This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools and services I truly use and trust for my own small business.
1. Set Up and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
One of the simplest and most powerful tools available to local businesses is a free Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). When someone searches for services in their area, Google uses this listing to show nearby results. This takes time, but be sure your profile is filled out with accurate contact info, hours, plenty of photos, and a short description of what you do. I recommend uploading images of your logo, your staff, your storefront, and even a short video clip of your business location or products. Don’t forget to encourage happy customers to leave reviews!
2. Use Descriptive Image Tags (Alt Text)
Search engines can’t “see” images the way humans can, so it’s important to add alt text to describe your photos. This helps improve accessibility and tells Google what your images are about, which can boost your search rankings – especially in image searches. For example, instead of naming a photo IMG_1234.jpg, use a descriptive name like custom-ceramic-mug-small-batch.jpg and add relevant alt text in your website editor.
3. Make Sure Your Website Is Secure
Google gives preference to websites with HTTPS encryption, so having a secure site isn’t just good practice — it’s also good for your rankings. If you’re using Flywheel for WordPress hosting, you’re in good hands. All Flywheel plans come with free SSL certificates, meaning your site will show up as “secure” with a padlock icon in the browser address bar. No technical skills needed. (Read more about recommended hosting in my post here.)
4. Write Helpful, Keyword-Rich Content
Google rewards websites that provide valuable content. Think about what your customers are searching for and write blog posts or service pages that answer those questions. Use keywords naturally in your page titles, headings, and throughout your content. Tools like AnswerThePublic or Ubersuggest can help you brainstorm topics.
Make Sure Your Site Is Mobile-Friendly
More than half of all web traffic comes from mobile devices, and Google prioritizes mobile-friendly sites. If you’re using a modern WordPress theme (especially one hosted on Flywheel), your site is likely responsive — but it’s always good to test it using Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.
