The small business SEO guide we still hand new clients

1. Decide what you actually sell

Pick the three services or products that pay the bills. Those are your SEO targets. Everything else is a distraction.

2. Find the words customers use

Not industry jargon — customer language. Search your services, read the “People also ask” box, and write down the exact phrasing that appears.

3. Build one strong page per offer

• A clear H1 with the service name.
• 500–1,000 words explaining the offer in plain English.
• Photos of real work, real people, real locations.
• A single, obvious call to action.

4. Set up the local layer

Google Business Profile, consistent NAP, a handful of relevant citations. Done once, mostly forever.

5. Publish helpful content monthly

Answer the questions customers ask before they buy. One good post a month for a year is a small library that pays you back.

6. Earn links the slow way

Local press, partner mentions, sponsorships, guest posts in your niche. No shortcuts that feel gross — they always cost more than they earn.

7. Measure two things

Calls and form fills. Rankings are a leading indicator; revenue is the only number that matters.