With 33.2 million small businesses in the U.S. U.S. Chamber of Commerce, standing out online is a must. Here’s the catch: 75% of users never scroll past the first page of search results, according to HubSpot. That’s why SEO for small businesses is a game-changer. Search engine optimization (SEO) helps your website rank higher on Google, driving more traffic and customers to your business.
This guide breaks down six proven SEO strategies to boost your small business website’s rankings. From keyword research to technical tweaks, we’ve got you covered. Plus, discover how AM Marketing Agency can supercharge your SEO efforts.
Keywords are the foundation of SEO. They’re the terms your customers type into Google, like “coffee shop near me” or “local plumber.” Start with tools like Ubersuggest or Google Keyword Planner to find relevant keywords with decent search volume and low competition.
For example, a bakery might target “gluten-free cupcakes [city name]” to attract local customers. Aim for long-tail keywords (3+ words) to capture specific searches. A 2024 Ahrefs study found that long-tail keywords drive 70% of organic traffic, making them ideal for small businesses.
On-page SEO involves fine-tuning elements on your website to make it search-engine friendly. Focus on:
Title Tags: Keep them under 60 characters and include your target keyword (e.g., “Best Coffee Shop in [City]”).
Meta Descriptions: Write compelling 160-character summaries with keywords to boost click-through rates.
Headers (H1, H2): Use keywords in headers to structure content, like “Why Choose Our Bakery?”
A Moz study shows that well-optimized title tags and headers can improve rankings by up to 20%. For small businesses, these tweaks signal relevance to Google, helping you climb search results.
Technical SEO ensures your website runs smoothly and is easy for search engines to crawl. Key areas include:
Site Speed: Slow sites lose visitors. Google’s research reveals a 1-second delay can cut conversions by 20%. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to optimize.
Mobile Optimization: With 60% of traffic from mobile, a responsive design is critical. Google’s mobile-first indexing prioritizes mobile-friendly sites.
For small businesses, a fast, mobile-optimized site keeps users engaged and boosts rankings.
Off-page SEO strengthens your website’s authority through external signals. Focus on:
Backlinks: Earn links from reputable sites, like local blogs or industry directories. A 2024 Backlinko study found that pages with more backlinks rank higher.
Local Citations: List your business on platforms like Google Business Profile and Yelp with consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) details. This drives local SEO for small businesses.
For example, a local gym could get a backlink from a fitness blogger, signaling trust to Google.
At AM Marketing Agency, we specialize in SEO tailored for businesses of all sizes. Take our client, RiverCity Florist, whose website languished on page 3 of Google. After optimizing keywords, improving site speed, and securing local backlinks, they jumped to page 1 for “florist Bakersfield,” boosting online orders by 45% in four months.
Our process starts with a comprehensive SEO audit to identify gaps. We then implement keyword strategies, on-page and technical fixes, and off-page tactics to drive rankings. Whether you’re a retailer or service provider, AM Marketing Agency delivers measurable results, backed by insights like the 75% of users sticking to page 1 HubSpot.
SEO for small businesses is your ticket to visibility and growth. By mastering keyword research, optimizing on-page and technical elements, and building off-page authority, you can attract more customers and outshine competitors.
Ready to climb Google’s rankings? AM Marketing Agency is here to help. Get a free SEO audit today to uncover opportunities and transform your website into a customer magnet.
p: (323) 746-8267 | e: contact@amagency.co