7 Ways Small Businesses Can Instantly Improve Their Website SEO
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) can feel like a mysterious black box for small and medium-sized businesses. You know you need it—after all, Google is where your customers are searching—but between keywords, backlinks, algorithms, and endless “SEO hacks” floating around online, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Here’s the good news: improving your website SEO doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need to be an SEO guru or spend thousands on ads to see results. By focusing on a few core areas, you can start boosting visibility, driving traffic, and generating leads—without tearing your site apart.
At Hashira Strategies, I’ve helped countless SMBs demystify SEO and turn their websites into growth engines. Below, I’m sharing seven actionable steps you can take today to give your site a stronger SEO foundation.
1. Optimize Your Page Titles and Meta Descriptions
Your page title and meta description are the first things users (and search engines) see. Think of them as your digital billboard.
Page Titles: Keep them under 70 characters and include your target keyword naturally.
Meta Descriptions: Aim for 150–160 characters, summarizing what the page is about while encouraging clicks.
Example: Instead of “Home | Johnson Roofing,” try:
“Trusted Roofing Services in Massachusetts | Johnson Roofing Experts.”
2. Fix Technical Issues That Hurt Rankings
Google won’t rank a site that’s slow, broken, or confusing. Run a quick check for:
Page speed (load under 3 seconds).
Mobile-friendliness (over 50% of traffic is mobile now).
Broken links and redirects that frustrate visitors.
SSL security (HTTPS) for trust and compliance.
These fixes alone can give you an immediate SEO lift.
3. Use Keywords the Right Way
SEO is still keyword-driven, but it’s not about stuffing your site with phrases. It’s about using the right keywords in the right places:
Page titles
Headings (H1, H2)
Body content (naturally woven in)
Image alt text
URLs
Pro tip: Target long-tail keywords (like “best roofing company in Methuen” vs. just “roofing”). These are less competitive and more likely to bring in ready-to-buy traffic.
4. Improve Your Content Quality
Search engines reward websites that provide value. If your site hasn’t been updated in years, start adding content that answers your customers’ real questions.
Write blog posts (like this one!) addressing common FAQs.
Build detailed service/product pages instead of short blurbs.
Add case studies or testimonials for credibility.
The goal is to be helpful, not just promotional.
5. Leverage Local SEO
If you serve a specific area, local SEO is your golden ticket. Make sure you:
Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile.
Use local keywords (city + service).
Get listed in relevant local directories.
Encourage happy customers to leave reviews.
Example: “plumber in Salem, NH” will bring in better leads than just “plumber.”
6. Build Internal and External Links
Links tell search engines your site has authority. You want both:
Internal links: Connecting your own pages (blog → service page).
External backlinks: Other reputable sites linking to you.
Earning backlinks takes effort, but creating valuable, shareable content makes it easier.
7. Track, Measure, and Adjust
SEO isn’t a one-and-done project—it’s ongoing. Use free tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to:
Track which keywords you’re ranking for.
See where traffic is coming from.
Identify high-performing pages—and ones that need love.
Data tells you where to double down and where to pivot.
Why Work With Hashira Strategies on SEO?
You can DIY the basics, but most SMBs don’t have the time to stay on top of algorithm updates, competitor strategies, or keyword research. That’s where I step in.
With Hashira Strategies, I take the guesswork out of SEO. I audit your site, identify quick wins, build long-term strategy, and implement changes that actually move the needle. The result? More visibility, more qualified leads, and more growth—without wasting money on random tactics.
The Bottom Line
SEO isn’t magic—it’s strategy. By focusing on titles, technical health, content, local optimization, links, and measurement, your small business can start climbing search rankings faster than you think.
The real secret? Consistency. SEO compounds over time, and the businesses that stick with it are the ones who win.
👉 Ready to see where your site stands? Let’s start with a website audit through Hashira Strategies—your growth partner in marketing.
