{"id":79496,"date":"2026-02-12T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dhblog.dream.press\/blog\/?p=79496"},"modified":"2026-03-11T08:39:51","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T15:39:51","slug":"seo-for-small-business-website","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/seo-for-small-business-website\/","title":{"rendered":"The 2026 Guide to SEO for Small Business Websites (AI Strategies Included)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"tldr-block\" style=\"display: none;\">\n\t<div class=\"svg\">\n\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 119.25 37.8\">\n\t<g>\n\t\t<g>\n\t\t\t<path fill=\"#ffffff\" d=\"M23.4,6.93h-8.1v24.57h-7.2V6.93H0V0h23.4v6.93Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<path fill=\"#ffffff\" d=\"M45,24.57v6.93h-18.45V0h7.2v24.57h11.25Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<path fill=\"#ffffff\"\n\t\t\t\td=\"M90.9,15.75c0,8.91-6.61,15.75-15.3,15.75h-12.6V0h12.6c8.68,0,15.3,6.84,15.3,15.75ZM83.97,15.75c0-5.4-3.42-8.82-8.37-8.82h-5.4v17.64h5.4c4.95,0,8.37-3.42,8.37-8.82Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<path fill=\"#ffffff\"\n\t\t\t\td=\"M105.57,21.15h-3.42v10.35h-7.2V0h12.6c5.98,0,10.8,4.81,10.8,10.8,0,3.87-2.34,7.38-5.81,9.13l6.71,11.56h-7.74l-5.94-10.35ZM102.15,14.85h5.4c1.98,0,3.6-1.75,3.6-4.05s-1.62-4.05-3.6-4.05h-5.4v8.1Z\" \/>\n\t\t<\/g>\n\t\t<path\n\t\t\tfill=\"#0173ec\"\n\t\t\td=\"M53.97,37.8h-5.4l1.8-13.27h7.2l-3.6,13.27ZM49.02,12.55c0-2.34,1.93-4.27,4.27-4.27s4.27,1.94,4.27,4.27-1.93,4.27-4.27,4.27-4.27-1.94-4.27-4.27Z\"\n\t\t \/>\n\t<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"tldr-wrap\">\n\t\t\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>SEO for small business websites in 2026 combines traditional optimization with AI and local strategies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Small business owners should focus on:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Keywords and content: <\/strong>Research high-intent keywords; optimize long-form content, headers, titles, and meta descriptions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Content multiplication:<\/strong> repurpose quality content across formats to expand reach.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Site performance:<\/strong> Ensure mobile-friendliness and speed. Websites with <a href=\"https:\/\/superprompt.com\/blog\/ai-traffic-up-527-percent-how-to-get-cited-by-chatgpt-claude-perplexity-2025\">under 2 second load times<\/a> are 40% more likely to be referenced by AI.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Local SEO:<\/strong> Optimize Google Business Profiles, directories like Yelp, and map apps to capture local search traffic. 20% of local searches start with Google, Apple, and Bing Maps.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>AI and GEO:<\/strong> Structure content clearly, stay fresh, and build trust so AI tools can cite your site.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bring it all together with metrics that matter. Measure traffic, engagement, local visibility, site speed, and reviews to keep your efforts on track.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>SEO for a small business website just doesn\u2019t work the way it used to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Search engines are no longer spitting out simple pages of blue links. Instead, they\u2019re pulling in AI-optimized content from across the web to answer questions directly, and prioritizing pages with niche and local expertise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For small businesses, this levels the playing field. But that only matters if you\u2019re able to play the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Crack open the most up-to-date SEO playbook today with our practical guide to all things SEO for small business websites in 2026 \u2014 built for small and\/or local businesses hurtling into the AI era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"liftoff-cta-card\">\n\t<div class=\"line\">\n\t\t<svg width=\"834\" height=\"469\" viewBox=\"0 0 834 469\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<path opacity=\"0.7\" d=\"M865.739 -59.8017C865.739 -59.8017 832.792 123.045 744.31 182.376C655.829 241.707 562.417 143.097 474.164 202.767C386.505 262.036 442.275 384.659 354.504 443.76C266.434 503.061 98.0198 364.278 4.7754 318.308\" stroke=\"url(#paint0_linear_8_19)\" stroke-opacity=\"0.25\" stroke-width=\"19.8\"\/>\n<defs>\n<linearGradient id=\"paint0_linear_8_19\" x1=\"918.374\" y1=\"-112.088\" x2=\"147.486\" y2=\"548.265\" gradientUnits=\"userSpaceOnUse\">\n<stop offset=\"0.0576923\"\/>\n<stop offset=\"0.350962\" stop-color=\"#0073EC\"\/>\n<stop offset=\"0.825067\" stop-color=\"#C265FE\"\/>\n<stop offset=\"1\"\/>\n<\/linearGradient>\n<\/defs>\n<\/svg>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"liftoff-cta-card__content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"headline_1\">\n\t\t\t\n<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\">\n<path d=\"M24.0006 16.0019C19.5835 16.0019 16.0015 19.5839 16.0015 24.001V32.0001H32.003V15.9985H24.0039L24.0006 16.0019Z\" fill=\"url(#paint0_linear_3747_604)\"\/>\n<path d=\"M16.0015 7.99911V0H0V16.0016H7.99906C12.4162 16.0016 15.9981 12.4196 15.9981 8.00247L16.0015 7.99911Z\" fill=\"url(#paint1_linear_3747_604)\"\/>\n<path d=\"M7.99902 16.002C12.4168 16.002 15.998 19.5832 15.998 24.001C15.9979 28.4186 12.4167 32 7.99902 32C3.58137 32 0.000149208 28.4186 0 24.001C0 19.5832 3.58128 16.002 7.99902 16.002ZM24.001 0C28.4185 0.000241972 32 3.58143 32 7.99902C32 12.4167 28.4185 15.9978 24.001 15.998C19.5832 15.998 16.002 12.4168 16.002 7.99902C16.002 3.58128 19.5832 0 24.001 0Z\" fill=\"url(#paint2_linear_3747_604)\"\/>\n<rect x=\"8\" y=\"8\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" fill=\"#FFFFFF\"\/>\n<path d=\"M16.0015 7.99902H24.0006V15.9981C19.5835 15.9981 16.0015 12.4128 16.0015 7.99902Z\" fill=\"#18181B\"\/>\n<path d=\"M7.99908 16.0015L7.99908 8.00235H15.9981C15.9981 12.4195 12.4128 16.0015 7.99908 16.0015Z\" fill=\"#18181B\"\/>\n<path d=\"M16.0015 24.0005H8.00246V16.0014C12.4196 16.0014 16.0015 19.5867 16.0015 24.0005Z\" fill=\"#18181B\"\/>\n<path d=\"M24.0007 16.0015V24.0006H16.0016C16.0016 19.5835 19.5869 16.0015 24.0007 16.0015Z\" fill=\"#18181B\"\/>\n<defs>\n<linearGradient id=\"paint0_linear_3747_604\" x1=\"16.0001\" y1=\"16.0002\" x2=\"32.0001\" y2=\"32.0002\" gradientUnits=\"userSpaceOnUse\">\n<stop stop-color=\"#A1A1AA\"\/>\n<stop offset=\"1\" stop-color=\"#C7C7CD\"\/>\n<\/linearGradient>\n<linearGradient id=\"paint1_linear_3747_604\" x1=\"0\" y1=\"0\" x2=\"16\" y2=\"16\" gradientUnits=\"userSpaceOnUse\">\n<stop offset=\"0.251049\" stop-color=\"#C7C7CD\"\/>\n<stop offset=\"1\" stop-color=\"#A1A1AA\"\/>\n<\/linearGradient>\n<linearGradient id=\"paint2_linear_3747_604\" x1=\"-11.3782\" y1=\"44.9411\" x2=\"-8.40086\" y2=\"-18.7449\" gradientUnits=\"userSpaceOnUse\">\n<stop stop-color=\"#BE59FF\"\/>\n<stop offset=\"0.19\" stop-color=\"#9D60FF\"\/>\n<stop offset=\"0.74\" stop-color=\"#4274FF\"\/>\n<stop offset=\"1\" stop-color=\"#1F7CFF\"\/>\n<\/linearGradient>\n<\/defs>\n<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\tMeet Remixer\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"headline_2\">You describe it. Remixer builds it.<\/div>\n\t\t<p>The AI website builder that turns conversation into designer-level sites. Free with hosting.