What is SEO?

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is the process of refining your business’s online content so it appears for relevant terms on search engines like Google. The goal is simple: get your website on that coveted first page of search results without having to pay for ads, drawing in more visitors and potential customers organically.

SEO success is measured by the number of clicks your site attracts from search engines, split into two main types: branded clicks, which come from searches that include your business name (like “Redback”), and non-branded clicks, which come from broader searches (“website design services”) that don’t mention a specific company.

Non-branded clicks often hold more value because they can bring in fresh, curious customers who might not have heard of you yet.

To secure top positions on relevant SERPs, you’ll need to juggle all kinds of technical and content factors – from choosing the right keywords and optimising for mobile devices to creating unique content and earning quality backlinks from other reputable sites.

Before we dive further in, here are some key terms to understand when navigating the world of SEO:

• Organic search results: The list of pages displayed by a search engine in response to a user’s query—essentially, the web’s answer sheet for whatever you’ve searched. Landing higher on this list increases your chances of being noticed.
• Keyword: A term or phrase that people type into search engines when looking for information, products, or services. Targeting the right keywords is crucial because they connect what users are searching for with the content on your site. By optimising for suitable keywords, you increase the chances of appearing on relevant SERPs.
• Keyword ranking: Where your web page sits in the search results for a particular keyword. Think of it like a popularity contest; the closer to the top you rank, the more likely users are to click on your site.
• Technical SEO: This covers the nitty-gritty details that make sure search engines can easily crawl and understand your site. From your site’s speed and mobile-friendliness to how your pages are structured, it’s the behind-the-scenes work that powers your SEO.
• Mobile optimisation: With more people browsing on mobile than ever, your site needs to look just as good on a smartphone as it does on a computer. If it doesn’t, search engines will take note and push your site further down the results list.
• Site speed: Speed isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have. If your pages take forever to load, search engines will assume users aren’t going to stick around, and you’ll drop in the rankings. So, the quicker your site loads, the better.
• Local SEO: SEO practices tailored for businesses looking to capture local customers. It ensures your business appears in searches like “gym near me” or “best restaurant in Perth,” connecting you to nearby customers ready to take action.
• Backlinks: Links from other sites that point to yours. When trustworthy websites link to you, it’s like receiving a vote of confidence, boosting your site’s credibility. But beware of dodgy backlinks—having spammy sites linking to you is like hanging out with the wrong crowd.

At the end of the day, SEO is a balancing act of creativity and technical know-how, turning your website into a digital magnet that pulls in the right people at the right time.

What is SEO for small businesses?

Small business SEO is a specialised set of strategies for boosting an SMB’s website visibility in search engines. It is tailored for smaller companies with a more focused approach and typically fewer resources to work with.

For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), SEO is crucial because it drives organic traffic without relying on paid ads. That’s especially valuable for those operating on a budget.

Plus, higher rankings in search results can bring more visitors, engagement, sales, and customer loyalty to the customer base – everything your business needs to grow.

Here’s how small business SEO tends to differ from regular SEO:

• Target locations: The key distinction lies in the geographic focus. While SEO aims to reach a broad audience, often spanning multiple regions or countries, small business SEO typically prioritises local customers in the area it operates in.
• Tools: Online platforms like Ahrefs, Moz, and SEMrush are useful for global conglomerates and small businesses alike. However, enterprise SEO often relies on purpose-built platforms like BrightEdge for large-scale strategies. Meanwhile, small businesses benefit more from tools that offer insights tailored to local competition and practical optimisation tips.
• Tactics: Enterprise SEO involves mass content efforts to engage a wide audience, often at a national or international level. In contrast, small business SEO requires a more targeted approach, with content that speaks directly to a specific market or niche. Link-building and reputation management also tend to focus on local networks and community connections.

Is SEO worth it for a small business?

Absolutely. Search engines recognise that some searches—especially those looking for specific products, services, or expertise within local areas—are best answered by small businesses.

To provide the most relevant results, they adjust their ranking algorithms to give preference to local or smaller companies for these queries, while still prioritising high-quality content overall.

This means that well-executed SEO can help your small business compete effectively in search results, even against larger competitors.

Benefits of SEO for a small business

Small businesses face an uphill battle when it comes to standing out, especially without the luxury of hefty marketing budgets. That’s where SEO steps in as a powerful ally, giving smaller players a chance to punch above their weight.

