Hey there! If you’re just starting out with your business and trying to figure out how to show up in Google searches, this guide is for you. I’ve put together a straightforward, step-by-step approach to help people find your business online without all the technical jargon. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Get your business listed on google my business (GMB)
If there’s one thing you do for local SEO, let it be this! Google My Business is like a free online business card that shows up when people search for what you do in your area.
How to Set It Up:
- Go to Google My Business, and set up a profile.
- Fill out all the basics—name, address, phone number, website, hours, etc.
- Add some good photos (a nice shot of the front of your shop, maybe a team photo or your best-selling products).
Why It’s So Important: When people search for your type of service nearby (like “bakery near me”), your profile is what will get you in front of them. This is especially helpful if you don’t have a website yet or just want more visibility.
Step 2: Figure out what people are searching for (keyword research)
Keywords are just the phrases people type into Google, like “best pizza in [city name]” or “affordable plumber [city].” If you know what they’re searching for, you can make sure your business pops up when they look.
How to Find Your Keywords:
- Try typing your service into Google and see what suggestions pop up in the search bar. This gives you an idea of what’s popular.
- Use a free tool like Ubersuggest. Just type in what your business does and see what related phrases people are looking for.
Pro Tip: Focus on local keywords—ones that include your city or neighborhood name. These are the ones people use when looking for nearby services, so they’re gold for local businesses.
Step 3: Set up a simple website
Even if you’re not tech-savvy, having a basic website is easier (and more helpful) than you might think. According to a study by BrightLocal, 60% of consumers say a business’s website is a key factor in deciding if they should trust it. You don’t need anything fancy—a few pages with your services, contact info, and maybe a few customer testimonials can go a long way.
How to Get Started:
- Use a website builder like Wix or Squarespace. They have templates, so it’s mostly drag-and-drop.
- Make sure to add your business name, address, and phone number (the same info as on your Google profile). This helps search engines match everything up.
Why This Matters: Your website is like your digital storefront. People might find you on Google but want to check out your site to get a feel for your services. It also makes your business look more professional.
Step 4: Create social media profiles to connect with locals
Social media is a great way to reach potential customers without spending a lot, but it’s a great way to reach people in your area. In fact, 71% of people who had a positive experience with a brand on social media are likely to recommend it to others (Lyfe Marketing). And you don’t need to be on every platform—just pick one or two that make sense for your business.
Where to Start:
- Create profiles on Facebook and Instagram if you’re a visual business (like a café, salon, or clothing store).
- Post updates, share new products or services, and showcase customer reviews. Tag your location, and use a couple of relevant hashtags like #[YourCityBusiness].
Why It Works: People love supporting local businesses. If they see you’re active and engaged on social media, they’re more likely to follow along and eventually become customers.
Step 5: Ask happy customers for reviews
Good reviews are like word-of-mouth online. Not only do they help build trust with potential customers, but they also boost your visibility in local searches (yep, Google loves reviews!).
How to Get More Reviews:
- Ask for reviews while the experience is fresh! Maybe when you wrap up a sale or finish a job.
- Send a quick follow-up email with a link to your Google review page. Just make it easy for people to leave feedback.
Why It’s Powerful: Reviews are one of the first things people check before visiting a new place. A bunch of positive reviews gives you credibility and helps push your business to the top of search results.
Step 6: Share helpful tips and updates on your website or social media
If you’re wondering, “Do I really need a blog?”—the answer is maybe, but you can start small! Posting helpful info related to your business can build trust and keep people coming back to your site.
Simple Content Ideas:
- Tips: If you’re a landscaper, maybe share “5 Tips for Fall Lawn Care.”
- Local events: If you’re a café, post about special holiday treats you’re offering.
- News: Share new product arrivals, seasonal offerings, or any discounts.
Why It Helps: Regular content updates show customers (and Google) that your business is active. You’ll also start showing up in searches for things beyond just your business name, which can bring in more people.
Step 7: Check what’s working (and what’s not)
It’s good to know where your efforts are paying off. This doesn’t have to be complicated—just a few simple tools can give you insights.
Tools to Track Your Success:
- Google Analytics: Tracks how many people visit your site and what they look at.
- Google Search Console: Shows you which keywords are bringing people to your site.
Why Bother with This?: Knowing which pages or posts are popular can help you double down on what’s working. If you notice something isn’t getting much attention, maybe it needs a tweak, or you can try a different approach next time.
Bonus: Get help from free SEO tools
There are a few extra tools that can make life easier if you want to do a little extra fine-tuning.
Useful Free Tools:
- Google PageSpeed Insights: Helps you see how fast your website loads. (Fast sites = happy visitors + better ranking.)
- Moz Local: Checks if your business info is the same across the web. (It checks listing only for the United States, Canada and United Kingdom)
Why Use Them?: These tools give you quick fixes that can make a big difference, like speeding up your website or ensuring your business info is correct everywhere.
You’re All Set!
Getting started with SEO can feel like a big task, but it’s worth it. By taking these steps, you’re setting your business up to be found more easily, helping potential customers find their way to your door.
So there you have it—a simple, friendly guide to help local businesses build an online presence. SEO is an ongoing process, so don’t worry if you don’t see results overnight. Keep at it, and you’ll start to see more local customers discovering and visiting your business. Just take it one step at a time, be consistent, and don’t be afraid to reach out if you need a hand. Good luck—you’ve got this!