<\/p>\n\t\t        <a\n            href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/remixer-website-builder\/\"\n                        class=\"btn btn--brand\"\n                                    target=\"_blank\"\n            rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\n            >\n                            Start Free Trial                    <\/a>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"tr-img-wrap-outer\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-skip-lazy class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/remixer-screen.webp\" alt=\"DreamHost Remixer AI website builder\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-how-do-i-boost-seo-for-my-small-business-website-in-2026-5-tricks\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Do I Boost SEO for My Small Business Website in 2026? (5 Tricks)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Achieving great SEO in 2026 is still, fortunately, very much about making your website genuinely helpful, fast, and pleasant to use for people and machines.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"tenor-gif-embed\" data-postid=\"18911114\" data-share-method=\"host\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.715625\" data-width=\"100%\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tenor.com\/view\/abell46s-reface-robot-bot-bailando-gif-18911114\">Abell46s Reface GIF<\/a>from <a href=\"https:\/\/tenor.com\/search\/abell46s-gifs\">Abell46s GIFs<\/a><\/div> <script type=\"text\/javascript\" async src=\"https:\/\/tenor.com\/embed.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>Most of what matters in this category falls under <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/on-page-off-page-seo\/\">on-page SEO<\/a>, which encapsulates all the things you control on your website. Content is the feature with the largest impact in this bucket, but things like site speed and mobile readiness are also important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this section, we\u2019ll answer your questions about the most critical on-page SEO elements you can optimize \u2014 with very few tech chops required, thankfully \u2014 to build trust and traffic in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Are the Steps to Identifying the Best SEO Keywords?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Keyword research is the process of figuring out what your potential customers type into search engines when they\u2019re looking for products or services like yours.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>You start this process with tools that provide real search data:<\/strong> <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/support.google.com\/google-ads\/answer\/7337243?hl=en\">Google Keyword Planner<\/a> is probably the most popular, because it\u2019s free and shows approximate search volume directly from Google.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Google itself is also a valuable research tool:<\/strong> Autocomplete suggestions and the \u201cPeople also ask\u201d section reveal how real users phrase their searches. Other tools like <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.semrush.com\/\">Semrush<\/a> or <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/\">Ahrefs<\/a> offer deeper insights into competition and ranking difficulty, for a fee.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you have a list of broad keywords related to your industry, the next step is to narrow them down and map them to your website pages based on relevance, competition, and intent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, a business importing fresh pasta from Italy to resell to individuals in the U.S. may want to target searches like \u201cwhere to buy fresh pasta\u201d first and foremost, as this shows that the intent is to make a purchase imminently. This kind of phrase should be used on key conversion pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Searches such as \u201crecipes for fresh pasta\u201d might also be a good target, but where you use this phrase within your content will be different (think recipes section of the website), and set you up for more of a long play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Keep in mind that longer and more specific keyword phrases \u2014&nbsp;AKA long-tail keywords \u2014 tend to have a little less traffic but that means they can be easier to rank for with higher chances of converting.<\/strong> Where a phrase like \u201cfresh pasta from Italy\u201d or \u201cbuy fresh pasta online\u201d might get less clicks, you can be more certain they\u2019re looking for exactly what you offer.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"single__related-article\">\n\t<span>Related Article<\/span>\n\t<div class=\"single__related-article__wrap\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single__related-article__title\">\n\t\t\tKeyword Research: How To Reach More Customers With SEO\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/how-to-do-keyword-research\/\" class=\"btn btn--sm btn--brand\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\tRead More\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Can I Implement SEO Keywords on My Site?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Injecting keywords into long-form content, headers, title tags, and meta descriptions will make a huge impact when it comes to refreshing SEO for your small business website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how to do it right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keywords in Long-Form Content<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In-depth content <\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/search-engine-ranking\"><strong>has been found to rank higher<\/strong><\/a><strong> in search engines results compared to less comprehensive pieces.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since highly-quality content like this is typically longer, it naturally has more space for including useful information for readers \u2014 plus more opportunities for working in your keyword phrases!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, short content can still rank. Still, longer, more comprehensive content often has an advantage because, aside from its increased usefulness, it\u2019s also better at positioning your site as a relevant, fresh authority on the topic at hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1150\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/02_quality_over_quantity_the_content_balance.webp\" alt=\"Illustration of a tilted scale favoring quality over quantity in content strategy.\" class=\"wp-image-79500 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/02_quality_over_quantity_the_content_balance.webp 1600w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/02_quality_over_quantity_the_content_balance-300x216.webp 300w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/02_quality_over_quantity_the_content_balance-1024x736.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/02_quality_over_quantity_the_content_balance-768x552.webp 768w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/02_quality_over_quantity_the_content_balance-1536x1104.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/02_quality_over_quantity_the_content_balance-600x431.webp 600w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/02_quality_over_quantity_the_content_balance-1200x863.