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    SEO Basics Every Small Business Owner Should Know

    June 29, 2026 6 min readBy Carson Gahm

    SEO — search engine optimization — sounds like dark magic, but it's really just about helping Google understand what your business does so it can show you to the right people. Let's break it down in plain English.

    First, there's on-page SEO. This means your website's content is clear, well-organized, and uses the words your customers actually search for. If you're a landscaper in Michigan, your website should say 'landscaping in Michigan' — not just 'outdoor services.' Google reads your pages to understand what you offer.

    Second, there's technical SEO. This means your site loads fast, works on mobile, and is structured in a way Google can easily read. A slow, clunky site that looks broken on a phone will rank lower — Google wants to show users sites that work well.

    Third, there's local SEO. This is where your Google Business Profile comes in. For local businesses, showing up in the map pack (the top three results on Google Maps) is often more valuable than ranking #1 organically. Reviews, accurate info, and regular updates all help here.

    The good news? Every website I build is structured for SEO from day one — clean code, fast loading, and organized content that Google can easily understand. If your current site isn't getting found, let's talk about a refresh. Call or text (989) 350-5433.

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