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SEO for small business: 10 steps to rank higher on Google.

You don't need a big budget to show up on Google. You need the right basics, done properly, and a bit of patience. Here are ten steps, in the order we'd do them.

BY LOGICAL CUBE8 MIN READ

Start with the basics

  1. Set up Google Search Console and submit your sitemap. It's free and shows exactly how Google sees your site.
  2. Claim your Google Business Profile. For local businesses this is often the fastest win: it decides whether you appear on Google Maps.
  3. Make your site fast and mobile-friendly. Google mainly looks at the mobile version of your site.

Find the right keywords

  1. Think like your customer. They search "boiler repair Utrecht", not "thermal solutions provider".
  2. Pick one main keyword per page and use it in the title, the H1 and the first paragraph.
  3. Go for specific searches first. "Bookkeeper for freelancers Rotterdam" is easier to win than "bookkeeper", and the visitors are ready to buy.

Content that ranks

  1. Answer real questions. Write down every question customers ask you, and answer each one on your site.
  2. Write unique titles and descriptions for every page. They're your ad in the search results.
  3. Link your pages together. Link from blog posts to your services, and between related pages.

Local SEO

  • Use the same name, address and phone number everywhere: your site, Google, directories and social media.
  • Ask happy customers for Google reviews, and reply to every review.
  • Make a page per location if you serve several cities, with real local content.
  1. Earn links from relevant sites: suppliers, partners, local business associations and industry blogs. A few good links beat hundreds of cheap ones.

How long does it take?

Technical fixes can show results within weeks. Ranking for competitive keywords usually takes three to six months of steady work. Anyone promising page one in a week is selling something you don't want.

Frequently asked questions

Can I do SEO myself?

Yes, the basics in this guide get you a long way. For competitive markets, an expert saves time and avoids costly mistakes.

How much does SEO cost for a small business?

It depends on your market and goals. Many small businesses start with a one-off technical setup, then a monthly content and reporting plan.

Is SEO still worth it with AI search?

Yes. AI answers are built on well-structured, trustworthy websites. Good SEO helps you show up there too.

Want to be found on Google? We handle technical SEO, keyword research and content, and report in plain language every month.
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