SEO can feel intimidating and jargon-heavy, but it does not have to be. Mike (branding/web) and Liz (social strategy) break down what small business owners actually need to know: what SEO is, what it is not, why it is a long-term play, and which few actions move the needle. We cover foundational setup, common myths, “black hat” shortcuts to avoid, how AI is changing search behavior, and simple ways to monitor progress.

You’ll learn

1. What SEO means today and why it is not a one-time checkbox.
2. The difference between SEO and other channels like social and ads—and how they support each other.
3. Foundational moves that work: clear service pages, location pages where relevant, strong page titles and H1s, fast mobile-friendly pages, and an optimized Google Business Profile.
4. Why keyword stuffing and hidden text get penalized, and how to write for humans first.
5. How AI and modern search favor context and useful answers over tricks.
6. Practical ways to track progress using Google Analytics, Search Console, and Google Business Profile insights.

Quick wins

1. Rewrite the main headline and page title on your homepage and top service pages to match what customers actually search.
2. Create or refine one service page and, if it fits your model, one service-plus-location page.
3. Claim or update your Google Business Profile and post an update this week.
4. Turn your top five FAQs into short answers on a page or blog and link them from relevant services.
5. Check page speed on mobile and desktop and note one fix to improve load time.

Key takeaway

SEO is not about gaming Google. It is about creating useful, clearly structured content that answers real questions and loads quickly on any device—then keeping at it. Do the basics well, stay consistent, and your visibility will grow.