Discover the importance of SEO for small businesses below:

Better visibility

Small businesses face a tough challenge in standing out from the competition and grabbing the attention of potential customers. But showing up in search results for relevant terms can make all the difference.

For example, a vintage clothing boutique with an ecommerce store might get some traction from referrals or social media. But appearing in search results for “second-hand designer clothes Sydney” can drastically improve brand awareness and reach.

And the more eyes on your business, the more opportunities you have to turn clicks into customers.

More credibility

SEO gives your business a chance to reach potential customers early in their decision-making process. By delivering content that genuinely addresses their problems or needs, you not only capture their attention but also start building trust in your brand from the get-go.

Showing up in search results isn’t just about visibility. People tend to trust that if Google or other search engines are recommending you, it’s for a good reason.

High rankings signal that you’re a credible player in your industry, which can go a long way in making potential customers feel confident about choosing you.

Moreover, when it comes to digital presence, your reputation is closely linked to your domain authority. The higher your authority, the stronger your position in search results.

With smart, consistent SEO efforts—both on-page and off-page—you can steadily grow your authority and cement your business as a trusted name.

A competitive edge

When your business ranks high, the combination of long-term authority, valuable content, and earned trust creates a strong barrier that competitors will struggle to overcome. This helps protect your precious position, making it challenging for others to push you down in the rankings.

And that’s important. Securing higher visibility in search results allows you to connect with a wider audience and generate more leads and sales. It’s a strategic way to compete with bigger players in your industry, solidify your standing in the market and drive growth.

24/7 visibility

Your customers don’t stick to a typical nine-to-five routine—they search for solutions whenever a need arises, whether it’s 3 AM or during a lunch break.

With a well-optimised online presence, your business can be their go-to choice, no matter the hour. Think of your website as your 24/7 storefront, always ready to inform, connect with and engage customers.

Cost-effective targeting

Unlike traditional ads on social media, newspapers, or billboards that demand a constant flow of funds and often reach people who might never be interested, SEO offers a more strategic approach.

SEO flips the script by giving your business the chance to grow visibility without continuously draining your budget. Sure, it may take weeks or even months for your search rankings to climb, but once you’re up there, your spot is free of charge.

Best of all, SEO helps you connect with people who are already searching for what you offer. These searchers are actively looking for specific products or services, making them far more likely to convert into actual customers and contribute to your return on investment.

The key takeaway? With sufficient time and effort, SEO is a cost-effective way to build lasting growth and keep your marketing budget lean.

How to improve SEO for small businesses: 14 easy tips

Reaching your target audience organically takes a well-thought-out SEO strategy. It’s not always easy, but there are steps you can take to steadily improve your search rankings.

Keep reading for 17 straightforward SEO tips for small businesses:

1. Connect your site to Google Analytics and Google Search Console

Google Analytics and Google Search Console are essential tools for understanding and improving your website’s performance. They’re free, easy to set up and provide insights to help you make smarter SEO decisions.

Together, they’re a practical way to identify what’s working and where improvements are needed, without the guesswork.

Google Analytics gives you a clear view of how people interact with your website. It shows where your visitors come from, what they do on your site, and which pages drive the most engagement or conversions. This helps you focus on areas that matter most to your business.

Meanwhile, Google Search Console offers valuable feedback on how your site performs in search results. It highlights technical issues, tracks the search terms that bring people to your site, and allows you to update critical elements like sitemaps to improve visibility.

Setting up these tools is simple—just connect them to your website, and you’ll have access to detailed reports that track your progress over time.

2. Keyword research

Keywords are the bridge between your business and potential customers searching online. These are the words and phrases people type into Google when looking for services or products like yours.

Effective keyword research is the foundation of SEO, helping you understand not just what people are searching for but also the intent behind their searches.

Focusing on high-value keywords—those with strong search volume, low competition, and clear relevance—guides everything from content creation and website optimisation to structuring your site and fine-tuning your Google Business Profile.

Specifically, localised long-tail keywords, which are longer and more specific phrases, play a critical role in connecting your small business with highly targeted audiences. These keywords often outperform generic terms because they reflect clear intent and location, making them more likely to lead to conversions.

For example, “affordable electrician in Sydney” will attract more ready-to-act users than the broader “electrician services.”

Tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, AnswerThePublic, and BuzzSumo can help uncover valuable keywords without breaking the budget, ensuring your content aligns with what your audience is actively searching for.

Long story short?

By building your strategy around well-researched keywords, you position your business to be seen by the right people at the right time.

3. Deep dive into SERP competitors

Want to stand out online? First, you’ve got to know your SERP competitors inside and out. These are the websites fighting for the same spotlight in search results.

But here’s the twist: your competitors online might not be the same businesses you’re up against offline.

Imagine you’re running a plumbing business in Sydney and aiming to rank for “emergency plumber Sydney.” A quick search might show other plumbing services, sure, but you might also see local directories, home repair blogs, or even national companies with big budgets.

To beat them, you need to know what makes them tick.

What keywords are they using?

What kind of content do they create?

Who are they speaking to?

Are they targeting homeowners, landlords, or commercial property managers?

The better you understand their approach, the more effectively you can position yourself to win.

Here’s how to break down this step:

• Study their pages: Are they using their homepage to rank or a dedicated service page?
• Check their keywords: Which phrases do they focus on, and how often are they using them?
• Analyse their content: Do they have detailed service descriptions, blogs, videos, or reviews?
• Look at their audience: Who is their content aimed at? Families? Business owners? DIY enthusiasts?
• Review their site structure: How easy is it to navigate? Is their menu clear, or do they lose people along the way?

If you want to go deeper, use tools like Semrush to reveal the keywords driving their traffic, their most popular pages, and opportunities you might be missing.

For instance, if a competitor ranks for “affordable plumbing in Sydney” and gets hundreds of monthly visitors, you’ll know it’s a term worth targeting.

Remember, SERP analysis isn’t just about copying your competitors—it’s about finding ways to outdo them. Whether it’s creating more valuable content, targeting untapped keywords, or offering a better user experience, every insight helps you refine your strategy.

4. Refine your site structure

Think of your website as a map for your customers. A clear, organised site structure is like a straight highway—users get to their destination quickly and easily. A messy structure, on the other hand, feels like a maze, leaving users frustrated and likely to exit before finding what they need.

For small businesses, getting this right is a win for SEO as well as user experience. Search engines love sites that are easy to navigate, and they reward them with better rankings.

But what does a great site structure look like?

Let’s imagine you’re running an online boutique. Your customers are searching for things like “trendy women’s tops” or “men’s workout gear.” If your site is all over the place, they’ll struggle to find those items, and you’ll struggle to keep them.

A smart site structure keeps it simple. Picture your header menu as your storefront:

• Women’s Clothing
• Men’s Clothing
• Accessories
• Sale
• About Us
• Contact

Now, think about what happens when someone clicks on “Women’s Clothing.” Your subcategories—like dresses, tops, and outerwear—should guide them to exactly what they’re after. Every page should be reachable within a few clicks, making the journey as effortless as possible.

URLs also play a big role. Keep them clean and specific, like:

• boutique.com/womens/tops/sleeveless-tank
• boutique.com/mens/activewear/running-shorts

And if your boutique offers extras, like styling consultations or local pick-up, make those pages easy to find too:

• boutique.com/styling-services
• boutique.com/store-locations

Here’s where the creativity kicks in: your structure should reflect how your customers shop. Use keyword research to understand their search habits and align your site with their needs.

If your analysis shows people are frequently searching for “eco-friendly activewear,” create a dedicated category and optimise it to attract those customers.

Don’t forget about internal links, either. Guide visitors from one page to another—like linking your “New Arrivals” page to your “Sale” section. These links aren’t just helpful for users; they’re a green light for search engines to explore and rank your site better.

A well-thought-out site structure does more than improve navigation—it builds trust, keeps customers on your site longer, and boosts your rankings.

5. Write copy for human readers first

A great blog post, article, or guide can do more than just drive traffic—it can turn casual browsers into loyal customers.

Here’s how it works: by crafting content that answers common questions or solves problems for your audience, you can attract them through search engines, build trust, and stay top of mind when they’re ready to make a purchase.

Think about the questions your customers ask. What problems are they trying to solve? Use keyword research to find the exact phrases people are searching for.

Then use your industry experience to craft high-quality content that educates, inspires, or entertains your audience.

While it might be tempting to overuse keywords or include irrelevant terms in an attempt to rank higher, resist the urge. Overloaded, keyword-stuffed content not only frustrates your human audience but also harms your search visibility. Search engines prioritise user experience and penalise content that feels forced or irrelevant, ensuring only the most useful and authentic pages appear in results.

