SEO Made Simple: How Small Businesses Can Show Up Everywhere

If you’ve spent any time online lately, you’ve probably noticed that everything has a search function.

It used to be that when people needed to find a product or service, they’d head straight to Google. But times have changed!

Case in point: I needed a photographer in Nashville, TN, and guess where I searched?

TikTok.

Yep, I found and booked a photographer through TikTok’s search function.

And that’s great news for small business owners because ranking on Google isn’t easy—but guess what? You don’t have to. People are searching (and finding small businesses) on platforms like TikTok, Travelocity, Instagram, and even Pinterest. That means more ways for you to show up and get discovered!

The online world is a crowded place, but don’t worry. Let’s break down exactly how to show up in search results as a small business owner through SEO, whether it’s on Google, social media, or beyond.

Let's Start with Google - Because That's Still Where A Lot of People Start

If you're a local business owner, meaning you serve customers in a specific geographic area (think: bakery, doctor, dentist, accountant, real estate agent, dog groomer, landscaper, pressure washer, boutique owner), Google is particularly important for you.

Here are some steps you can take to give yourself a boost in the Google rankings.

• Claim Your Google Business Profile – This is essential for getting found. And it's FREE to set up, so there's no excuse. Go to Google Business Profile, claim your listing (if it's already listed) or build it from scratch, and make sure it is filled out completely (photos, hours, services, everything!). The more complete the profile, the more preference Google gives in rankings because businesses with complete profiles are easier to match with relevant searches.
  

• Get As Many 5-Star Reviews as Possible! Google loves businesses with solid reviews, and so do potential customers. Think about it - any time you are in the market for a product, service, place to eat or stay for the weekend...you read reviews. Am I right? Or am I right? Online reviews are one of the most important things for small businesses, so ask happy customers to leave you a review!
  

• Use the Right Keywords - Think like your customers. What are they searching? If you own a bakery in Charlotte, NC, don't just use the word "bakery" on your website. Take it a step further with phrases like "best bakery in Charlotte" or "custom cakes Charlotte, NC."

Now Let's Talk Social Media - Show Up Where Your Customers Are Hanging Out

Like I mentioned earlier, long gone are the days when Google was the only search engine—Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Pinterest are all powerful search tools.

Here are some quick tips to improve your searchability on social media:

• Your handle, name, bio and captions should include keywords. Sticking with the bakery theme: Eden Bakes | Charlotte's Best Bakery - Bio: Charlotte's Best Bakery! Cookies + Custom Cakes in Charlotte, NC
  

• Hashtags Matter - Using a mix of niche and popular hashtags will also help people find you. Remember that photographer I told you about? I searched #nashvillephotographer - and she came up. I may have never found her otherwise! Every platform has different recommendations for hashtags, so search for current tips on the specific platform you're using for best practices.
  

• Post Consistently – You don’t have to post daily (if you just breathed a sigh of relief, same), but consistency does help. Even 2-3 times a week keeps you visible and gives people something to find.

Don’t Forget Local Directories

You know how back in the day, businesses relied on the Yellow Pages to get found? Well, local directories are essentially the modern version of that—but way more powerful.

Places like Yelp, Travelocity, Houzz and other industry-specific directories boost your visibility. And going back to our good friend, the Goog, Google loves consistency, and sees these listings as extra proof that your business is legit, which in turn, helps you show up higher in search results there, too. We love a win-win!

✅ Yelp – People trust Yelp for reviews, and a solid presence here can drive serious traffic to your business.

✅ Bing Places – I'll be the first to admit, the phrase "who uses Bing?!" has slipped from my lips a time or two. But it's true, not everyone uses Google! Listing on Bing gives you extra visibility, especially for older demographics.

✅ Apple Maps – iPhone users searching for businesses nearby? I do it allllll the time. So yep, you want to show up there.

✅ Industry-Specific Directories – Depending on what you do, there are niche directories that can help:

• Restaurants: OpenTable, Zomato

• Contractors & Home Services: Angi (formerly Angie’s List), Houzz

• Healthcare Providers: Zocdoc, Healthgrades

• Salons & Spas: Vagaro, Booksy

• Hotels: Travelocity, Expedia, Trivago.

Just like with Google and social media, you want to:

• Be Consistent – Make sure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are the exact same on every directory. No spelling variations!

• Add High-Quality Photos – Listings with great photos get way more engagement. Show off your space, products, or happy customers.

• Keep Info Updated – Got a new phone number? Changed your hours? Moved to a new location? Make sure all your listings reflect that—nobody likes outdated info.

• Encourage Reviews – Happy customers? Ask them to leave a review! More reviews = more credibility.

Small Business SEO: The Recap

The basics of SEO are the same no matter where you're trying to show up. To give customers the best chance at finding your business, be sure to create complete profiles and use thoughtful keywords everywhere you can.

Ready to take your marketing to the next level? Snag my free guide to planning 12 months of marketing for your business! 👇