How to Be Your Own SEO Expert: A Guide for Local Small Business Owners

Wondering how some websites always snag the top spots on Google? Spoiler: It's not sorcery; it's SEO. By the end of this blog, you'll go from an SEO greenhorn to a self-sufficient pro who can rank their own website. Let's dive in.

SEO—Search Engine Optimization—might sound like a cryptic code, but it's actually your golden ticket to visibility on the web. Think you need an IT degree or a team of nerds to get you there? Nah, you've got something even better: this guide. Stick around, because we're about to spill the tea on how to be your own SEO expert.

The Birth of SEO

SEO wasn't always a thing. Back in the '90s, having a website was enough to stand out. Those days are gone. As more people and businesses flocked to the web, The internet got crowded, and some clever cookies figured out how to stand out in the crowd: SEO. Now it's your turn to win this digital duel and make search engines fall madly in love with your website.

Technical SEO vs. Content SEO: What's the Deal?

Confused about the whole Technical SEO and Content SEO shebang? You're not alone. But don't sweat it; we'll break it down.

• Technical SEO - This is the behind-the-scenes action; think of it as the stage crew for a Broadway show. They make sure the spotlight's working, the curtain rises on time, and that no one trips over a rogue wire. In the website world, Technical SEO ensures your site loads faster than you can say "Google it, is mobile-optimized, and is secure. 

• Content SEO - Meet the lead actor in our Broadway metaphor—the star everyone came to see. Content SEO focuses on the actual content of your site. It's your blogs, your product descriptions, and the hilarious FAQ page that people didn't even know they needed to read. It's all about delivering quality content that people—and search engines—love.

So, Which One's More Important?

Short answer? You need both. Like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, one's kinda lonely without the other. You could have the best content in the world, but if your site's slower than a snail, no one's sticking around to read it. Likewise, if your website is the Usain Bolt of load time but has lackluster content, visitors will bounce faster than a rubber ball on concrete.

Why is Technical SEO Important for Local Small Business Owners?

You may be thinking, "I'm just a small local business; why would Google care about my website?" Oh, you sweet summer child, Google cares about everyone's website.

• Local Searches: When someone's frantically googling "emergency plumber near me," guess who they'll find if your site's technically sound? That's right, you.

• Credibility: Look, you could be the best cupcake shop in a three-state radius, but if your website looks like it was last updated during the Y2K panic, visitors will question your legitimacy.

• Beating the Big Guys: The internet's a level playing field, believe it or not. If you optimize your site, you can rub shoulders with, or even outperform, the national chains in search results.

• Mobile Experience: Your customers are searching for you while in line at the grocery store, during awkward dinner parties, and maybe even in the bathroom (we're not judging). A mobile-optimized site ensures you're capturing all that local traffic.

• Google My Business (https://www.google.com/business/) - This tool is like your VIP pass to local search results. But it works best when paired with a technically solid website. 

Still thinking Technical SEO isn't your jam?

Trust me, whether you're selling custom quilts or offering lawn care services, it's as crucial to your business as a sharp pair of scissors or a reliable lawn mower.

Why Technical SEO Matters (But Don't Freak Out)

Don't let the term "technical SEO" intimidate you. Technical SEO sounds way more complicated than it is. It's like the stage setup before a rock concert—necessary but not the star of the show. 

Your website needs to be fast, mobile-friendly, and more secure than Fort Knox. This sets the stage for your content to shine and your rankings to soar.

Picking the Right Words: Keywords 

Keywords are the Secret Weapon you need to make Google listen up. These are phrases your audience is searching for, like "best taco joints near me" if you run a Mexican restaurant. 

A little bit of keyword research using tools like Google's Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest can give you the words you need to sprinkle throughout your content.

On-Page Stuff That Matters

• Meta Descriptions: Consider this your 15-second elevator pitch. This little snippet appears under your website's name in search results and should be so compelling that people can't help but click.

• Headings: Break up your content with headings to make it skimmable. It's like adding chapters to a book—easier to digest and better for SEO.

• Pictures: Think of image names as their own mini headlines, like "homemade-tacos.jpg." Makes you hungry just thinking about it, right?

Why Good Content Is Essential for Local Small Businesses?

Google wants its users to walk away happy. That means you've got to offer them something valuable. Keep your content sharp, engaging, and so darn good that people consider it a go-to resource.

Linking Stuff Together

Your website is a treasure map, and internal links are the dotted lines guiding people to the prize. Use internal links strategically to guide visitors to other relevant areas of your site. It's good for user experience and for SEO. It helps visitors explore further and tells Google your website is an interconnected goldmine of valuable information.

Keeping Score: How to Know It's Working

To track your success, implement Google Analytics. If the numbers don't impress you, pivot. Tweak your keywords, refresh your content, and remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint.

• Google My Business: It's the Yellow Pages of the digital age. Make sure your business is listed and the info is up-to-date.

• Customer Reviews: Good reviews are like gold. Encourage satisfied customers to leave you one.

• Local Keywords: Use terms that resonate with your local audience, including landmarks or popular neighborhoods.

Prepping for Voice Search

• Natural Language: People speak differently than they type. Make sure your keywords reflect this.

• Local Voice Search: Keep your Name, Address, and Phone (NAP) info consistent across platforms.

• Quick Load Time: Speed matters, both for SEO and user experience.

Let's be real; the digital ocean is full of fish. Your website is just another guppy in a sea of sharks. You can't keep floating aimlessly, or you'll become fish food for your competitors who are nailing their SEO. 

The good news is, that you've got this guide and the will to act. Follow these steps to rise from the depths and swim with the big fish.

Ready to own your SEO and rock your business like a boss? 

We've got a killer [SEO Checklist for Beginners] that you can grab to make sure you've nailed every single step. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and make some waves!