Easy SEO Techniques To Get Your Business Found on Google

Search engine optimisation (SEO) was probably the last marketing strategy I wanted to explore. It seemed overly complicated, stressful, and something I didn’t feel qualified to tackle. But when I realised most of my articles were barely making it to the second page of Google, I knew it was time to bite the bullet and figure it out. To my surprise, I discovered just how much I could do with a few simple steps to improve my site’s ranking. Before long, I was seeing my website appear at the top for relevant search terms!

If you’ve been putting off SEO because it feels overwhelming, this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through beginner-friendly SEO techniques to optimise your website so customers can find your business on Google.

What Is Search Engine Optimisation?

First things first, SEO is a marketing strategy designed to make your website more visible in search engine results, helping to drive organic (free) traffic to your site. By optimising factors such as keywords, content quality, links, and user experience, your site can rank higher for search queries relevant to your business. For example, if you own a florist in Manchester, using a keyword like "Manchester flower delivery" in your site’s metadata can make it easier for customers to find you when they search for local florists.

Higher rankings mean more visibility and more chances to connect with potential customers who are actively searching for what you offer. Best of all, SEO is a cost-effective, long-term strategy that builds trust and authority for your business.

How Does SEO Actually Work?

When someone searches on Google, the search engine produces a list of results based on its index of web pages. The sites at the top of the list are those Google deems most relevant to the user’s search. These top-ranking pages attract the most visitors. This is known as organic traffic and here’s why organic traffic matters, it accounts for around 53% of all website traffic and doesn’t cost you a penny. The higher your ranking, the more free traffic you’ll get, and that’s the ultimate goal of SEO! With me so far?

Getting Started with SEO Techniques

If the idea of SEO still feels a bit daunting, don’t worry. You don’t need to be an expert or invest in any expensive tools. You just need to start with these 3 free tools from Google;

1. Google Search Console

This tool shows how your site is performing in Google search results. Once signed up, you’ll be able to see whether or not your site is indexed (added to Google’s database). If not, you can just request indexing to get started.

2. Google Analytics

Once your site is indexed, Google Analytics will help you track how much traffic you’re getting and where it’s coming from. This data will show you which pages perform well and help you make informed decisions about your content.

3. Google Business Profile

If your business has a physical location, setting up a Google Business Profile ensures customers can find you on Google Maps and local search results. It’s essential for businesses with a physical location like salons, shops, or cafes.

How to Optimise Your Content

Now that you’re set up with the basics, it’s time to focus on your site’s content. Here’s how to optimise it step by step:

1. Research Your Keywords

Keywords are the foundation of SEO. Use tools like Google’s Keyword Planner or Google Trends to identify the words or phrases people are searching for in your industry. For instance, a children’s clothing shop might find terms like "affordable kids’ clothes" or "baby outfits UK" perform well (these are just examples!)

Aim for keywords with a monthly search volume of at least 1,000 as this is a good indication that its a popular term. (indicating it’s a popular term). You also want to choose words with low to medium competition so it’s easier to compete for the top spot! Most importantly however, choose the keywords that are most relevant to your business and use them strategically throughout your site.

2. Write Compelling Website Content

Your website should clearly explain what you offer and why it’s valuable. Include your chosen keywords naturally in your homepage, About page, and product or service descriptions. Avoid “keyword stuffing” as this can harm your rankings. This basically means overusing your keywords to the point where your content no longer makes sense.

3. Start a Blog

Adding a blog to your site is a simple way to increase traffic. Blogs allow you to target specific keywords and provide valuable content for your audience. For example:

• Blogs answer common customer questions.

• They share industry trends.

• They can engage your audience with tutorials or how-to guides.

Aim to publish consistently and work towards at least 20 blog posts over time. Blogs are particularly effective in this strategy as they boost your website traffic by up to 300%!

4. Add Metadata

It might sound like we're getting technical now, but don't worry this is easily explained. Metadata is the text that search engines read in order to understand your site. It includes:

• Meta titles These are the main blue headlines you see listed on Google.

• Meta descriptions This is the short summary directly below the title.

For example, if you run a bakery in Manchester, your meta title could be: 'Manchester Bakery | Fresh Cakes, Pastries & Breads Delivered Daily.' Be sure to include your primary keyword in both the title and description.

5. Use Internal and External Links

Links are a simple yet effective way to optimise your website and really easy to add.

• Internal links These are links that you add to your site, connecting pages on your site. This helps visitors navigate while improving your site’s structure. For example, you can link your services page or online shop to relevant blog posts, so when your audience has finished reading an article, they can continue their journey, exploring what you offer.

• External links These are links that you also add to your site, taking your audience directly to other sites that you feel are relevant in some way. You will have seen a few on this article! This is helpful for users, particularly if you link to high-quality sources, it signals credibility to search engines.

• Backlinks These are links from other websites to yours and are also very valuable. You can ask suppliers or partners to link to your site, and consider even guest posting on relevant blogs to build your backlink profile. Again, this signals credibility to search engines.

6. Collect Reviews

Reviews boost your credibility and can actually improve your rankings too. So be sure to enable reviews on platforms like your Google Business Profile. I also always advise engaging with your audience by responding to their feedback, even if it is a simple ‘thank you’, you are engaging with your audience. This is an opportunity to ensure they remember your brand!

The Key to SEO Success

SEO can feel overwhelming, but remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Start with small, manageable steps, and focus on one improvement at a time. Over time, these changes will help your site climb the rankings, attract more visitors, and grow your business.

With a little patience and persistence, you’ll find that SEO is one of the most valuable tools in your marketing arsenal. Give it a try and watch your business flourish! engine optimisation was probably the last marketing strategy I wanted to explore. It seemed overly complicated, stressful and not something I felt I qualified to do. But when I discovered that most of my articles were barely making it to the second page on google, I realised I needed to bite the bullet and get to grips with SEO! I was pleasantly surprised to discover how much I could do to improve my position on google. Using simple steps, I was not only able to increase my sites ranking, but reach the top for relevant search terms!

So, this guide is designed to help anyone, who like me, may be avoiding SEO, optimise your website using beginner friendly tips, so you can get your business found on Google.

Be aware

Not every business or blogger uses approved techniques of Search Engine Optimisation. Some techniques involve deceiving users and manipulating indexes (search engine spamming). It is important that you follow approved methods.