Small Business SEO Checklist
20 simple steps that move the needle for small business websites. No tech degree required.
The Basics
- Your homepage title clearly says what you do and where
- Each page has a unique meta description (under 160 characters)
- Your site uses HTTPS (the padlock in the browser bar)
- Your site loads in under 3 seconds on mobile
- Images have descriptive file names and alt text
On-Page SEO
- Every page has one clear H1 heading
- Content uses simple, customer-friendly language
- Pages target one main keyword each
- Internal links connect related pages
- Contact info (name, address, phone) is consistent everywhere
Local & Trust
- Google Business Profile is claimed and complete
- LocalBusiness schema is added to your site
- You have 10+ recent Google reviews
- Privacy policy and Terms pages are live
- Customer testimonials are visible on the homepage
Technical
- Sitemap.xml exists and is submitted to Google Search Console
- Robots.txt allows search engines to crawl
- No broken links (run a free check monthly)
- Site is mobile-responsive
- Analytics are installed (GA4 or similar)
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions small business owners ask us most.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the work you do to help Google understand your website and show it to people searching for what you sell. Done right, it brings free traffic for years.
Keep learning
Related guides
Free, plain-English walkthroughs that pair with this tool.
SEO Basics
The Beginner SEO Checklist: 21 Things Every Small Business Site Needs
A complete, prioritized SEO checklist for small businesses — from claiming your Google profile to fixing your meta descriptions. Print it and tick it off.
Read guide Technical SEOTechnical SEO for Beginners (Without the Jargon)
Technical SEO sounds intimidating. It isn't. Here are the eight things every small business owner should know — explained without acronyms.
Read guide SEO Basics12 Common Website SEO Mistakes Small Businesses Keep Making
We've audited thousands of small business sites. The same dozen mistakes show up every time — and almost all of them are 10-minute fixes. Here they are.
Read guide