If you’re about to launch a new business, you’re probably already brainstorming ways to market it. If SEO isn’t on that list, it definitely should be. Among all the marketing strategies out there, search engine optimization (SEO) is often overlooked—but it’s one of the smartest, most cost-effective ways to boost your online presence, build your brand, and connect with customers.
That said, SEO isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. There are different layers and tactics involved, and understanding them will make your efforts far more effective.
Before we jump into three actionable SEO best practices, let’s break things down so we’re all on the same page.
What Exactly Is SEO?
At its core, SEO is all about making your website and content more visible on search engines like Google. The better you optimize your pages, the higher you’ll rank—and the more likely people are to find you.
But SEO isn’t just about stuffing keywords into your site. It’s about creating quality content that’s relevant, helping search engines understand what you’re offering, and ensuring visitors land on pages that genuinely serve their needs. The more useful your content is, the more qualified your traffic becomes.
And What About Local SEO?
Local SEO works the same way, but it focuses specifically on helping nearby customers find you. When someone types “best coffee shop near me,” Google recognizes they want results in their area—not across the country.
So, if your business caters to a particular town, city, or neighborhood, local SEO is a must. It ensures that when someone searches for services in your area, your business shows up front and center.
3 SEO Best Practices Every New Business Owner Should Master
SEO can feel overwhelming at first, but you don’t need to know everything right away. Focus on mastering a few key practices, and you’ll see steady progress without burning yourself out.
ALSO READ: 15 Common Local SEO Mistakes
1. Understand On-Page vs. Off-Page SEO
First off, there are two sides to SEO: on-page and off-page. Both are equally important but serve different purposes.
Off-Page SEO
This involves actions you take outside your website to boost its authority and trustworthiness. Think of it as building relationships and spreading your brand’s reputation.
✔ Key off-page strategies:
- Guest posting to increase brand awareness and credibility
- Networking with influencers and industry leaders
- Commenting on other blogs and linking back to your site
- Joining forums where your potential customers hang out
- Answering questions on Q&A platforms to position yourself as an expert
On-Page SEO
This focuses on optimizing content on your website to help search engines understand what it’s about and how it answers users’ questions.
✔ Key on-page strategies:
- Conduct thorough keyword research to identify the right phrases
- Use both internal and external links to add authority
- Ensure your pages load fast for a better user experience
- Optimize images with captions and alt text
- Include keywords in titles, URLs, meta descriptions, and throughout the content naturally
2. Perform an SEO Audit and Map Out a Strategy
You can’t improve what you haven’t measured. An SEO audit helps you understand where you currently stand, what’s working, and what needs improvement.
✔ Ask yourself these questions:
- What keywords are you using?
- Is your content high-quality and engaging?
- How quickly do your pages load?
- What are your rankings for key searches?
- How are you promoting your content?
- What kind of traffic are you getting?
Once you’ve gathered this information, it’s time to create an actionable SEO strategy.
✔ Key elements of your strategy should include:
- Clear SEO goals (like driving traffic or building brand awareness)
- Metrics to track progress (site visits, keyword ranking, click-through rates)
- Pages you want to prioritize
- Keywords and phrases specific to each page
- Types of content needed to support those goals
- The people responsible for implementing and managing SEO efforts
3. Focus on EAT – Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness
Content is at the heart of SEO. Without strong, credible content, your site won’t get the traction you want.
EAT—Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness—is a core principle that tells Google your site is reliable. It’s especially critical if your business deals with sensitive areas like health, finance, or safety, often called “Your Money or Your Life” (YMYL) topics.
✔ How to build EAT:
- Back up your content with expert advice from professionals
- Reference trusted sources like research studies, books, and reputable articles
- Ensure all information is accurate and fact-checked
- Avoid spreading misinformation that could harm users
For example, if you run a health-related business, sharing correct and well-researched advice isn’t optional—it’s essential. Providing misleading information could seriously impact someone’s health, and Google takes that responsibility seriously.
Wrapping It Up
SEO might feel like a mountain to climb, but with the right approach, it’s totally manageable. By understanding on-page and off-page strategies, performing an audit, and focusing on EAT principles, you’ll set yourself up for success.
Take it one step at a time, track your progress, and stay consistent. In the long run, these SEO best practices won’t just boost your search rankings—they’ll help you connect with the right customers and grow your business sustainably.