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/02_quality_over_quantity_the_content_balance-730x525.webp 730w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/02_quality_over_quantity_the_content_balance-1460x1049.webp 1460w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/02_quality_over_quantity_the_content_balance-784x564.webp 784w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/02_quality_over_quantity_the_content_balance-1568x1127.webp 1568w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/02_quality_over_quantity_the_content_balance-877x630.webp 877w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1600\/1150;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>So when you\u2019re planning content, aim to create the best possible resource on a topic. Later we\u2019ll show you how to stretch that effort even further with content multiplication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keyword-Optimized Content Headers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Each page on your website should have just one single H1 heading, this is usually the title of the page. Subsections should use H2, H3, and so on to break content into logical chunks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well-written headings are descriptive and accurate. They make content easy to scan and help AI-powered search systems extract specific content from your page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udca1<strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> Always avoid cramming keywords into content unnaturally. Search engines are hip to that trick, and may actually penalize you for this and other \u201cblack hat\u201d (AKA shady) activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keywords in Title Tags<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A title tag for a website page is the clickable headline that appears in search results. It both helps search engines understand what a page is about and influences whether users click.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For a powerful title tag, include your primary page keyword naturally, keep it under 60 characters, and keep it clear and engaging.<\/strong> Vague titles that don\u2019t describe your pages aren\u2019t doing you any favors in the modern SEO landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"article-newsletter article-newsletter--gradient\">\n\n\n<h2>Get Content Delivered Straight to Your Inbox<\/h2><p>Subscribe now to receive all the latest updates, delivered directly to your inbox.<\/p><form class=\"nwsl-form\" id=\"newsletter_block_\" novalidate><div class=\"messages\"><\/div><div class=\"form-group\"><label for=\"input_newsletter_block_\"><input type=\"email\"name=\"email\"id=\"input_newsletter_block_\"placeholder=\"Enter your email address\"novalidatedisabled=\"disabled\"\/><\/label><button type=\"submit\"class=\"btn btn--brand\"disabled=\"disabled\"><span>Sign Me Up!<\/span><svg width=\"21\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 21 14\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<path d=\"M13.8523 0.42524L12.9323 1.34521C12.7095 1.56801 12.7132 1.9304 12.9404 2.14865L16.7241 5.7823H0.5625C0.251859 5.7823 0 6.03416 0 6.3448V7.6573C0 7.96794 0.251859 8.2198 0.5625 8.2198H16.7241L12.9405 11.8535C12.7132 12.0717 12.7095 12.4341 12.9323 12.6569L13.8523 13.5769C14.072 13.7965 14.4281 13.7965 14.6478 13.5769L20.8259 7.39879C21.0456 7.17913 21.0456 6.82298 20.8259 6.60327L14.6477 0.42524C14.4281 0.205584 14.0719 0.205584 13.8523 0.42524Z\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n<\/button><\/div><\/form><\/div>\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Use Keywords in Meta Descriptions<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/write-the-perfect-meta-description\/\">meta description<\/a> is a short summary shown below the title tag in search results. While it\u2019s not thought to affect rankings directly, it does help searchers decide if they\u2019re going to visit your site or not (in other words, important!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Meta descriptions should be 150 to 160 characters, include the most important keyword for that page while still being helpful and relevant, and have a clear call to action (CTA).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"663\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/03_write_engaging_meta_descriptions.webp\" alt=\"Labeled Google search result showing SEO title tag in purple and meta description in blue.\" class=\"wp-image-79502 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/03_write_engaging_meta_descriptions.webp 1600w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/03_write_engaging_meta_descriptions-300x124.webp 300w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/03_write_engaging_meta_descriptions-1024x424.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/03_write_engaging_meta_descriptions-768x318.webp 768w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/03_write_engaging_meta_descriptions-1536x636.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/03_write_engaging_meta_descriptions-600x249.webp 600w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/03_write_engaging_meta_descriptions-1200x497.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/03_write_engaging_meta_descriptions-730x302.webp 730w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/03_write_engaging_meta_descriptions-1460x605.webp 1460w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/03_write_engaging_meta_descriptions-784x325.webp 784w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/03_write_engaging_meta_descriptions-1568x650.webp 1568w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/03_write_engaging_meta_descriptions-877x363.webp 877w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1600\/663;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Page titles, title tags, and meta descriptions should all be easy to edit within your website builder. If you aren\u2019t sure where to find them, try a quick Google search or contact whoever helped you set up your site originally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I Multiply the Impact of My Existing Content?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes \u2014 in fact, you <em>should <\/em>take advantage of content multiplication: the practice of repurposing high-quality pieces of content for multiple formats and platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Transforming a single blog post into a TikTok script, LinkedIn carousel, newsletter entry, or even fodder for the next heated discussion on your favorite message board (who doesn\u2019t love a good Reddit <s>fight<\/s> debate?) is one of the best ways to stretch your SEO budget and make the most of your time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All you need to pull this off is a really solid, long-form piece of content and a little time to adapt it to match how people consume information on all your key channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Do I Make Sure My Website Is Performing at Max Speed?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/google-ranking-factors\"><strong>Page load time is a confirmed factor<\/strong><\/a><strong> that search engines use when ranking websites.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While there are possibly hundreds of ways to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wordpress-site-speed\/\">improve site performance<\/a>, here are some impactful yet approachable areas to focus on first:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Compress images (the larger the file, the slower the load).