Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, is how your business appears on Google when people search for your services or products. Without SEO, you will miss out on potential customers!
Let’s say you open a beautiful store in downtown Petoskey, Michigan. You’ve invested in interior design that’s appealing to shoppers. You stocked your shop with amazing products. Now you’re ready to welcome customers.
But there’s one problem.
No one knows your new store exists because it’s hidden down a side street and there are no signs pointing to it.
This is where Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, comes in. SEO is like putting up big, colorful signs on the main road for your website.
That main road is Google.
This is how you will guide people right to your store. SEO is how your business gets found by people searching for what you offer.
How Does Search Engine Optimization Work?
Google (and other search engines) want to show the best, most helpful websites to people who are using their site to search for things. SEO helps your website communicate to Google that your business is a great match for certain searches and will provide a link to your website.
How does SEO work?
Relevant Keywords
These are the words or phrases people type into Google, like “web designer near me” or “affordable website design in northern Michigan.”
Adding good keywords that are relevant to your website content helps Google understand what your site is about.
Website Content
Your website should answer common questions your customers have and offer helpful information about your business.
The better your content, the more Google wants to share it with others.
Website Structure
A well-organized website that’s easy to navigate and provides information of value makes your site visitors happy.
Google loves happy site visitors.
Inbound Links
When other quality, high ranking websites link to your website, it’s kind of like a recommendation.
Google sees inbound links and thinks, “This website must be trustworthy and useful.”
Can Beginners Do SEO on Their Own?
Yes, absolutely! You don’t need to be a web geek or tech guru to get started with SEO.
I have a few simple things you can do on your WordPress website today to help improve your rank on Google.
Use an SEO Plugin
Tools like Yoast SEO or All in One SEO guide you step-by-step to optimize each page and post. These tools even give you a checklist to follow!
Write Content for Your Customers
Think about what your customers are searching for and create pages or blog posts to answer their questions. For example:
- A bakery might write about “Tips for Storing Fresh Bread.”
- A florist could post “How to Keep Your Cut Flowers Fresh Longer.”
Update Your Google Business Profile
Google Business Profile is a free tool that is critical for local SEO.
- An optimized Google Business Profile is how your business can show up on Google Maps and local searches.
- Make sure you’ve claimed your profile. Then add your location, hours, and a short description of what you do.
- I also recommend adding an update (post) at least once a week.
Why Search Engine Optimization Is Worth It
Think of SEO as a long-term investment. It takes time, but even small steps can help your website attract more visitors, build trust, and grow your business.
So, yes, you can maintain your website SEO as you make updates.
A Simple Search Engine Optimization Checklist
- Add keywords naturally to new blog posts or page updates.
- Add images with descriptive filenames (website-design-services.jpg).
- Always add alt text that is relevant to the image (do not stuff with keywords).
- Write meta descriptions that are short, engaging, and focused on the page topic.
Refresh your website content often and monitor your rankings on Google. You should see improvements in your ranking on Google over time!