Local SEO 101: What Every Small Business Owner Should Know

If you run a small business, you’ve probably heard about SEO and maybe instantly tuned out. The term gets thrown around a fair bit but to most people it seems a bit techy, a bit boring, and possibly something that only big companies need to worry about.

When it comes down to it, SEO is just about helping people find your business online. In a world where everyone’s Googling everything, showing up in search results can be the difference between getting that next booking or losing it to someone else.

But don’t stress, this blog is going to break it down in plain English and give you a few easy wins to get started. Plus, I’ll share how having a basic understanding of SEO can help you avoid getting scammed by all those spammy emails promising you a magical spot on Google’s first page.

Let’s dive in...

So… What Actually Is SEO?

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation. But before your eyes glaze over, stay with me.

Put simply, SEO is how you help Google understand what your business does so it can show your website to the right people at the right time.

By the way, when I say “Google,” it’s a bit like saying “Esky” when I really mean a cooler, or “Panadol” when I mean any kind of paracetamol. Google’s just the most well-known name, but the same idea applies to other search engines like Bing or Yahoo too.

For example, if someone in your area searches for “remedial massage near me” or “Geraldton plumber,” Google scans all the websites out there and picks the most relevant and trustworthy ones to show first. Your job as a business owner is to make sure your website ticks the right boxes so it’s included in that list.

There are three main parts:

• On-page SEO: The words and structure on your site (like headings and page titles).

• Off-page SEO: Stuff that happens elsewhere, like Google reviews and backlinks.

• Technical SEO: How fast your site loads, how it works on mobile, and a few behind-the-scenes bits.

You don’t need to become an expert. Just knowing the basics can take you a long way.

Why Local Businesses Should Care About SEO

If most of your customers come from word of mouth, you might wonder whether SEO is worth your time.

But consider this:

• Most people search online before making a decision.

• They’re not typing in your business name. They’re searching for a service in a certain location like “hairdresser Geraldton” or “best dog groomer near me.”

• If your website isn’t showing up, your competitors probably are.

Social media can help build a brand, but SEO is what gets people in the door when they’re ready to book, buy or call. The best part? It keeps working while you’re off doing other things.

Easy SEO Wins to Help You Show Up in Search

You don’t need to overhaul your whole site or hire an expensive agency to make a difference. Here are a few things you can do right now to get some SEO momentum going:

1. Claim and Optimise Your Google Business Profile

This is the box that shows up on the side of the screen when someone Googles your business.

Add your:

• Business name

• Services

• Opening hours

• Photos

• Service area/location

And keep it updated, Google loves that.

2. Use Keywords on Your Website

Think about what your ideal customer is searching for and include those phrases naturally on your site. Instead of “Welcome to my site,” say something like:

“Specialising in custom cakes for birthdays and weddings in Geraldton.”

This tells both your visitors and Google exactly what you do.

3. Ask for Google Reviews

These are gold for SEO and for building trust. Had a happy customer? Send a quick message asking if they’d mind leaving you a review. Reviews help you show up more often and look more credible when you do.

4. Mention Your Location Often

Don’t just say “mobile hairdresser” say “mobile hairdresser in Geraldton and surrounding areas.” This help Google connect the dots.

5. Make Sure Your Website Works on Mobile

More than half of searches happen on phones. If your site’s slow, hard to read, or doesn’t work properly on mobile, people (and Google) will bounce away quickly.

Why Knowing a Bit About SEO Can Save You From Being Scammed

You’ve probably seen the emails (if not, check your spam folder – it will be full of them!!)

“We’ll get you to the #1 spot on Google!”

“Your site is not ranking, let us fix it!”

“We guarantee first-page results!”

These messages prey on small business owners who don’t understand SEO and they often use shady tactics that do more harm than good.

But the reality of it is:

• No one can guarantee a spot on Google’s front page, not even Google.

• Ranking #1 means nothing if it’s for a keyword no one is searching for.

• Real SEO takes time, good content, and consistency - not just techy tricks.

If someone reaches out with vague promises, massive guarantees, or pressure to sign a contract … big red flag.

When you understand the basics of how SEO works, you’ll be able to:

• Ask smarter questions

• Spot dodgy offers

• Choose providers (or tools) who are actually going to help you long-term

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Do Everything. Just Start Somewhere.

SEO doesn’t have to be a full-time job or something just for the “techy people”.

Even just doing a couple of the easy wins above can make a difference in how many people find your business online.

Your website is a 24/7 shopfront and SEO is really just how you make sure the lights are on and people can find the front door. A great website is no help if no one can find it.

Want help with this stuff? That’s what I’m here for. Whether it’s a strategic website refresh or just making sure your Google profile is working for you, I’m all about simple, smart solutions that actually work for local businesses.

Contact me: Jenelle Reynolds | The Web Studio

Jenelle Reynolds | The Web Studio, Geraldton