So, focus on writing for real people first—search engines will follow suit.

Remember to share your content far and wide! Post it on social media, include it in your email newsletters, and even talk about it offline. The more people who see it, the more traffic—and potential customers—you’ll attract.

Need help creating content that connects and converts?

Let our experienced wordsmiths take care of your copywriting!

6. Optimise On-Page Elements

Once you’ve nailed down your target keywords, it’s time to weave them throughout your website in ways that feel natural and intentional. This is the art of on-page SEO, where every detail—titles, meta descriptions, and headers—works together to make your site stand out for both users and search engines.

Think of your metadata as the signposts of your site, helping Google and potential customers understand what you offer at a glance.

Title tags

Title tags are the clickable headlines that appear in search engine results. They are one of the most critical on-page elements for SEO and user engagement.

A great title doesn’t just include your primary keywords; it’s also clear, unique, and enticing enough to make users want to know more.

• To craft standout titles:
• Keep them concise, around 55–60 characters.
• Naturally incorporate your keywords.
• Clearly convey what the page is about.
• Use your brand name strategically if it adds value.
• Write with curiosity and clickability in mind.

Meta descriptions

Meta descriptions offer a summary of your page content and appear below the title in search results. They provide an opportunity to showcase what your page is about and encourage users to click through to your site.

While meta descriptions don’t directly influence rankings, they impact click-through rates, which can indirectly boost performance.

Best practices include:

• Writing descriptions of 140–160 characters.Incorporating one or two target keywords.
• Using action-oriented language, such as “Learn more” or “Discover.”
• Accurately reflecting the page content.
• Evoking an emotion or addressing a user’s need.

Headers

Headers organise your content, making it easy to navigate and digest. They’re like a roadmap for your page, breaking down the information into logical sections. Search engines love headers because they provide context, and users love them because they make reading effortless.

To maximise the impact of your headers:

• Use one H1 as the page’s main title.
• Break content into sections with H2s, and use H3s or lower for subsections.
• Include keywords where they fit naturally—no forced stuffing.
• Make headers meaningful summaries of the content they introduce.
• Prioritise readability and logical flow.

By fine-tuning these elements, you create pages that are not only optimised for search engines but also irresistible to users. This isn’t just about algorithms; it’s about making your site a place people want to explore, engage with, and return to.

7. Add schema markup

Schema markup is a powerful tool that small businesses in Australia can use to give search engines extra details about their website. It’s a form of structured data that helps search engines understand your content better and display it in more engaging ways.

Taking the time to implement schema can boost your website’s visibility and help potential customers find the information they need more quickly.

By implementing schema markup, your site can appear in rich results on search engine results pages (SERPs). These enhanced listings stand out by including additional details like star ratings, product availability, or event dates. They’re not just visually appealing but also take up more space on the page, pushing other results further down and increasing your chances of getting clicks.

While schema might sound technical, it’s more accessible than you think. Many third-party tools and website plugins make it simple to add schema to your site without needing advanced coding skills.

For example, platforms like WordPress offer plugins that allow you to apply schema markup with just a few clicks.

If you’re not sure where to start or need help setting it up, reach out today—we can help you make the most of this SEO strategy!

8. Flag and fix fundamental SEO problems

For small businesses, tackling SEO issues can feel overwhelming. But addressing the basics can make a big difference in your website’s visibility and ranking on Google.

Some common technical SEO problems that could be holding your site back include:

• Pages that aren’t indexed or crawled by Google
• Broken links that frustrate visitors
• Slow page loading times
• Errors in your sitemap
• Duplicate content that confuses search engines
• Security vulnerabilities (e.g., missing HTTPS)
• Misconfigured schema markup

Remember, you don’t need to resolve everything in one go. Even small improvements—like boosting site speed or fixing a few broken links—can positively impact your SEO and search visibility.

Need help with this step?

Our experienced SEO specialists are here to optimise your website from start to finish.

9. Build backlinks

Building trust and authority for your website is essential for driving traffic and growing your small business. Backlinks—links from other websites to yours—are one of the most effective ways to boost your credibility with Google.

While backlinks may not always generate a direct flood of clicks, they act as endorsements that signal your site is trustworthy and relevant. It’s no surprise that over 58% of marketers see backlinks as a cornerstone of search engine success.

