28 Nov
If you run a small or medium-sized business, getting found online isn’t just a nice-to-have—it can make or break your growth. Yet many SMBs dive into SEO without a clear plan, wasting time and money on tactics that don’t deliver results.
Before we dive into actionable steps, let’s go over what SEO actually is and why it matters for businesses like yours.
What is SEO?
SEO, or Search Engine Optimisation, is the process of making your website more visible in search engines like Google. The goal is simple: appear when people search for products or services you offer. For example, if you run a coffee shop in Bedford, SEO helps you show up when someone searches “best coffee near bedford” rather than a national chain in London. Good SEO isn’t about tricking Google—it’s about making it easy for both search engines and customers to understand your business.
5 SEO Tips SMBs Can Implement Today
Here are five practical tips to make your SEO efforts count:
Here are five practical steps that will help your business get found, attract more visitors, and convert them into customers.
1. Do Keyword Research Like a Pro
Keywords are the foundation of any SEO strategy. Think about what your potential customers are typing into Google.
- Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to find keywords relevant to your business.
- Focus on local and long-tail keywords like “plumber in Manchester” rather than just “plumber.”
- Include these keywords naturally in your page titles, headings, and content.
Why it matters: Using the right keywords ensures you attract people actively looking for your services—not just casual browsers.
2. Optimise Your Website for User Experience
A website that’s hard to navigate or slow to load will cost you visitors. Focus on:
- Mobile-friendly design – most searches happen on phones.
- Fast loading times – aim for under 3 seconds.
- Clear menus and navigation – visitors should find what they need in a few clicks.
- Strong calls-to-action – guide visitors to book, buy, or contact you.
Why it matters: Even if you rank high in Google, a poor website experience can lose potential customers instantly.
3. Claim and Optimise Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is like a free billboard for your business.
- Include accurate business name, address, and phone number (NAP).
- Add photos, opening hours, and a clear description of what you do.
- Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews and respond to all feedback.
Why it matters: A fully optimised GBP boosts your chances of appearing in local searches and Google Maps, putting you in front of nearby customers at the right moment.
4. Build Quality Backlinks and Local Citations
Backlinks—links to your website from other reputable sites—signal trust to Google. Similarly, citations (mentions of your business online) help verify your location.
- Submit your business to local directories like Yell or Yelp.
- Partner with local blogs, suppliers, or organisations to get featured links.
- Make sure your NAP details are consistent across all listings.
Why it matters: Backlinks and citations increase your credibility and help Google understand your business is real and trustworthy.
5. Regularly Publish Content That Solves Problems
Content marketing isn’t just for big brands. Blogging or creating guides helps attract potential customers.
- Focus on questions your customers ask: e.g., “How often should I service my boiler?”
- Use local keywords in blog posts to target nearby searches.
- Update old content to keep it fresh and relevant.
Why it matters: Helpful content builds trust, increases engagement, and improves your chances of ranking in Google.
Common SEO Mistakes SMBs Make
Avoid these pitfalls to make your strategy more effective:
- Ignoring mobile optimisation – over half of local searches happen on smartphones.
- Keyword stuffing – it makes content unreadable and hurts rankings.
- Inconsistent business info – mismatched NAP details confuse both users and search engines.
- Neglecting reviews – responding to feedback builds credibility and local ranking.
How Dune Digital Can Help
Building an SEO strategy that works doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Dune Digital, we specialise in helping SMBs grow online with practical, tailored strategies. From keyword research and content creation to Google Business Profile optimisation and local SEO tactics, we ensure your business gets found by the right people at the right time. Want to see your website climb the search results and attract more customers? Get in touch by filling out our contact form below.
