Marketing Monday: Website SEO for Solo Business Owners

Why Every Solo Business Owner Needs a Website (And How to Boost Your Google Ranking in Today’s AI World)

So you run your own business—you do it all, from making your products to helping customers. Adding “website builder” and “Google ranking expert” to your to-do list probably sounds like too much.

But here’s the truth: nowadays, your business needs a website just as much as it needs you. It works for you 24/7, brings in new customers, and makes you look professional.

And while all this talk about AI changing how Google works might sound scary, it actually gives busy people like you new ways to get noticed online. Let’s talk about why you need a website and how to make Google notice you—without needing a tech degree.

Why a Website Is Your Best Tool (Even When You’re Super Busy):

• Reach People Everywhere: Don’t just stick to your neighborhood. A website helps you find customers across town or even in other states.
• Look Professional: A good website makes people trust your business right away. It shows you’re serious and gives people one place to learn all about what you offer.
• Get Found When People Are Looking: Think about it—when someone needs something, they Google it. Without a website, these ready-to-buy customers won’t find you.
• Show Off What You Know: Your website is perfect for sharing your story, showing your skills, and proving your value through blog posts and customer reviews.
• Answer Questions While You Sleep: Your website can explain your products, take orders, and even book appointments—all while you focus on other parts of your business.

Simple Ways to Get Found on Google (Even With AI in the Mix):

Let’s talk about making your website show up on Google. It’s called SEO. Even though AI is changing how search works, the basics are still pretty simple for busy business owners. Here are some easy wins:

Use the Right Keywords (Talk Like Your Customers):

• What it is: Keywords are the words people type into Google when looking for something.
• Easy Win: Think about the exact words your ideal customers would use to find you. Use specific phrases like “best organic dog treats for sensitive stomachs” instead of just “dog treats.”
• Why it matters: Using these specific words on your website helps Google understand what you sell and connect you with the right people.
• AI Note: Google’s smart enough to understand what searches mean, but using the exact words your customers use is still super important. Free keyword tools can help, but your own knowledge of your customers is your best guide.

Write Good Page Titles and Descriptions (Your First Impression):

• What it is: These are the short bits of text that show up in Google results. Your title should clearly say what the page is about, and the description should make people want to click.
• Easy Win: For each page on your website, write a clear title (about 60 letters) that includes your main keyword. Then write a short description (about 160 letters) that shows how you’ll help the reader.
• Why it matters: These are like headlines for your online content. Good titles and descriptions make more people click on your link, which tells Google your content is useful.
• AI Note: While Google’s getting smarter about understanding these snippets, clear titles and descriptions with your keywords still directly affect whether someone picks your link over others.

Use Headlines to Organize Your Content:

• What it is: Headlines (H1, H2, H3, etc.) break up your content and make it easier to read.
• Easy Win: Organize your website content with clear headlines. Use your main keywords naturally in your headlines where they fit. Think of it like making an outline for your page.
• Why it matters: Headlines make your content easier for visitors to read and help Google understand the main topics of your content.

Create Helpful Content (Solve People’s Problems):

• What it is: This is the actual writing, images, videos, and other stuff on your website.
• Easy Win: Focus on creating content that directly answers the questions and solves the problems of your ideal customers. Think how-to guides, FAQs, blog posts sharing your knowledge, and good product descriptions.
• Why it matters: Good content keeps visitors interested, makes them spend more time on your site, and shows them you know your stuff. Google likes websites that offer helpful information.
• AI Note: While AI can write content, real, human-written stuff that truly connects with your readers will always work better. Focus on being helpful and real.

Make Your Images Work for You:

• What it is: Images make your website look good, but big images can slow down your site.
• Easy Win: Before adding images, resize them to fit your website. Use descriptive file names (like “organic-dog-treats-sensitive-stomach.jpg” instead of “IMG001.jpg”). Add “alt text” to your images, describing what they show. This helps Google understand the image and helps people who can’t see images.
• Why it matters: Faster loading times make for a better experience and help your Google ranking. Good file names and alt text help search engines understand your pictures.

Make Sure Your Website Works on Phones:

• What it is: Your website should look and work great on all devices, especially phones and tablets.
• Easy Win: Most modern website builders (like Shopify, Squarespace, WordPress) automatically make mobile-friendly sites. If you have an older site, check how it looks on your phone. If it’s hard to use, time for an update.
• Why it matters: Most people search on their phones. Google gives better rankings to mobile-friendly websites. A bad mobile experience will drive customers away.

Website SEO for Solo Business Owners: You Can Do This!

As a solo business owner, your time is super valuable. The good news is you don’t need to become an SEO expert overnight. By focusing on these simple, doable steps, you can build a strong foundation for your website’s success in today’s AI world.

Remember, just keep at it. Even small, regular efforts will pay off over time, helping you attract more customers, build your brand, and grow your business. Your website is your digital home base—make it work hard for you!