S-E-Ohhhhh
5 SEO Basics Every Business Owner Can Handle
Let’s bust a myth right now: SEO isn’t some mysterious spell that only tech wizards can cast. You don’t need a coding degree, a 20-hour work week to spare, or a six-figure budget. There are simple, practical steps you can take right now to help Google recognize your site and, more importantly, help clients find you.
Here are five basics you can absolutely handle, no wand required. (Unless you want to use that wand from Universal Studios that’s collecting dust somewhere on a shelf.)
1. Keyword MagicWithout the Overwhelm
Think like your clients. If you’re a therapist, they’re not searching for “somatic experiential reprocessing therapy.” They’re searching for “help for panic attacks in Orange County.” For a small biz owner, it might be “best coffee shop near me” or “wedding florist in Anaheim.”
Tip:
Write down 5–10 phrases your clients would actually type. These are your starter keywords. Sprinkle them naturally into your website headings, page titles, and even blog posts.
2. Title Tags & Meta Descriptions are Your Elevator Pitch to Google
Title tags and meta descriptions are those little blurbs that show up in Google results. Think of them like your first impression. Clear, specific, and inviting beats vague every time.
For example:
Instead of “Welcome to Better Days Therapy” → Try “Anxiety & Trauma Therapy in Orange County | Better Days Therapy.”
This tiny tweak alone helps both people and Google know what you’re about.
3. Headings: Write for Skimmers Because Everyone Skims
Your readers don’t consume websites like novels. They scan. Make your headings work like signposts. Not only will readers thank you, but Google will too; it loves a well-structured page.
4. Google Business Profile is Your Digital Front Door
If you do one thing today, make it this. Claim and fully fill out your Google Business profile. Add photos of your office or products, update your hours, and ask happy clients (ethically, of course) for reviews. This free tool is gold for local SEO.
5. Content That’s Actually Helpful
Here’s the thing: Google rewards sites that are alive. Adding helpful blog posts, such as answering “what to expect in your first therapy session” or “5 ways to choose the right yoga class,” signals that you’re current, active, and trustworthy.
Pssst, that’s what this blog is doing. 😉
You don’t need to master SEO overnight. Just start here. Each step builds momentum. And in Part 3, I talk about why chasing the #1 Google spot might not actually be the endgame.
Want someone to walk you through setting this up? I help small business owners and therapists simplify SEO so it actually gets done.