How to Get Found on Google: Website SEO Basics for Small Businesses

In today’s digital world, having a great website is just the first step. To attract customers, your website needs to show up where they’re looking—on Google. If the idea of “Search Engine Optimization” (SEO) feels overwhelming, don’t worry! This beginner-friendly guide will walk you through the basics of SEO and show you how small changes can help your business get found online.

1. Start with the Right Keywords

Keywords are the words and phrases your customers type into Google when looking for services like yours. For example, if you're a plumber in Vancouver, keywords like "Vancouver plumbing services" or "emergency plumber near me" are what you want your website to rank for.

Quick Tips:

• Brainstorm keywords that match your services.
• Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to find popular search terms.
• Add these keywords to your website’s pages, especially in headings, paragraphs, and meta descriptions.

2. Optimize Your Website Content

Google loves websites that provide helpful, clear, and relevant content. This means writing about your services, answering common customer questions, and showcasing what makes your business unique.

What You Can Do:

• Create a dedicated page for each service you offer.
• Write FAQs to address your customers’ concerns.
• Add customer reviews and highlight local awards or certifications.

3. Make Your Website Mobile-Friendly

Did you know that over half of all website traffic comes from mobile devices? Google rewards websites that work well on phones and tablets with higher rankings.

How to Check:

• Use your phone to check the site, or;
• Use your desktop browser to check for mobile responsiveness.
• Browse the site thoroughly.
• Make sure buttons and text are easy to use on smaller screens.

4. Speed Matters: Improve Load Times

A slow website can send potential customers running—and Google notices too. Faster websites rank better, so it’s worth optimizing yours.

Quick Fixes:

• Compress images to reduce their file size.
• Minimize the use of large videos or unnecessary plugins.
• Use a reliable hosting service.

5. Claim Your Google Business Profile

Local SEO is a powerful tool for small businesses. By setting up and optimizing your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business), you can show up in local search results and on Google Maps.

How to Do It:

• Visit Google Business Profile and claim your listing.
• Add your business hours, location, photos, and services.
• Encourage customers to leave reviews.

6. Monitor Your Results

SEO isn’t a one-time task; it’s an ongoing effort. Track your progress using tools like Google Analytics or Google Search Console.

Things to Watch:

• Which keywords bring the most traffic.
• How long visitors stay on your site.
• Which pages perform best.

7. SEO Takes Time and Consistent Effort

One of the most important things to understand about SEO is that it’s a long-term game. It’s not about quick fixes or overnight success—it’s about building your online presence over time.

Why Patience Matters:

• Search Engine Algorithms Take Time: Google’s algorithms evaluate your website’s authority and relevance over weeks and months, not days.
• Content Needs Time to Gain Traction: New pages and blogs take time to rank as Google indexes them and determines their value.
• Consistency Builds Authority: Regular updates to your site, fresh content, and ongoing optimization signal to Google that your site is active and trustworthy.

What You Can Do:

• Post Regular Content: Blog posts, new service pages, or updates to existing content keep your site fresh.
• Stay Committed to Best Practices: Continue optimizing your site for keywords, improving performance, and engaging users.
• Work With Professionals: An expert team can ensure you stay on track with your SEO goals.

At Yūgen, we partner with businesses to build and maintain SEO strategies that grow with them. Our affordable packages include everything from initial setup to ongoing optimization so you can see results over time.

SEO Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

Getting found on Google takes time, but by focusing on these basics, you’re already ahead of many small businesses. If this still feels overwhelming, that’s where we come in.

At Yūgen, we specialize in creating websites that not only look stunning but are built to rank well on Google. From integrating keywords to optimizing performance, we take care of the technical details so you can focus on running your business.