But here’s the catch: high-quality backlinks don’t come easily. Their rarity is what makes them such a potent factor in improving rankings.

For small businesses, the best starting point is to tap into the relationships you already have.

Here are some creative ways to secure backlinks:

• Write a testimonial for a supplier or vendor you trust. Companies often feature these on their websites, and your glowing review could include a link back to your site.
• Highlight projects or partnerships in a way that benefits both parties. For example, if you’re a builder who revamped a local library, write a piece about the project and let the library know—they might feature it on their site.
• If you stock products from local or niche brands, check if they maintain a stockist page on their website. A polite request can often land you a backlink.
• Local and industry directories are a goldmine for small businesses. They not only provide backlinks but also increase visibility in your community or sector.
• Reach out to local bloggers, industry influencers, or complementary businesses to collaborate on content that can feature your business.

However, not all backlinks are created equal.

Links from spammy or poorly designed websites can harm your reputation instead of improving it. Look out for red flags like cluttered designs, nonsensical content, or sites overloaded with links. Aim for quality over quantity—backlinks from respected, professional websites will always carry more weight.

By focusing on building authentic, high-quality links, you can strengthen your online presence, boost your rankings, and open new doors for growth.

10. Keep track of local listings

Your business information must be accurate, consistent, and easily accessible everywhere online.

Your name, address, and phone number—often referred to as NAP—are the digital breadcrumbs that guide customers to your doorstep.

If these details are wrong or inconsistent, potential customers might hit a dead end, leaving them frustrated and you without their business.

Google takes this seriously.

The search engine thrives on trust and accuracy, and when your information doesn’t add up—say, you’ve got conflicting phone numbers or addresses listed online—Google isn’t going to take any chances. It will simply lower your ranking rather than risk directing users to outdated or incorrect information.

To earn both customer trust and Google’s favour, you need to keep a watchful eye on your local listings. This means checking every corner of the internet where your business appears—your website, Google Business Profile, social media, and online directories—to ensure everything is accurate and consistent.

The challenge?

As your digital footprint grows, so does the complexity of keeping all those listings in sync.

Thankfully, tools like Semrush’s Listing Management feature can quickly pinpoint inconsistencies in your listings and guide you through fixing them, ensuring your business stays visible and reliable in local searches.

By keeping your local listings in top shape, you’re not just helping customers find you—you’re sending a clear signal to Google that your business is organised, trustworthy, and ready to serve. And that’s a recipe for better rankings and more foot traffic.

11. Promote and reply to reviews

For small businesses, garnering plenty of positive reviews can directly impact brand visibility and reputation. Why? Because it shows you’re the real deal—active, trusted, and worth checking out.

So, encourage happy customers to leave reviews. Whether it’s a quick follow-up email, a QR code in-store, or a simple link on your site, make it as easy as possible. And don’t stop there—respond to every review, whether it’s glowing praise or constructive feedback.

People notice when businesses take the time to engage. It shows you care, you’re paying attention, and you’re serious about delivering great service.

Even better, Google notices, too. Active, responsive businesses often get a boost in search rankings, giving you an extra edge over the competition.

So, get out there and start the conversation. Your future customers are watching!

12. Optimise for mobile

Want to give your small business a real shot at standing out online? Make your website mobile-friendly—because that’s where your customers are.

Almost 60% of internet traffic happens on mobile devices, with consumers glued to their phones like never before. When people find your site easy to use on the go, they’re far more likely to stick around, engage, and buy. If your site isn’t easy to use on a mobile screen, you’re missing out on clicks, customers, and sales.

Moreover, Google rewards websites that give visitors a smooth, responsive experience across devices. That makes mobile-friendliness a big deal for small business SEO.

A site with great content might still rank, but a mobile-friendly design ensures you have a stronger, more reliable advantage. For small businesses, this is your chance to stay ahead of competitors in search results.

13. Have a strong internal linking strategy

Imagine your website as a spider’s web, intricately woven to guide visitors smoothly from one point to another. Each thread represents an internal link, connecting the pages of your site.

A broken thread is a missed opportunity, potentially leaving visitors frustrated and ready to click away.

As a small business owner, your goal should be to keep visitors captivated and seamlessly moving through your site. If you’re showcasing products or services, their journey should feel intuitive, like following a well-marked path.