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose a design, or theme if you\u2019re on WordPress that\u2019s lightweight and maximized for performance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fix broken links, missing files, and other clutter that slow down people and search engines.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Engage a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/web-hosting-guide\/\">web host<\/a> that prioritizes fast load times and reliable performance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Should I Check if My Site Is Mobile Friendly?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Since most <\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/gs.statcounter.com\/platform-market-share\/desktop-mobile-tablet\/worldwide\/#yearly-2011-2024\"><strong>searches now happen on mobile devices<\/strong><\/a><strong>, website mobile optimization is foundational.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1401\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/04_desktop_vs_mobile_vs_tablet_global_market_share.webp\" alt=\"Line graph comparing desktop, mobile, and tablet global market share from 2011 to 2024. Mobile surpasses desktop around 2017 and remains dominant, while tablet remains low throughout.\" class=\"wp-image-79503 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/04_desktop_vs_mobile_vs_tablet_global_market_share.webp 1600w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/04_desktop_vs_mobile_vs_tablet_global_market_share-300x263.webp 300w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/04_desktop_vs_mobile_vs_tablet_global_market_share-1024x897.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/04_desktop_vs_mobile_vs_tablet_global_market_share-768x672.webp 768w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/04_desktop_vs_mobile_vs_tablet_global_market_share-1536x1345.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/04_desktop_vs_mobile_vs_tablet_global_market_share-600x525.webp 600w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/04_desktop_vs_mobile_vs_tablet_global_market_share-1200x1051.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/04_desktop_vs_mobile_vs_tablet_global_market_share-730x639.webp 730w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/04_desktop_vs_mobile_vs_tablet_global_market_share-1460x1278.webp 1460w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/04_desktop_vs_mobile_vs_tablet_global_market_share-784x686.webp 784w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/04_desktop_vs_mobile_vs_tablet_global_market_share-1568x1373.webp 1568w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/04_desktop_vs_mobile_vs_tablet_global_market_share-877x768.webp 877w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1600\/1401;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/developer.chrome.com\/docs\/lighthouse\/overview\">Google Lighthouse<\/a> is a free tool you can use to audit your small business website performance, accessibility, SEO, and more on mobile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here\u2019s how to access it:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open Google Chrome, and make sure you\u2019re updated to the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/intl\/en_in\/chrome\/update\/\">latest version<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Open an incognito tab (Google recommends running this test while in incognito mode).&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Navigate to the website you want to check, right-click on the page, and select <strong>Inspect<\/strong> to open DevTools.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click on the \u201cLighthouse\u201d tab at the top of the screen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose <strong>Mobile<\/strong> to evaluate mobile performance specifically. We recommend keeping all categories checked (\u201cPerformance,\u201d \u201cAccessibility,\u201d etc.).&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click <strong>Analyze page load<\/strong>. This process may take as long as a minute.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, just follow the recommendations provided in order of importance to improve your site\u2019s mobile performance!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"single__related-article\">\n\t<span>Related Article<\/span>\n\t<div class=\"single__related-article__wrap\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single__related-article__title\">\n\t\t\tA Surprisingly Fresh Take on Optimizing Your Site for Mobile\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/how-to-optimize-your-site-for-mobile\/\" class=\"btn btn--sm btn--brand\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\tRead More\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h2_can-i-use-local-seo-to-gain-an-edge-as-a-small-business-6-strategies\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I Use Local SEO To Gain an Edge as a Small Business? (6 Strategies)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can, and you should. <strong>Small businesses actually have several advantages against larger competitors when it comes to <\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/local-seo-strategies\/\"><strong>local SEO<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A small business can be more agile than larger brands, tailoring content quickly based on real customer feedback and local trends.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You also have the ability to develop deep, location-specific expertise and build authentic, one-on-one customer relationships.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These advantages, in turn, make for better customer reviews and help build a cycle of return business.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>But how do you get in front of your ideal local audience in the first place? Let\u2019s cover the basics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Makes Local SEO Different From General SEO?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Local SEO is focused on using location- and intent-specific keywords and content so search engines understand where you are and deliver your website to the right consumers.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The general kind of website SEO that we discussed earlier is all about maximizing your website\u2019s authority so it becomes highly visible in search results, which can be national or even global.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Local search results on Google also often include a Map Pack:a set of business listings at the top of the results page that align with the search terms and list business contact info, reviews, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1219\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/05_general_seo_vs_local_seo.webp\" alt=\"Side-by-side screenshots showing general search for coffee makers vs. local search showing a map and nearby coffee shops.\" class=\"wp-image-79504 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/05_general_seo_vs_local_seo.webp 1600w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/05_general_seo_vs_local_seo-300x229.webp 300w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/05_general_seo_vs_local_seo-1024x780.