If you run a small business and want more visibility online, you’ve probably heard about SEO. But where do you even start? The good news is, you don’t need to be an expert or have a big budget to get the basics right. Here’s a no-nonsense, five-step guide to help you take control of your on-page SEO.
These are the things we do as an SEO agency in Wales, but you can 100% do them yourself if you’re just getting started.
1. Start with your SEO titles and meta descriptions
This is your first impression on Google, so make it count. Each page on your site should have its own unique title and description. Don’t stuff it with keywords just make it clear what the page is about and include something someone might actually search.
For example, if you’re a florist in Cardiff, something like:
- Title: Local florist in Cardiff | Fresh flowers delivered
- Meta description: Looking for a trusted Cardiff florist? Same-day flower delivery available. Order online today.
Simple. Clear. Useful.
2. Install an SEO plugin (if you’re using WordPress)
If your site is built on WordPress, the Yoast SEO plugin is a great starting point. It gives you prompts and shows red, orange, or green lights to guide your content. There’s a free version, and it’s easy to use even if you’re not techy.
Not on WordPress? No problem, just make sure whatever website builder you use lets you update titles, descriptions, and URLs manually.
3. Use keywords (without sounding like a robot)
You want people to find you, right? That means using words they’re searching for. This is where keywords come in but only use them naturally. No one wants to read content that’s clearly written for Google.
Let’s say you’re aiming to show up as a seo marketing agency in Cardiff or maybe a seo company in South Wales. Great, just work those phrases into your text where they fit naturally. Don’t repeat them over and over. Google is smart enough to get the context.
Here’s a good example:
“We’re a small but mighty SEO company in South Wales helping local businesses get found online.”
That works. It’s clear, but still human.
4. Keep your content clean, clear and structured
Break up your content. Use headings (H1, H2, H3), short paragraphs, bullet points, all the things that make it easier to scan. Google loves structured content because it’s easier to understand.
Also: make sure every page has a single H1 (main headline) and that it’s relevant to what’s on the page. Don’t get too clever, clear beats clever every time.
5. Use free tools to help you do your research
There are plenty of free tools out there that can help you come up with keywords and improve your content. A few worth trying:
- Ubersuggest – great for finding keyword ideas and checking out what your competitors are doing.
- Answer the Public – brilliant for discovering what real people are asking.
- Google Search Console – helps you see which pages on your site are being found and how people are landing on them.
- Yoast SEO (again) – not just a plugin, but also offers loads of tutorials and checklists.
Final thoughts
You don’t need to hire a big agency to get started. With a bit of time and effort, small businesses can handle their own SEO, at least the on-page stuff. Get your titles and descriptions sorted. Install a plugin like Yoast. Use your keywords in a way that still sounds human. And don’t forget to make the most of free tools.
If you’re ever ready to take things further, working with a seo agency in Wales or a trusted seo company in South Wales can give you that extra edge. But until then, start here.
