How to Get Your Small Business on Page One of Google: SEO That Actually Works
By REESE PARSON
Director of Client Impact, Larison Media
Wondering Why Your Business Isn’t Showing Up on Google?
If you’ve ever searched for something like “plumber near me,” “boutique in [your city],” or “best local coffee shop,” and didn’t see your own business in the results, you’re not alone.
Today, showing up on the first page of Google isn’t optional; it’s how customers discover and choose who to call, visit, or buy from.
The good news: You don’t need a massive budget to compete. You need a focused, consistent SEO strategy built for your local market.
Here are the strategies that actually work for small businesses.
1. Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile is the most important free SEO tool available to small businesses.
To optimize it:
Complete every section, hours, services, products, photos, and service areas
Post weekly updates, photos, or promotions
Collect reviews from real customers and respond to them
Why it matters: This profile powers the local “map pack” that shows up for searches like “coffee shop near me” or “emergency plumber in [city].”
2. Use Local, Intent-Based Keywords
Trying to rank for generic words like “restaurant” or “HVAC” won’t work for most local businesses. Instead, focus on search terms that combine location + intent.
Examples:
“Best sushi in Austin”
“Emergency plumber Dallas”
“Affordable website design Denver”
Add these naturally to your:
Homepage
Service pages
Blog articles
Tip: Use free tools like Google Keyword Planner or AnswerThePublic to see what people are actually searching for in your area.
3. Create Individual Service Area Pages
If you serve more than one city or neighborhood, don’t group everything into a single page.
Create dedicated landing pages with:
Unique, localized copy
Keywords for each city
Testimonials or case studies from clients in that area
Examples:
“Lawn Care in Plano”
“Yard Cleanup in Frisco”
This tells Google exactly where your business operates—and gives potential customers confidence that you serve their area.
4. Publish Content That Answers Real Customer Questions
Content marketing and SEO go hand-in-hand.
When you create blog posts that directly answer common customer questions, you give Google (and your audience) exactly what they’re looking for.
Example questions:
How much does [your service] cost in [city]?
What’s the difference between [option A] and [option B]?
How long does [service] usually take?
What should I look for when hiring a [service provider]?
This approach, championed by Marcus Sheridan’s “They Ask, You Answer,” builds trust while boosting search rankings.
5. Collect Reviews and Build Local Backlinks
Google wants to rank businesses that customers trust.
Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google
Respond to every review, good or bad, to show engagement
Earn backlinks from local blogs, chambers of commerce, or small business directories
These signals show Google you’re a real, trusted business in your community.
6. Make Your Website Fast and Mobile-Friendly
Most people search for local businesses on their phones. If your website is slow, cluttered, or difficult to use on mobile, they’ll leave — and Google will rank you lower.
To improve performance:
Use a clean, responsive design
Make your phone number easy to click and call
Use Google’s PageSpeed Insights to check your site speed
Final Thoughts
Getting your small business to the first page of Google isn’t about tricks or big budgets; it’s about showing Google that you’re relevant, trustworthy, and active in your local area.
Here’s a quick checklist:
Optimize your Google Business Profile
Use local, intent-based keywords
Create individual service area pages
Publish helpful content that answers real customer questions
Collect reviews and earn backlinks
Keep your website fast and mobile-friendly
Do this consistently, and you’ll climb the rankings while building long-term visibility and trust.
