When I built my first business, I thought SEO was something only big companies cared about. I told myself, “If my product is good, people will find me.” Unfortunately, no. The internet doesn’t work that way (I wish!).
If you want your business to show up on Google, SEO can’t be something you deal with down the line. It has to be baked into your foundation from day one.
Whether you’re a brand-new entrepreneur or finally ready to take your business seriously online, here are the key SEO steps I consider non-negotiable. I’ll break it down in a way that actually makes sense (no tech jargon, promise).
1. SEO Starts With Knowing What People Search For
Before you can show up on Google, you need to know what people are typing into Google in the first place. That’s where keyword research comes in. And yes, it sounds boring, but stick with me.
This first step is about figuring out what your ideal audience actually searches for, and not what you think they search for. For example, someone may not Google “boutique holistic interior design studio,” but they will search “home interior designer near me.”
A few simple ways to start:
- Google your service and see what autofill suggests
- Check “People Also Ask” on Google
- Use a free tool like Ubersuggest or even Pinterest search
Your goal isn’t to find fancy keywords; it’s to meet people where they are.
2. On-Page SEO: Make Google Understand Your Website
On-Page SEO just means optimizing what’s on your website so Google understands what you do. Think of it like labeling your pantry. If nothing is labeled, how can anyone find the cinnamon?
A few non-negotiables:
- Each page should focus on ONE main topic/keyword
- Add your keyword in the title, intro, a header, and naturally in the copy
- Write like a real human, not a robot stuffing words everywhere
If your page feels helpful, clear, and easy to read for humans, Google will like it too. Remember, small typos and natural wording are fine; Google doesn’t want perfect, it wants useful.
3. Off-Page SEO: Build Your Business’s Reputation Online
Think of off-page SEO as your business’s street credibility. Google needs proof that people trust you. That “proof” comes from things like:
- Mentions of your brand on other sites
- Backlinks (another site linking to yours)
- Being listed on platforms like Google Business, Yelp, Pinterest, or industry directories
- People sharing your content
You don’t need a PR team; you just need to show up in more than one place online. Share your blog posts on social media, write guest posts, and list your business in directories. Simply be visible.
4. Technical SEO: The Stuff Behind the Curtain
This scares people the most, but it’s just about your website running smoothly. Technical SEO is everything that helps your site load fast, look good on phones, and not confuse Google.
Bare minimum technical must-haves:
- Your website loads in under 3 seconds
- It works smoothly on mobile
- No broken links or “404 page not found” issues
- Your pages are connected so Google can “crawl” them
If your site is slow or chaotic, visitors will click away, and Google watches that. Harsh, but true.
5. Post–and Keep Showing Up Consistently
SEO isn’t a one-time setup. It’s like going to the gym; you don’t get abs by doing crunches once. Google prioritizes websites that stay active and helpful.
Blog consistently, even if that means once or twice a month. Share value. Teach something. Talk to your audience the way you’d talk to a friend over coffee.
Your #1 goal is: Be the business that keeps showing up for people.
SEO can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling branding, content, products, and running your actual business. That’s exactly why I started Brand Creative Solutions, because entrepreneurs shouldn’t have to figure everything out alone.
If you want support, guidance, or someone to hold your hand through this journey, check out our services here.
