🔍 SEO for Real People (Not Robots, Wizards, or Fortune Tellers)
Still invisible on Google?
Let’s fix that—without the tech headaches, keyword spreadsheets, or sacrificing a goat under a full moon.
If the words “Search Engine Optimisation” make you want to disappear into the forest and live off-grid...you’re not alone. But here’s the thing:
SEO isn’t magic.
It’s not complicated.
And it shouldn’t make your brain melt.
This guide is for small business owners who want to show up in search without turning into a full-time data analyst.
1. Think Like Your Customer (Not Like Google)
Before you panic about “keyword density” or “backlinks,” start with one simple question:
What would you type into Google if you were looking for your business?
Let’s say you’re a plumber in Brighton. Most people aren’t searching for “aquatic pipework solutions.” They’re typing:
🔍 “Brighton plumber” or
🔍 “Emergency plumber near me”
Use the words real people use. SEO isn’t Scrabble. Plain beats clever every time.
2. Say What You Do—Right Away
we see it all the time: websites that open with fluff like:
“Welcome to our world…”
Cool sentiment. Totally useless.
You’ve got about 3 seconds to prove to both Google and humans that your site is relevant. Don’t waste it.
Example – Bad:
“Bringing dreams to life since 1999…”
Example – Good:
“Professional dog grooming in Saltdean – 5-star rated with 300+ happy pups.”
Clarity sells. Ambiguity doesn’t rank.
3. Fill Out Your Meta Titles & Descriptions (Yes, Seriously)
You know those little snippets that show up in Google search results? That’s your meta title and meta description. And no, they don’t write themselves.
Treat them like your digital pick-up line:
- Short.
- Clear.
- Tempting.
Bad:
“Home – Joe’s Site”
Good:
“Joe’s Carpentry | Custom Woodwork in Brighton – Free Quotes Available”
Little things like this help you get found—and clicked.
4. Content is Still King… Just Don’t Bore People
Google still loves websites that are helpful, current, and well-organised.
✅ Write an FAQ page
✅ Explain how your service works
✅ Share tips (just like this blog!)
But please—don’t write like a malfunctioning chatbot from 2014.
Bonus tip:
Google prefers fresh content. So update your site every now and then—otherwise it starts to smell like 2020.
5. Speed, Mobile, and Other Unsexy but Important Stuff
Google doesn’t just read your site—it judges how it feels for users.
Here’s what you need:
✅ Loads in under 3 seconds
✅ Works on phones (most people browse on mobile now)
✅ No weird music or broken buttons
If your site still plays auto-music in 2025… we’re staging an intervention.
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TL;DR: SEO Isn’t Magic—It’s Just Smart Thinking
- Use normal language people actually search for
- Say what you do—clearly
- Fill in those meta boxes
- Share helpful content
- Keep your site fast and mobile-friendly
You don’t need to chant incantations or learn to code.
You just need a plan—or someone who has one.
👉 Want Google to Finally Notice You?
At
Verdant Digital, we help small businesses show up in search without burning out or blowing their budget.
✅ We’ll review your site
✅ Show you what’s working (and what’s not)
✅ Give you simple, human-first advice that actually makes sense
📅
Book your free SEO starter call now
Let’s find out what Google sees when it looks at your site—before your competitor does.