Dropping them on a single page and leaving them to explore blindly?

That’s like handing someone a map with no landmarks.

An intentional internal linking strategy transforms this journey into a well-curated experience. By connecting your content thoughtfully, you can nudge visitors toward pages they didn’t know they needed, prolonging their time on your site and strengthening their engagement.

The more they explore, the better their metrics like bounce rate, dwell time, and session duration. And search engines reward sites where visitors linger and engage.

Internal links not only create a seamless user experience but also help search engine crawlers untangle the relationships between your pages. A well-woven web is easy for both humans and algorithms to navigate, setting your site up for success.

14. Monitor your performance

SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. Unlike paid advertising, where results can be instant, the effects of SEO take time to unfold.

That’s because search engines can take weeks—or even months—to process updates to your site. Major shifts in rankings often align with quarterly algorithm updates, making it essential for small businesses to view their SEO progress through a long-term lens of three to six months.

To stay on track and measure your momentum, keep an eye on these pivotal indicators:

Google impressions

Think of impressions as the first glimpse your website gets from potential visitors. This metric shows how often your site or listing appears in search results, even if no one clicks.

Growth here is often the precursor to traffic gains—an early sign that your SEO efforts are moving the needle. The top three spots capture most clicks, but even showing up on the first page suggests you’re heading in the right direction.

Backlinks

As mentioned previously, backlinks are like endorsements from other sites, but quality is key.

Focus on earning “white hat” links through authentic means like media coverage, partnerships, and collaborations. Each trustworthy link you gain boosts your credibility in the eyes of search engines, paving the way for better rankings.

Positive reviews

Customer feedback isn’t just valuable for your reputation—it can be a game changer for small business SEO.

A steady stream of 4- and 5-star Google reviews could ramp up your local rankings. Aim for about 5% of your customers to leave positive reviews.

And don’t worry if you don’t hit perfect fives every time; authentic, varied feedback builds trust with both users and search engines.

Keyword rankings

Keep tabs on how your target keywords are performing over time. Tools like Semrush’s Position Tracking can reveal trends, highlight traffic estimates, and track shifts in rankings.

For businesses focused on local SEO, these tools even offer hyper-local insights, right down to city or neighbourhood levels, giving you a clearer picture of how you’re being discovered in your community.

By regularly monitoring the above metrics, you’ll gain valuable insights into your SEO progress. It’s not about instant gratification—it’s about building a foundation that sets your business up for sustainable, long-term success.

Keep tracking, keep optimising, and let the results follow!

SEO tools for small businesses

Boosting small business SEO is easier with the right tools at your disposal.

Here’s a rundown of some essential tools for growing your organic traffic:

• Google Search Console: A must-have for tracking how your website performs in search results. This free tool provides insights into your site’s impressions, clicks, and keyword rankings, helping you understand where to improve.
• Google Analytics: Another free tool from Google, Analytics reveals what visitors do on your site once they arrive. It tracks user behaviour, such as page navigation, time spent on each page, and form completions, giving you a clear picture of how well your content is engaging your audience.
• SEMrush: SEMrush is a versatile SEO tool that goes beyond just keyword tracking. It offers a wide range of features, including competitor analysis, site auditing, keyword research, and content optimisation insights. While it’s a paid tool, its in-depth reports and data can help SMBs identify SEO opportunities, monitor competitors’ strategies, and fine-tune their marketing efforts for maximum impact.
• Moz: Moz offers a comprehensive set of SEO tools for in-depth website audits, keyword research, and tracking search volume trends. With both free and paid options, it provides actionable insights that can help fine-tune your SEO strategy.
• Ahrefs: Although not a free tool, Ahrefs is an industry leader when it comes to analysing and tracking your website’s backlinks. It provides valuable data on link quality, competitor strategies, and keyword opportunities, making it a powerful tool for building a strong small business SEO foundation.
• GTMetrix: Speed matters for SEO, and GTMetrix is a free tool that measures your site’s loading speed, highlighting areas that need improvement. It offers simple, practical recommendations to enhance page speed and user experience.

Using these tools effectively can make a big difference in small business SEO, helping you attract more visitors and outpace the competition.

Why local SEO matters for many small businesses

While small business SEO often overlaps with local SEO, they aren’t the same thing. Local SEO focuses specifically on appearing in location-based searches, which is crucial for businesses with a physical presence.

