SEO Basics Every Business Owner Should Know

If your website isn’t showing up when potential customers search for what you do, you’re missing out on leads before you even get a chance to win them over.

The good news is you do not need to be an SEO expert to get the basics right. These basics can make a big difference to your visibility.

Here’s what every business owner should know:

1. Keywords are your foundation

Think about the words and phrases your ideal customers would type into Google to find you. These are your keywords.

• Use them naturally in your page titles, headings, and main copy.
• Avoid cramming them in. Google rewards clear, human-friendly writing.
• Aim for a mix of broad terms ("pilates") and more specific ones ("Reformer Pilates Belfast").

2. Your website needs to be fast

Site speed is a big ranking factor and visitors won’t wait around for a slow site to load.

• Use free tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to see how your site performs.
• Optimise images, remove unnecessary scripts, and make sure your hosting is up to the job.

3. Mobile-friendly is non-negotiable

Over half of web traffic is mobile, and Google prioritises mobile-friendly sites.

• Make sure your site adapts well to any screen size.
• Test your site on your own phone - is it easy to navigate and read?

4. Quality content wins

Google loves fresh, useful, and relevant content. This is where your blog or “Insights” section comes in.

• Share articles, tips, and resources that help your target audience.
• Avoid thin or duplicate content - always aim to answer a question or solve a problem.

5. Backlinks build authority

A backlink is when another site links to yours and they’re a signal to Google that your site is trustworthy.

• You can earn backlinks by getting featured in articles, partnering with other businesses, or creating share-worthy content.
• Focus on quality over quantity.

6. Track your progress

Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to see how your site is performing.

• Monitor which pages get the most visits.
• Keep an eye on which search terms are bringing people in.

Final thought

SEO doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Focus on these basics and you’ll already be ahead of many competitors.

If you’d rather spend your time running your business than tweaking meta tags, I can help you put the right foundations in place so your website gets found by the right people.