A Straightforward SEO Guide for Small Business Owners Who Don’t Have Time to Waste.
Running a small business is tough. You’re juggling a million things and have no time for anything else. So when someone says “you need SEO,” it’s easy to nod, smile, and promptly ignore it. Not because you are not interest but because you do not understand it. Well, no more with our SEO Made Simple Guide for small business owners.
Before we begin, here’s the truth about SEO.
If your business isn’t showing up on Google, your competitors are.
That means they’re getting the clicks, calls, and new customers that should be coming to you.
The good news? SEO doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. If you’ve got the time, there’s plenty you can do yourself. And if you don’t? That’s where pros like us at Blind Monkey Media come in.
Let’s break it down in plain English.
What Is SEO and Why Should You Care?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. In other words, making your website show up when people search on Google (or Bing, or any other search engine).
If someone types “best roofing company in Atlanta” or “dog groomer near me,” and your business isn’t showing up? You’re handing business to someone else.
That’s why SEO matters. Especially in 2025, where search engines are getting smarter and more AI-driven than ever.
Why Local SEO Is a Big Deal in 2025
If you run a local business, think salon, gym, café, law firm, repair shop, etc…, Local SEO is your best friend.
It helps you appear in:
- Google’s Local Map Pack (top 3 listings under the map)
- Google Maps when people search nearby
- Regular search results with local intent
If you’re not showing up when locals search, you’re invisible to the people who are ready to buy from you.
DIY SEO – 5 Local SEO Tips You Can Do Yourself
Don’t worry, you don’t need a marketing degree to do these. They’re beginner-friendly and free:
1. Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
The first and easiest DIY SEO tip is to go to google.com/business, claim your listing, and make sure it includes:
- Accurate name, address, and phone number (NAP)
- Business hours
- A description using keywords people search for
- Photos of your business
- The right categories for your services
Also: ask your happy customers for reviews as they help you stand out and rank higher.
2. Use Location-Based Keywords on Your Website
The second Local SEO Tips is to include in writing where you offer your services. Don’t just say “we offer HVAC services.” Say:
- “We offer residential and commercial HVAC services in the Atlanta Area.”
Use these keywords on your homepage, service pages, blog posts, and titles. Naturally, not in a spammy but in a way that is truthful, heartfelt, and natural way.
3. Make Sure Your Info Matches Everywhere
Your business name, address, and phone number must be consistent across your website, social profiles, review platforms, and directories. Otherwise, Google gets confused and a confused Google doesn’t rank you.
4. Create Helpful Local SEO Content
Write blog posts or short pages about:
- Local events you’re part of
- Customer FAQs
- Local tips, how-tos, and service area info
Content that’s relevant to your town or service area makes you more “Google-worthy.”
5. Make Your Website Mobile-Friendly
Most local searches come from phones. If your site is slow, broken, or hard to use on mobile, it will frustrate your visitors and cause them to leave before your website even finishes to load. In turn, Google will notice it and give you a lower ranking on the Search Engine Result Page (SERP).
Use PageSpeed Insights or Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test to see how your site performs.
And this is How How Small Businesses Can Get Found on Google by using easy to use DIY SEO tips that anyone can do.
What About AI Search? Here’s What Small Business Owners Need to Know
Search is evolving fast. In 2025, tools like:
- Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE)
- Microsoft Bing’s AI Chat
- AI-powered answers at the top of search results…
…are changing how people find businesses.
These tools don’t just list websites. They generate instant answers, and they pull those answers from the most trusted, relevant sources.
So how do you get your business mentioned in AI-generated search results?
- Create helpful, answer-based content – Answer questions your customers are asking in a clear, natural way.
- Write like a human – Conversational, clear content is AI-friendly. Keyword stuffing? Not so much.
- Use Schema Markup – This “extra code” helps search engines understand your business info. (Plugins like Yoast or Rank Math can help.)
- Build local authority – Get mentioned on other trusted websites, news sites, blogs, and local directories.
- Keep your content fresh – Update your website often. Google favors businesses that stay active.
Technical SEO: Make Sure Your Site Works Properly
Technical SEO is about making sure your website functions in a way that Google (and your customers) expect. Ok, I am repeating some of the stuff I said earlier but it just proves how important they are.
Here’s what to check:
- Site Speed – Fast sites rank better. Use PageSpeed Insights to test and optimize.
- Mobile Usability – Make sure your site works great on phones—it’s now Google’s default view.
- Clean Navigation – Your menu and pages should be simple and organized. Confusing websites lose rankings.
- Schema Markup – Help Google understand your business details like hours, services, and reviews with structured data.
- Fix Errors – Broken links, missing pages, and weird redirects hurt your SEO. Google Search Console can help you spot and fix them. There are several tools to help you find and fix errors o the internet.
Here is a List of the Website Audit Tools ranging from Paid to Free
- SEM Rush – Paid and Free
- AHREF – Paid and Free
- SEO Site Checkup – Paid and Free
- Google Search Engine Console – Free
What If You Don’t Have Time to Do All This?
Let’s face it, not every business owner has the time (or energy) to write blog posts, fix website issues, analyze keywords, and monitor rankings.
And honestly? That’s okay. You are not an SEO expert. In fact, you should spend your time focusing on what you do best for your business as that is what the core of your business is all about.
Doing SEO right takes time, consistency, and expertise.
That’s why many small business owners eventually find that hiring a professional SEO agency isn’t a cost. It’s an investment that saves time and drives results.
Why Hiring an SEO Agency Can Be More Cost-Effective
DIY SEO may be free upfront, but it costs you in:
- Time you could spend running your business
- Leads lost while figuring things out
- Opportunities missed from inconsistent or outdated strategies
At Blind Monkey Media, we specialize in helping small businesses get real, measurable results without bloated retainers or fluff. Just honest, expert SEO that works.
Ready to Be Seen on Google?
SEO doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s just about consistent, strategic, and focused on what really matters.
At Blind Monkey Media, we offer a range of affordable SEO packages built specifically for small businesses. Whether you’re just getting started and need help claiming your Google Business Profile, or you’re ready for full-service SEO with content, backlinks, technical fixes, and monthly reporting, we’ve got a plan that fits your goals and your budget.
From local SEO starter packages to comprehensive SEO management, we make it easy for you to get found on Google without breaking the bank.
Click here to explore our small-business SEO packages and get started today
Let’s help your business get seen, get clicked, and grow. You’ve got a business to run and we’ll make sure people can find it.
About the Author
Frederick Saint-Jacques is a seasoned Digital Marketing and SEO expert with over two decades of experience driving results in the competitive marketing landscape. Throughout his 20+ year career, he has built a reputation for creating and executing high-impact marketing campaigns for some of the world’s most recognizable brands, consistently delivering measurable growth and market expansion.
His expertise particularly shines in sportsbook marketing, where he has developed innovative strategies that navigate the unique challenges and opportunities within the gaming and sports betting industry.
When he is not managing an advertising campaign or consulting about online marketing, you might find him camping in some unknown part of the world with his son and his dog.