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/05_general_seo_vs_local_seo-768x585.webp 768w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/05_general_seo_vs_local_seo-1536x1170.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/05_general_seo_vs_local_seo-600x457.webp 600w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/05_general_seo_vs_local_seo-1200x914.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/05_general_seo_vs_local_seo-730x556.webp 730w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/05_general_seo_vs_local_seo-1460x1112.webp 1460w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/05_general_seo_vs_local_seo-784x597.webp 784w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/05_general_seo_vs_local_seo-1568x1195.webp 1568w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/05_general_seo_vs_local_seo-877x668.webp 877w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1600\/1219;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Optimizing your content and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/lead-generation-google-business\/\">Google Business Profile (GBP)<\/a> will help you rank well in local search results as well as this group of business listings, which is why we\u2019ll explore how to accomplish both of those tasks in this section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Should I Create Location-Specific Content?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Yes; businesses that optimize for location-based keywords are far more likely to appear in local search results, as they better align with the intent of the search.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So instead of optimizing for phrases like \u201cbest organic ice cream,\u201d a phrase like \u201cbest organic ice cream Boulder, Colorado\u201d will signal where you operate and help search engines serve your site to people who are much more likely to stop by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keeping this in mind, from here you\u2019ll follow the same steps as you would in general SEO to research, narrow down, and apply your best local SEO phrases.<br><br><strong>Here\u2019s a quick refresher of the steps:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Start with Google Keyword Planner (free) to find the search volume and demand of keyword phrases, layering in advanced paid tools if needed (such as Semrush or Ahrefs).&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prioritize the phrases that best align with the actions you want people to take, then map them to the right pages (high-intent terms are best for conversion-focused service or product pages, informational for more passive, longer-play pages like your blog).&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Target long-tail keywords when possible, as more specific phrases are easier to rank for and convert better.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add keywords naturally to long-form content, headers, title tags, and meta descriptions. Avoid keyword stuffing.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bonus Local Content Strategy: Backlinking<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/how-to-create-link-building-strategy\">Backlinks<\/a> (links from other websites to yours) are especially valuable in the world of local SEO.<strong> <\/strong>Links from other authoritative local sites tell search engines your business is relevant and trusted in your area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An easy way to get your link building efforts off the ground is to look for opportunities to trade website links with your local partners, suppliers, related businesses, organizations you\u2019re a part of, etc.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Even easier is to add your business website to local directories!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can also earn links by creating local-focused content (city guides, event roundups, interviews) and sponsoring local events and charities, which often include website mentions.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As you can tell, links take time to build to a tipping point, but they really can significantly strengthen local SEO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Can I Optimize My Google Business Profile for Maximum Visibility?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your GBP is one of the most important tools in local SEO, and it\u2019s free and relatively easy to set up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Perhaps the most important thing about having an accurate GBP is that it shows up in Google Search and Google Maps, giving customers immediate access to your business details, so they can instantly choose to shop with you over a competitor.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1407\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/06_google_business_profile_examples.webp\" alt=\"Three Google Business Profile listings for art studios, each showing ratings, hours, and a review snippet.\" class=\"wp-image-79505 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/06_google_business_profile_examples.webp 1600w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/06_google_business_profile_examples-300x264.webp 300w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/06_google_business_profile_examples-1024x900.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/06_google_business_profile_examples-768x675.webp 768w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/06_google_business_profile_examples-1536x1351.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/06_google_business_profile_examples-600x528.webp 600w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/06_google_business_profile_examples-1200x1055.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/06_google_business_profile_examples-730x642.webp 730w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/06_google_business_profile_examples-1460x1284.webp 1460w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/06_google_business_profile_examples-784x689.webp 784w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/06_google_business_profile_examples-1568x1379.webp 1568w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/06_google_business_profile_examples-877x771.webp 877w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1600\/1407;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Once verifying you\u2019re the rightful owner of your GBP, fill out every field you can: business name, address, phone number (if you have one), hours, website, services, photos, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use all available attributes and categories that apply to your business. This not only helps search engines categorize your business, but also <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/improve-organic-ctr\/\">improves click-through rates<\/a> when customers see your profile in search results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It doesn&#8217;t stop there! For the best outcome, continually keep your profile updated with posts about promotions, events, or new services, and respond to customer questions and reviews as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What About Apple Maps for Local Business?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Google, Apple, and Bing Maps are <\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.searchenginejournal.com\/google-apple-maps-local-searches-now-start-here\/545664\/\"><strong>where local searches start about 20% of the time<\/strong><\/a><strong>!