SEO Basics: How to Improve Your Website’s Visibility
You spent the time (and money) to build your business website. Maybe you're a local HVAC company, a dog groomer in Chesapeake, or you run a boutique candle shop near the Virginia Beach boardwalk.
The site looks great… so why isn’t it showing up on Google?
If you’ve ever asked that question, you’re not alone. A beautiful website doesn’t mean much if no one can find it. That’s where SEO comes in—and it’s not as complicated as it sounds.
At Coinmismatic, we help small businesses all across Hampton Roads get found online. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, this guide will walk you through the very basics of SEO, in simple English.
✅ What Is SEO?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It’s the process of improving your website so that search engines like Google might rank it higher when people look for the kinds of products or services you offer.
Imagine someone types “best dog groomer Virginia Beach” or “emergency plumber near me.” SEO helps your site show up on that first page—right where your customers are searching.
💡 5 SEO Basics to Help People Find Your Business
Let’s break it down. These five simple steps can make a real difference, even if you’re not a tech expert.
1. Use the Right Keywords (And Put Them in the Right Places)
Think like your customer: What would they type into Google to find you?
If you’re a mobile car detailer, for example, they might search:
- “car detailing Virginia Beach”
- “ceramic coating near me”
- “interior car cleaning 757”
Now that you’ve got a few ideas, place those phrases in:
- Your homepage headline and first paragraph
- Page titles and meta descriptions
- Service or product pages
- Image alt tags
🛠️ Free Tool: Try Google’s Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to find search terms related to your business.
💬 Real-World Tip: Avoid stuffing keywords everywhere. Write naturally. Search engines are smart—and your customers even more so.
2. Create Local, Helpful Content
Google rewards websites that offer value to searchers.
Let’s say you own a landscaping company. You could write a blog post like:
- “The Best Drought-Resistant Plants for Coastal Virginia”
- “When to Fertilize Your Lawn in Hampton Roads”
That kind of content:
✅ Answers real questions
✅ Shows your expertise
✅ Builds trust
✅ Improves your SEO
📍 Local Advantage: Be sure to mention your service area on important pages: “Serving Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and the surrounding 757 area.”
3. Make Sure Your Site Is Fast & Mobile-Friendly
If your site takes forever to load or doesn’t look good on a phone, Google—and your customers—will move on fast.
Here’s what to check:
- Does your site load in under 3 seconds?
- Can you easily tap buttons on a phone?
- Is your contact info easy to find?
Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to spot problems.
📱 Bonus Tip: Over 60% of web traffic is mobile—so always check your site on a phone, not just a desktop.
4. Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
If you haven’t claimed your Google Business listing, you’re missing out—big time.
This free tool makes you show up in local map results. Go to google.com/business and make sure your listing includes:
- Correct address, phone, and hours
- A link to your website
- Photos of your business, staff, or recent projects
- Reviews from happy customers
🌟 Pro Tip: Ask customers to leave a review right after a successful job. Positive reviews = better local SEO rankings.
5. Get Backlinks from Reputable Sources
A backlink is when another website links to yours. Google sees it like a vote of confidence.
Here’s how a local business might earn backlinks:
- Get listed on local directories (Yelp, BBB, Alignable, etc.)
- Sponsor a community event or charity (and ask for a link on their website)
- Collaborate with a local blogger or news outlet for a feature
🔗 Avoid This: Never buy links from spammy services. It can hurt your site more than help.
🚀 SEO Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
These basics are simple but powerful. You don’t need to be a marketing agency—you just need to show up with consistency, helpful content, and a few smart moves.
If you’re a small business owner in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, or anywhere in the 757, you deserve to be seen by more customers.
Let SEO be the tool that turns your website into a magnet for business.
📍 Ready to Improve Your SEO?
We specialize in helping local businesses across Hampton Roads get found online. Whether you need a full SEO strategy or just help getting started—we’ve got your back.
👉 Request a Free SEO Consultation
👉 Or explore our other Services