SEO for Non-Techies: A Simple Guide to Getting Found Online

But here's the truth: SEO isn't just for tech wizards. It's for anyone who wants their business to show up when potential customers are searching online. And the basics? They're way more straightforward than you think.

Let's break down SEO into simple, actionable steps that anyone can follow—no coding required.

What the heck is SEO?

Think of SEO like putting up signs on the highway that lead people to your store. When someone searches "web designer near me" or "affordable website help Wisconsin," you want Google to point them in your direction.

SEO is simply the practice of making your website easy for search engines to understand and recommend to people who are looking for what you offer.

The Non-Techie SEO Checklist

1. Use Words Your Customers Actually Use

Forget fancy jargon. What words would someone type into Google when they're looking for your services?

If you're a bakery, they're probably searching "birthday cakes near me" or "custom wedding cakes," not "artisanal confectionery solutions." Use those real, everyday phrases throughout your website; in your page titles, headings, and content.

Action step: Make a list of 5-10 phrases your ideal customer would search for. Sprinkle them naturally into your website copy.

2. Write helpful content

Google loves websites that actually help people. Blog posts, FAQs, how-to guides—these all signal that your site is a valuable resource.

You don't need to write a novel. Even a short post answering a common question your customers ask can boost your SEO.

Action step: Write one blog post per month answering a question you get asked all the time.

3. Make sure your website loads fast!

Nobody likes waiting around for a slow website to load. Google knows this, so fast-loading sites get ranked higher.

The biggest culprits? Huge image files. Before uploading photos to your website, compress them using free tools like TinyPNG or Squoosh.

Action step: Check your site speed at PageSpeed Insights and compress any oversized images.

4. Get your Google business profile set up

If you serve local customers, this is non-negotiable. Your Google Business Profile is what shows up when people search for businesses like yours in your area.

Fill out every section completely: hours, services, photos, description. The more complete your profile, the better you'll rank in local searches.

Action step: Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile today. Add at least 5 high-quality photos.

5. Make your site mobile-friendly (phone, tablet, etc)

More than half of all web traffic comes from phones. If your site looks terrible or doesn't work well on mobile, you're losing customers and hurting your SEO.

Most modern website builders handle this automatically, but always check how your site looks on your phone.

Action step: Pull up your website on your phone right now. Can you easily read everything and click buttons? If not, it's time for a mobile makeover.

6. Get other websites to link to you

When other reputable websites link to yours, Google sees it as a vote of confidence. You don't need hundreds of links; just a few quality ones make a difference.

How do you get them? Partner with other local businesses, get listed in local directories, write guest posts, or get featured in local news.

Action step: Reach out to three local business partners and ask if they'd link to your site. Offer to link back to theirs.

7. Use descriptive page titles

Every page on your website should have a clear, descriptive title that includes relevant keywords. This is what shows up in search results, so make it count.

Instead of "Services," try "Affordable Web Design Services in Wisconsin." Instead of "About," try "About NWoodStudio – Your Local Web Design Partner."

Action step: Review your page titles and make them more specific and keyword-rich.

The biggest SEO mistake non-techies make

Trying to do everything at once. SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. You don't need to implement every strategy overnight.

Pick two or three things from this list and focus on those first. Once they're done, move on to the next items. Consistent, small improvements add up to big results over time.

You don't have to do it alone

Here's the thing: you can absolutely handle the basics of SEO yourself. But if you're feeling overwhelmed or just want someone to handle it so you can focus on running your business, that's what we're here for.

At NWoodStudio, we specialize in making small businesses look legit online; including getting you found on Google. Whether you need a full SEO overhaul or just want someone to point you in the right direction, we've got your back.

Ready to boost your SEO without the tech headaches? Grab our free 5 Minute SEO Checklist or reach out at nwoodstudio@gmail.com or 920-632-8232. Let's get you showing up where your customers are searching.

Because looking legit online shouldn't require a computer science degree.