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While Google Maps is the front runner, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.searchenginejournal.com\/google-apple-maps-local-searches-now-start-here\/545664\/\">5% of Millennials<\/a> do show a penchant for going to Apple Maps first in a local search, so it shouldn\u2019t be ignored if local SEO is a massive element of your marketing strategy. In addition, optimizing for Apple Maps helps you reach users who rely on Apple\u2019s default mapping, voice (Siri), and payment (Apple Wallet) tools when using an iPhone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Claim and manage your business listing on Apple Maps through Apple Business Connect.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Complete your business details, categories, photos, and hours.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apple also allows in-listing announcements and offers, which may help increase engagement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49For more guidance, review <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/support.apple.com\/guide\/apple-business-connect\/welcome\/web\">Apple\u2019s user guide to Business Connect<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Are Google Reviews Essential \u2014 and How Do I Keep Up?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/support.google.com\/business\/answer\/7091?hl=en&amp;#zippy=%2Cprominence\"><strong>Google has confirmed<\/strong><\/a><strong> that the quantity and quality of Google Reviews impacts how well businesses do when it\u2019s ranking results.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, how do you get them?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First of all, providing really awesome offerings is the <em>only<\/em> way to ensure any review you get is going to be great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, sometimes folks need a little nudge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s OK to ask for reviews after positive interactions with customers. Send links via email to make it easy, offer incentives like freebies, and follow up a few times to help ensure you get a response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/07_google_reviews_essential.webp\" alt=\"Phone screen showing a text from a dental office asking the patient to leave a review via a short link after their visit.\" class=\"wp-image-79506 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/07_google_reviews_essential.webp 1600w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/07_google_reviews_essential-300x225.webp 300w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/07_google_reviews_essential-1024x768.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/07_google_reviews_essential-768x576.webp 768w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/07_google_reviews_essential-1536x1152.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/07_google_reviews_essential-600x450.webp 600w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/07_google_reviews_essential-1200x900.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/07_google_reviews_essential-730x548.webp 730w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/07_google_reviews_essential-1460x1095.webp 1460w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/07_google_reviews_essential-784x588.webp 784w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/07_google_reviews_essential-1568x1176.webp 1568w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/07_google_reviews_essential-877x658.webp 877w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1600\/1200;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As you build up this base of Google Reviews, it\u2019s critical to respond to reviews when they\u2019re especially good or especially bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are tools on the market, like <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightlocal.com\/\">BrightLocal<\/a> and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/moz.com\/products\/local\">Moz Local<\/a>, to help monitor and respond to reviews. Moz in particular helps small businesses manage their listings and reviews across search engines and directories, and shows local ranking performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Can I Optimize Yelp Reviews (and Other Directories)?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to cash in on all the eyeballs review sites\/local directories are capturing, be sure to claim your listings, verify all your contact and service details, categorize your business accurately, and upload quality photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And always address negative reviews as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yelp and other review sites\/local directories are chock full of content and get tons of traffic. In other words, they often rank highly in search results. Meaning that if you have time, managing the information and reviews they contain can be powerful for your business&#8217;s local SEO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While we should note that Yelp discourages direct review requests, great service, paired with gentle reminders, should naturally lead to more reviews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 For specifics on updating and upgrading your Yelp listing specifically, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightlocal.com\/learn\/optimizing-yelp-listing\/\">this guide from BrightLocal<\/a> is a great starting point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When Do Local Service Ads Make Sense?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/business.google.com\/us\/ad-solutions\/local-service-ads\/\"><strong>Local Service Ads<\/strong><\/a><strong> (LSAs) are paid ads on Google for local, service-based businesses. LSAs may be right for your business if you\u2019re breaking into a new market and\/or want to fill up your schedule quickly.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>LSAs appear above both traditional ads and organic listings, making them pretty visible for your ideal audience. You only pay when someone contacts you, making them decently cost-effective leads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Set up is pretty straightforward \u2014 After verifying your business through Google, you can determine your budget, lead types, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to one marketing expert, if you\u2019ve already got a great Google Business Profile and set of reviews, the time to get into LSAs is as soon as possible \u2014 prices are going up!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"reddit-embed-bq\" data-embed-showtitle=\"true\" data-embed-theme=\"dark\" data-embed-height=\"670\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/sweatystartup\/comments\/1h3qf2c\/comment\/m03975r\/\">Comment<\/a><br> by<a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/user\/kingice350\/\">u\/kingice350<\/a> from discussion<a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/sweatystartup\/comments\/1h3qf2c\/local_service_ads\/\"><\/a><br> in<a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/sweatystartup\/\">sweatystartup<\/a><\/blockquote><script async=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/embed.reddit.