If your small business can serve customers in other countries—through online sales or global shipping, for instance—your SEO strategy may go beyond local optimisation to tap into a worldwide audience much like a large enterprise would.

But that doesn’t mean you should bypass local SEO altogether. Building an international presence takes time, and usually begins in your neighbourhood.

Importantly, local SEO for small businesses isn’t just a box to tick. With 93% of consumers turning to Google to find nearby products and services, it can be a game-changer for anyone with a physical store.

That’s because local SEO prioritises optimising business listings—like Google Business Profile—rather than just your website content.

These local listings often dominate search results and include crucial details such as your location, phone number, website, and customer reviews.

Sound like the right move for your business?

Follow these simple steps to get started with your Google Business Profile:

• Claim your spot in local directories: Start by registering your business in local directories and obtaining citations. The more places you’re listed, the more search engines will recognise you as a trusted local authority.
• Complete your profile: Don’t just fill out the basics—add photos, business hours, a description of your services, and anything else that makes your listing complete and compelling. A robust profile makes you more attractive to both search engines and customers.
• Keep your details consistent: Make sure your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) match across all platforms—whether it’s your website, Google Business Profile, Google Shopping ads or social media pages. If search engines see mismatched info, they’ll hesitate to recommend you.
• Collect customer reviews: Reviews are like digital word-of-mouth, and they play a big role in local rankings. Encourage satisfied customers to share their experiences, but steer clear of anything that seems fake—search engines are smart enough to spot inauthentic reviews.
• Target local keywords: Use location-specific phrases in your content to boost visibility. For example, if you own a boutique in Melbourne, phrases like “best Melbourne boutiques” will help you capture local search traffic.

How much time should a small business spend on SEO?

If you’re running a small business and handling SEO on your own, plan to set aside 3 to 10 hours a week—more if you’re committed to pumping out a lot of content.

At the start, expect to invest around 8 to 10 hours weekly to get your strategy off the ground, update your website, and fine-tune your listings.

Once things are rolling, keeping up with SEO may only take an hour or two each week, focusing on securing fresh reviews and building quality links.

Remember that SEO isn’t an overnight solution or a zero-cost approach, but it’s worth every minute. How quickly you’ll see results depends on where you’re starting from. If you’re laying the groundwork for your strategy, be prepared for a six-month climb before noticeable changes kick in—longer if you’re building a new site. That’s because SEO is a continuous effort that gains momentum over time.

The initial hustle to build a strong foundation will make things smoother down the line. Plus, the more you commit to improving your SEO, the tougher you make it for your competitors to catch up.

So, dive in, put in the hours, and watch your hard work pay off!

Can I do SEO on my own?

Many SEO basics align with smart business practices that you can handle yourself. For instance, building customer reviews, identifying your business’s key search terms, and forming partnerships with other local businesses are solid starting points for effective SEO.

But when it’s time to ramp up organic traffic and compete for high-demand keywords, a specialist touch can make all the difference.

Feeling hesitant about going it alone?

Finding the right SEO professional isn’t just about selecting a suitable strategy—it’s about choosing a reliable, effective and creative partner that’s in it for the long haul. After all, SEO is a long-term game.

To pick the best SEO agency to strengthen your online presence, keep these factors in mind:

1. Experience

Look for an SEO agency with a track record that backs up their promises. Check out case studies to see how they’ve handled SEO for businesses like yours in the past.

2. Expertise

Make sure the agency has a diverse skill set that covers all aspects of SEO, from audits and set-ups to insightful reporting, compelling content creation, and data-driven strategies.

3. Agility

SEO is always changing, so your agency needs to be up-to-date with the latest trends and tools. Their ability to adapt and innovate will be key to your organic growth.

4. Track record

Read reviews, check out testimonials, or reach out to mutual contacts for references. A strong reputation for dependable results is invaluable.

Leave your small business SEO to Redback

SEO is a smart way to boost your online presence and bring in more customers, but it takes time and effort to see real results. Build a solid foundation now, and your business will be the one people remember when they’re ready to buy.

But with a handle on small business SEO basics, growing with limited resources can be tough and time-consuming.

If you’re looking for some professional help to fine-tune your approach, we’re here to chat. At Redback, our specialists take care of SEO strategy, implementation and management for businesses big and small.

For end-to-end support, give us a call at (02) 4962 2236 or enquire online today.