How to Get Found on Google: SEO Basics for Small Businesses

Most small businesses miss out on a huge source of free traffic: organic search. With some basic SEO work, your website can show up when potential customers are actively looking for what you offer.

Start with the right keywords

Keywords are the phrases people type into Google. Start with what your customers actually say — not industry jargon. If you run a hotel in Ballari, "hotels near Ballari" or "rooms in Ballari" are better targets than "premium hospitality solutions".

• Use Google's autocomplete to find real search phrases
• Target long-tail keywords (3–5 words) — less competition, more intent
• One page should target one primary keyword

On-page basics

On-page SEO is about making sure each page clearly tells Google what it's about.

• Write a unique title tag for every page (60 characters or less)
• Write a meta description that summarises the page (150 characters)
• Use your keyword naturally in the H1 heading
• Add alt text to every image
• Internal link to related pages

Local SEO matters most for small businesses

If you serve a local area, your biggest SEO win is setting up and optimising your Google Business Profile. It's free and puts you on the map — literally.

• Claim and verify your Google Business Profile
• Add your address, phone number, hours, and photos
• Ask happy customers to leave a Google review
• Make sure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) is consistent everywhere online

One thing to do today
Search for your business on Google right now. What do you see? If you don't appear in the top results for your own name, your SEO needs urgent attention.