Easy SEO Wins Small Business Owners Can Actually Use
SEO has a reputation for being complicated, technical, and slightly terrifying. It doesn't have to be that way.
In this month's solo episode of The Chaotic Middle Podcast, I get to yapping about some SEO fundamentals, but in a way that makes sense.
Quick note before diving in: I also want to say a huge thank you. We just passed 1,000 downloads on Podbean, and that milestone means the world to me. 🎉
Why This Matters More Than Ever
SEO really comes down to a handful of moving parts you can control. Once you understand them, you might be shocked at how attainable a great SEO strategy can be.
First things first, though, Google's AI Overviews have changed how people find information online. When AI Overviews first launched, they weren't including many blue links back to original websites. That meant a lot of zero-click searches, where people got their answer without ever visiting your page.
The good news is that Google appears to be adding more links into those overviews now. We don’t know if this will stick, but it’s a promising shift for now.
The takeaway stays the same no matter how the algorithm changes: be genuinely helpful, and give people solid, accurate information.
Start With Keyword Research
Before you write a single word, do your keyword research. Most business owners assume they already know what their audience is searching for. Then they run the research and discover it could be something completely different.
I learned this firsthand when I looked at the keywords bringing people to my own site. One of them was "Amanda Russell husband." I don't even talk about my husband on my website, so that search led absolutely nowhere useful for that person. Also, why are you looking for my man? 👀
Keyword research helps you use the exact words, phrases, and long-tail keywords your audience is actually typing into Google. That way, you answer real questions instead of guessing. I personally use KeySearch for myself and for all of my clients. It's affordable and user-friendly.
Use Keywords Naturally, Not Stuffed
Once you have your keywords, the next step is learning how to use them correctly. Keyword stuffing is not the move. Writing something like, "We are the best dance studio in Wilmington, Delaware, teaching dance lessons in Wilmington, Delaware and surrounding areas" reads terribly to humans, and Google notices how awful it is, too.
The same goes for hiding keywords in white text so they're invisible to readers but still crawled by search engines. Don't do that either. Instead, weave your keywords naturally into your writing wherever they genuinely fit.
Here's where to focus that keyword placement:
Title tags: Keep them between 50 and 60 characters, and include your primary keyword.
Meta descriptions: Keep these under 155 characters, include your keyword, and add a clear call to action.
Headers: Use one H1 per page to tell Google what that page is really about, then structure the rest with H2s and H3s.
Image alt text: Describe the image accurately for accessibility, and work in a keyword when it makes sense.
Image file names: Skip generic names like IMG_747 and use descriptive, keyword-relevant file names instead.
Basically, skip the “hacks” and just create quality work.
Write Content That Actually Helps People
Speaking of… Quality content makes your blog one of your most valuable SEO tools. The more helpful, relevant content you give Google and AI models to index, the more opportunities you create to show up in search results.
Adding an FAQ section at the end of your blog posts or service pages is one of the simplest ways to boost this. AI models are increasingly built to answer direct questions, so giving them (and your readers) a clear Q&A format increases your chances of getting indexed and referenced correctly. Don’t do this on every single blog, though. Use it only where it makes sense.
Internal linking matters just as much. If you're writing a blog and you mention a specific service, link directly to that service page. This creates a natural path for readers to move through your site, and it signals to Google that your pages are connected and organized.
External links matter too, especially when you're citing research or statistics. If you say "studies show" or "research indicates," always link to the actual source. This builds credibility with readers and shows Google that your content is well-researched and trustworthy, not just something you made up on the spot.
Make Your Content Scannable
People scan content rather than reading every word. Use bullet points and lists where they make sense to break up long paragraphs and make key information easy to spot.
That said, don't turn your entire blog into a bullet-point list. Balance is key.
Most readers process content around a fifth- to sixth-grade reading level, similar to how newspapers have traditionally been written. Aim to be informative and credible while staying approachable.
And don’t forget: You can absolutely be an expert without losing your personality in the process.
Don't Skip the Technical Basics
A few technical elements matter just as much as your written content:
Page load speed: Slow-loading sites lose visitors immediately, especially when they’re visiting your site from their phone or tablet. Optimize images and eliminate unnecessary code to keep load times fast.
HTTPS and SSL certificates: Make sure your site is secure. Most platforms handle this automatically, but it's worth double-checking.
Google Business Profile: This free tool is one of the most underrated resources available, especially for local SEO. Claim your profile, keep your hours and services updated, post regular updates, and respond to reviews.
Google Business Profile isn't just for brick-and-mortar businesses either. Digital and service-based businesses can (and should) have one too. Reviews play a big role here, so don't be afraid to ask happy clients for one. I include a request for a Google review at the bottom of every invoice I send.
You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone
That's a lot of information, and honestly, there's even more beyond this: schema markup, KPI tracking, and ongoing content strategy all play a role too. If you want support putting any of this into action, I have a few options for you.
Download my free Ultimate SEO Checklist for 20 actionable steps you can start using today. If you want more hands-on support, schedule a copy audit or SEO audit with me, or book a strategy session where we work through your specific questions together.
Let's Keep Building
SEO doesn't have to feel impossible. It just requires understanding a few key pieces and using them consistently and naturally. If this episode helped clarify things for you, share it with another business owner who could use it too.
And…. Thank you for helping this podcast reach over 1,000 downloads. I'm proud to keep telling the stories of amazing women in business, and I can't wait to keep doing it with you for the next thousand.
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