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"UTF-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h2_should-i-upgrade-my-seo-efforts-to-reflect-the-age-of-ai-3-tactics\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Should I Upgrade My SEO Efforts To Reflect the Age of AI? (3 Tactics)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of clicking through blue links, users increasingly interact with AI search results \u2014 or directly within AI chat tools like ChatGPT and Gemini. When traditional rankings alone no longer define visibility, you can\u2019t ignore AI when it comes to SEO for small business websites in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn how to stay competitive with focused, practical tactics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Has AI Changed SEO for Small Businesses?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Even if your site ranks well, users may never click through if an <\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/meeting-summaries-otter-ai\/\"><strong>AI summary<\/strong><\/a><strong> or chatbot answers their question first.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In an age where click-through rates can drop even while traditional SEO rankings stay the same, rankings are starting to mean less on their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But don\u2019t get discouraged just yet \u2014 SEO still matters. <strong>After all, pages that load in under two seconds are <\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/superprompt.com\/blog\/ai-traffic-up-527-percent-how-to-get-cited-by-chatgpt-claude-perplexity-2025\"><strong>cited by AI up to 40% more often<\/strong><\/a><strong>, content updated within the last 30 days is cited 3x more often than older content, and headings are critical to AI<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These are <em>all<\/em> components of traditional SEO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For small businesses, traditional website SEO is still foundational, but it\u2019s also time to add newer concepts like AI citations and GEO to the marketing mix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Do I Structure Content To Get Cited in AI Search Results?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/ai-citations\/\"><strong>AI citation<\/strong><\/a><strong> readiness comes down to three areas: site crawlability, content structure, and consumer trust.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>First, your site must be easy for AI to crawl:<\/strong> This calls for fast load times, mobile-friendly design, and clean HTML. Tools like Google\u2019s <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/developers.google.com\/speed\/docs\/insights\/v5\/about\">PageSpeed Insights<\/a> or Lighthouse which we mentioned earlier can help identify issues. Adding basic <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/schema-markup-beginners-guide\/\">schema markup<\/a> is also a great way to make your site more consumable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Next, content should be structured for extraction:<\/strong> Use question-based headings followed by clear, direct answers. Lists, tables, and concise summaries help AI pull accurate information. Original insights and data are especially valuable because they can\u2019t be copied from elsewhere.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Finally, trust is paramount:<\/strong> Fresh content is cited more often, but so are pages with strong backlinks and clear authorship. Together, these signals support <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/developers.google.com\/search\/docs\/fundamentals\/creating-helpful-content\">Google\u2019s E-E-A-T<\/a> (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) ranking system for content, increasing the chances your site is used as a source.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is GEO and How Do I Use It on My Site?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Generative engine optimization (GEO) is a counterpart to SEO, focusing on getting your content included in AI-generated answers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>GEO shifts emphasis from keywords alone to entities: your business, services, location, and expertise.<\/strong> And it\u2019s your job to make these obvious through consistent site copy and schema markup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, as we touched on just above, structuring content around common customer questions, keeping it current, and building authority through backlinks and brand mentions are all core to creating great GEO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udca1<strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> GEO is a pretty large and brand-new topic for most of our readers. To learn more about the concept and how to make the most of it for a small business website, check out our guide to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/generative-engine-optimization\/\">Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) for Mere Mortals<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But if you just want to dive in head first right now, here are some manageable first steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Clearly define who you are, what you do, and where you operate within your website copy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use headings structured as questions and direct answers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep content fresh and accurate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Build mentions and links from reputable sites.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Track how AI visibility is going with tools like <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/brand-radar\">Ahrefs Brand Radar<\/a> or <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/gumshoe.ai\">Gumshoe.ai<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember, GEO doesn\u2019t replace SEO, it <em>builds<\/em> on it. It\u2019s just that, now, you\u2019re optimizing for visibility inside AI tools and answers, not just search results pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"2002\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/08_seo_vs_geo_where_your_content_appears.webp\" alt=\"Side-by-side Google results showing traditional SEO link listings versus AI Overview with cited snippets for a California phone law.\" class=\"wp-image-79507 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/08_seo_vs_geo_where_your_content_appears.webp 1600w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/08_seo_vs_geo_where_your_content_appears-240x300.webp 240w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/08_seo_vs_geo_where_your_content_appears-818x1024.webp 818w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/08_seo_vs_geo_where_your_content_appears-768x961.webp 768w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/08_seo_vs_geo_where_your_content_appears-1228x1536.webp 1228w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/08_seo_vs_geo_where_your_content_appears-600x751.webp 600w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/08_seo_vs_geo_where_your_content_appears-1200x1502.