SEO Basics for Small Businesses

A simple, modern guide to ranking higher and getting found online.

What Is SEO & Why Does It Matter?

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the process of helping Google understand what your website is about so it can show your business to the right people. If customers can’t find you online, they can't hire you. With a strong SEO foundation, your website becomes easier to discover, your traffic grows, and your leads cost less.

How Google Decides What to Rank

Google looks for three major things:

Keywords: The Foundation of SEO

Keywords are the exact words people type into Google. For example: “hair salon Virginia Beach,” “best chiropractor near me,” or “wedding photographer prices.”

To rank, your website needs to use the same language your customers use — in the right places:

Fast Wins You Can Apply Today

1. Rewrite your homepage title

Instead of “Welcome to My Site,” use something like: “Virginia Beach Marketing & SEO Services | ikanikon”

2. Add alt text to every image

Google reads alt text to understand your visuals and match them to search queries.

3. Strengthen your service pages

Make sure each service gets its own dedicated page. (Ex: “SEO Services,” “Website Design,” “Branding,” etc.)

4. Improve your page speed

Fast sites rank higher because they create better user experience.

SEO Is Not One & Done

SEO is ongoing — not a one-time action. Google rewards sites that keep publishing useful, current, keyword-smart content. That’s why blogs matter.

When to Hire a Professional

If SEO feels confusing or your website is underperforming, ikanikon can help. We specialize in modern, psychology-driven SEO that helps small businesses compete with bigger brands — without big-agency prices.

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