink from a respected website is worth more than ten from random websites.
Bonus Tip: Track your results with free tools like Google Search Console to see what keywords people use and how your site is performing. Then tweak your strategy over time.