For small businesses, simply having a website isn’t enough. If you want to grow your visibility, attract new customers, and stay competitive, your website needs to be discoverable — especially on Google. That’s where SEO comes in.
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is the process of improving your website so that it ranks higher in Google Search results. The higher your site appears, the more likely people are to click through, explore your services, and become customers. Done right, SEO is one of the most cost-effective ways to increase traffic, leads and sales — but for many small business owners, it can feel like a confusing or time-consuming task.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to improve your SEO and get found online, and explore how working with a trusted marketing agency can help you achieve long-term success.
Why SEO Matters for Small Businesses
When people are searching for products or services, they typically start with Google. Whether they’re looking for “plumber near me”, “best skincare clinic in [city]”, or “eco-friendly packaging supplier”, users rarely look past the first page of results. That’s why ranking well is so important.
If your competitors appear higher in Google Search than you, they’re more likely to win that customer’s attention — and business.
SEO helps you:
- Drive targeted traffic to your website
- Reach people actively searching for what you offer
- Improve brand visibility and trust
- Increase enquiries, bookings, or sales
- Grow your business without relying solely on paid ads
Key Ways to Improve Your Website’s SEO
Improving your website’s SEO doesn’t require a massive budget — but it does require strategy, consistency, and an understanding of how search engines work. Here are some key ways to boost your rankings and get found online:
- Optimise Your Website Structure
A well-structured, easy-to-navigate website helps both users and search engines understand your content. Ensure your site has:
- Clear navigation and logical page structure
- Fast load speeds (especially on mobile)
- Secure HTTPS encryption
- Mobile responsiveness
Search engines prioritise user experience, so your site must be technically sound to rank well.
- Focus on Quality Content
Content is the backbone of SEO. Google wants to deliver the most relevant and helpful results to users — and that means your site should contain informative, engaging, and original content.
- Create blog posts that answer your customers’ questions
- Use location-specific content if you serve a local area
- Optimise service pages to explain what you do in detail
- Keep content fresh and up to date
High-quality content positions you as an authority and keeps visitors on your site longer — both of which are positive signals for SEO.
- Use Relevant Keywords Strategically
Keywords are the phrases people type into Google. Identifying the right keywords for your business and using them naturally throughout your site is key to SEO success.
Focus on:
- Keywords related to your services or products
- Long-tail keywords (e.g. “eco-friendly packaging supplier UK”)
- Local SEO terms if you serve a specific area (e.g. “Barrow wedding photographer”)
Include keywords in page titles, meta descriptions, headers, image alt tags, and throughout your content — but avoid keyword stuffing.
- Improve Your On-Page SEO
On-page SEO refers to the elements within your website that affect rankings. Some important areas to optimise include:
- Title tags and meta descriptions: These appear in search results, so make them compelling and keyword-rich
- Headers (H1, H2, etc.): Structure your content clearly and include relevant keywords
- Internal linking: Link between pages on your site to help users (and Google) navigate easily
- Image optimisation: Compress images for speed and use descriptive alt text
Every detail counts when it comes to on-page SEO — and together, they make a big impact.
- Build High-Quality Backlinks
Backlinks are links from other websites to your own. They’re one of the strongest signals Google uses to determine your site’s authority.
Build backlinks by:
- Creating shareable blog content
- Collaborating with partners or local businesses
- Submitting your site to reputable directories
- Earning mentions in online publications or blogs
Focus on quality over quantity — links from respected sites in your industry are far more valuable than lots of spammy ones.
- Set Up and Optimise Google Business Profile
If you’re a local business, your Google Business Profile is vital. It helps you appear in local search results, on Google Maps, and in the “local pack” of listings.
Make sure your profile is:
- Fully completed with accurate information
- Updated regularly with photos, posts and offers
- Used to encourage and respond to customer reviews
Local SEO is one of the most powerful tools for small businesses, especially those with a physical location or local service area.
The Role of a Marketing Agency in SEO Success
While DIY SEO is possible, the landscape is always changing — and getting results takes time, expertise and consistent effort. That’s why many small businesses choose to partner with a professional marketing agency.
Here’s how working with an agency like Digital Yak can help you improve your SEO and grow your business:
- Custom Strategy Development
Every business is unique. A marketing agency will create a tailored SEO strategy that aligns with your goals, industry, and audience. - Keyword Research and Competitor Analysis
Agencies have access to advanced tools that help identify high-value keywords, understand your competition, and uncover new opportunities for ranking. - Technical SEO Expertise
From fixing broken links to improving site speed, a marketing agency can handle the behind-the-scenes technical work that improves your SEO health. - Content Creation and Optimisation
Agencies can produce blogs, landing pages, and on-page content that’s optimised for both users and search engines — saving you time and boosting results. - Reporting and Ongoing Optimisation
SEO isn’t a one-time task. A good agency will monitor your progress, report on results, and continually tweak your strategy to keep you climbing the rankings.
Getting found online doesn’t happen by accident — it’s the result of a strategic, well-executed SEO plan. For small businesses looking to grow their visibility and attract more customers, investing in SEO is one of the smartest decisions you can make.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to improve your existing website, partnering with a trusted marketing agency like Digital Yak can take the pressure off and deliver results that matter.
Want to rank higher on Google and grow your business online? Contact Digital Yak today to start building an SEO strategy that works for you.