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/08_seo_vs_geo_where_your_content_appears-730x913.webp 730w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/08_seo_vs_geo_where_your_content_appears-1460x1827.webp 1460w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/08_seo_vs_geo_where_your_content_appears-784x981.webp 784w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/08_seo_vs_geo_where_your_content_appears-1568x1962.webp 1568w, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/08_seo_vs_geo_where_your_content_appears-877x1097.webp 877w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1600\/2002;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h2_win-long-term-with-this-blueprint-to-seo-for-your-small-business-website\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Win Long Term With This Blueprint to SEO for Your Small Business Website<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>SEO in 2026 isn\u2019t about chasing algorithms or gaming rankings, it\u2019s about building a website that\u2019s genuinely useful, fast, and easy for both people and AI to understand. Small businesses that focus on modern SEO practices, local relevance, and AI fundamentals in 2026 will set themselves up to win long term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The age of AI isn\u2019t really a threat if you\u2019re prepared \u2014 it may just be an opportunity to stand out while larger, or slower, competitors struggle to adapt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"article-cta-shared article-cta-small article-cta--product\">\n\t<div class=\"tr-img-wrap-outer jsLoading\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-img-lazy \" src=\"https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/blog2018\/assets\/img\/lazy-loading-transparent.webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/product-cta-pro-services-marketing-877x586.webp 1x, https:\/\/www-dev.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/product-cta-pro-services-marketing.webp 2x\"  \/><\/div>\n\n\t<a href='https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/pro-services\/marketing\/' class='link-top' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'>\n\t\t<span>Pro Services &#8211; Marketing<\/span>\n\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 384 512\" width=\"15\"><path d=\"M342.6 233.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-192 192c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0s-12.5-32.8 0-45.3L274.7 256 105.4 86.6c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0l192 192z\"\/><\/svg>\n\t<\/a>\n\n\t<div class=\"content-btm\">\n\t\t<h2 class=\"h2--md\">\n\t\t\tGet More Visitors,\u2028Grow\u00a0Your Business\n\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t<p class=\"p--md\">\n\t\t\tThe best-designed site is worthless if no one can find it. Leverage proven online marketing strategies and techniques to help more of your target audience find you.\n\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t        <a\n            href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/pro-services\/marketing\/\"\n                        class=\"btn btn--white-outline btn--sm btn--round\"\n                                    target=\"_blank\"\n            rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\n            >\n                            See More                    <\/a>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h2_8-critical-faqs-about-seo-for-small-businesses-websites\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">8 Critical FAQs About SEO for Small Businesses Websites<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Is SEO still worth it for small businesses in 2026?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. SEO is still one of the most cost-effective ways to drive visibility, leads, and traffic. While AI-powered search has changed how results are delivered, strong SEO is now the foundation for both traditional rankings and AI-generated answers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. How long does SEO take to work for a small business?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most small businesses see early improvements within three to six months, with more consistent results after six to twelve months. Local SEO efforts, like optimizing a Google Business Profile, often show results faster than national campaigns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Do small businesses need to worry about AI search tools like ChatGPT?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/ai-tools\/\">AI tools<\/a> increasingly answer questions directly instead of sending users to websites. Optimizing content for clarity, speed, freshness, and structure improves your chances of being cited or recommended by AI systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Is local SEO more important than traditional SEO for local small businesses?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In most cases, yes. If you serve a specific area, local SEO drives higher-intent traffic and real-world actions like calls, visits, and bookings. Traditional SEO still matters, but local optimization delivers faster, more measurable ROI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Do I need to hire an SEO agency to compete?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No. Small businesses can make meaningful progress by focusing on fundamentals: keyword research, content quality, site speed, mobile friendliness, and local optimization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Agencies can help scale efforts, but they aren\u2019t required to see results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. What SEO metrics actually matter for small businesses?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Focus on organic traffic, search impressions, local visibility, engagement metrics, site speed, and reviews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rankings alone don\u2019t tell the full story anymore; visibility and usefulness matter more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Is GEO replacing SEO?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No. GEO builds on SEO \u2014 traditional SEO ensures your site is discoverable and trustworthy, while GEO increases the chances your content is used inside AI-generated answers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. What\u2019s the biggest SEO mistake small businesses make?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Trying to do everything at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most successful small businesses focus on a few high-impact actions \u2014 local SEO, valuable content, site speed, etc. \u2014 then build from there.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Get the blueprint for successful local SEO, AI search tactics, and other modern strategies for SEO for small business websites in 2026.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1060,"featured_media":79509,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Get the blueprint for successful local SEO, AI search tactics, and other modern strategies for SEO for small business websites in 2026.","toc_headlines":"[[\"h-how-do-i-boost-seo-for-my-small-business-website-in-2026-5-tricks\",\"How Do I Boost SEO for My Small Business Website in 2026? (5 Tricks)\"],[\"h2_can-i-use-local-seo-to-gain-an-edge-as-a-small-business-6-strategies\",\"Can I Use Local SEO To Gain an Edge as a Small Business? (6 Strategies)\"],[\"h2_should-i-upgrade-my-seo-efforts-to-reflect-the-age-of-ai-3-tactics\",\"Should I Upgrade My SEO Efforts To Reflect the Age of AI? 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