15 SEO Best Practices for Small Business Websites in 2025
Did you know that over 68% of online experiences begin with a search engine, with Google leading the pack?
For small business owners in Boone, NC, the key to online success lies in SEO—ensuring your business can be easily found in local search results. With constant updates in search engine algorithms, staying on top of SEO best practices is more critical than ever for local visibility.
In this blog, we’ll break down 15 practical SEO tips you can apply to your small business website to attract more customers and boost your online presence in 2025.
Kingdon Marketing helps increase views and conversions on your website with SEO. Check out services and contact us when you’re ready to increase revenue for your small business.
1. Optimize for Mobile First
With over 60% of all internet traffic coming from mobile devices, Google now prioritizes mobile-friendly websites. This means your website must be responsive, ensuring it adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes.
2. Focus on Local SEO
To get noticed by your local audience, optimizing for local search is non-negotiable. Ensure your website includes local keywords such as “Boone, NC,” in strategic places like page titles, meta descriptions, and headers.
3. Claim and Optimize Your Google My Business Profile
Google My Business (GMB) is a powerful tool for local businesses. Make sure your GMB profile is up-to-date with accurate information such as your business name, address, phone number, website, and business hours. This will help your business show up in Google Maps and local search results.
4. Use Relevant Keywords Strategically
Keywords are still fundamental to SEO. Do keyword research to understand what your audience is searching for. Tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest can help. Place keywords in:
Page titles
Meta descriptions
Headers (H1, H2)
Image alt text
But remember, overstuffing keywords can hurt your ranking. Keep it natural.
5. Create Quality Content Consistently
Google values high-quality, original content. Keep your blog updated with helpful articles that target your audience’s pain points. Whether it’s how-to guides, local news, or FAQs, valuable content keeps visitors engaged and boosts your ranking.
6. Ensure Fast Load Times
Page speed is a direct ranking factor for Google. Websites that load faster not only improve the user experience but also get prioritized in search results. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to check your site speed and make necessary adjustments.
7. Optimize Meta Titles and Descriptions
Meta titles and descriptions are the first things users see in search results. Write compelling titles under 60 characters and descriptions under 160 characters. Make sure they are keyword-rich, clear, and encourage clicks.
8. Incorporate Internal Linking
Internal linking helps search engines understand the structure of your website. Link related blog posts and pages together to improve navigation for users and boost the SEO value of your site.
9. Leverage Social Media for SEO
While social media does not directly affect SEO, it plays a role in increasing brand awareness and driving traffic to your site. Post regular updates, share blog posts, and engage with followers to create more opportunities for backlinks.
10. Get Backlinks from High-Quality Sources
Backlinks are essential for building your site’s authority. Partner with other local businesses, participate in community events, or write guest posts to earn links from reputable sources. Quality over quantity is key here.
11. Create a User-Friendly URL Structure
A clean, simple URL structure helps search engines and users understand what your pages are about. Avoid long URLs with unnecessary characters. For example, instead of using “website.com/p=12345,” use “website.com/boone-local-seo.”
12. Optimize Images and Videos
Images and videos enhance your content but can slow down your site if not optimized. Compress image files, use descriptive alt text with relevant keywords, and host videos on platforms like YouTube or Vimeo to avoid bandwidth issues.
13. Use Schema Markup
Schema markup helps search engines understand your website content more clearly. Implement local business schema to improve your chances of appearing in rich results, like featured snippets or knowledge panels.
14. Stay Updated with Algorithm Changes
Google’s algorithms are constantly evolving. Keep yourself informed by following SEO blogs like Moz, SEMrush, or the Google Search Central Blog. Regularly updating your SEO strategy based on these changes ensures long-term success.
15. Track Your Performance
SEO isn’t a one-time task; it’s an ongoing process. Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track your site’s performance. Monitor which keywords are driving traffic and what areas need improvement.
Here’s a quick list to keep handy:
Ensure mobile-friendliness
Use local keywords (e.g., “Boone, NC”)
Update Google My Business regularly
Optimize for speed
Create quality, keyword-rich content
By implementing these SEO best practices, your small business website will be well-positioned to attract local customers, increase search visibility, and stay ahead of the competition in 2025.