How to Choose the Right SEO Service for Your Small Business
I get it. SEO can sound like one of those “techy things” that only big companies need. But let me tell you, if you run a small business, having the right SEO service is one of the smartest moves you can make. If your goal is for your website to be found when your customer types in words or uses online voice searches, SEO should be your best friend!
If you’re wondering,
“Do I even need SEO?”
“Can I trust someone to do it for me?”
“How do I know it’s working?”
Keep reading as I break it all down, answer these questions and demystify SEO so you understand the role it plays and how it can help you.
What is SEO, and How does it Work?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It’s a set of strategies done to make sure that web crawlers discover and understand your website so when a searcher is looking for what you offer, your website will appear. Think of SEO as a way to introduce your business to new customers on the internet right when they’re looking for you.
Example: If someone says, “Siri, where’s the best bakery near me?” you want your bakery to be the first answer they hear.
If your business isn’t showing up or is appearing outside of the first page of Google, your customers are finding someone else, i.e. your competitor.
Why Choosing the Right SEO Service Matters
Here’s the deal: not all SEO services are the same. Some are amazing. Others overpromise and underdeliver.
When SEO is done right, it can:
Bring more traffic to your website
Help you show up in local searches
Turn searchers into paying customers
Save you money on ads that are expensive and will give you immediate traffic but as soon as you stop paying, that traffic will disappear.
When SEO is done wrong, it can:
Waste your time and money
Hurt your rankings
Damage your online reputation - even worst, if you get penalties from Google, this will set your site back for a long time
This is why it’s important to choose the right SEO who is both skilled and cares for your business and success.
8 Questions Every Small Business Should Ask Before Choosing an SEO Service
Be sure to do your research and ask the right questions when searching for an SEO to trust with your website.
1. Do They Specialize in Small Business SEO?
Big agencies typically focus on big brands with big budgets. As a small business owner, you want someone who understands small businesses, local marketing, and budget-friendly SEO strategies in your corner. Since small businesses have unique needs, the strategies must be tailored to satisfy your circumstances.
2. What’s Included in Their SEO Package?
Make sure you understand what you're paying for. Look for services like:
Keyword research
On-page SEO (like optimized titles, headers, and content)
Local SEO (Google Business Profile, map listings)
Mobile-first optimization
Technical SEO (site speed, indexing, errors)
Voice search and LLM optimization
Content creation or blogging
Pro Tip: A good SEO provider explains what they’re doing, why it matters, and how it will help your business.
3. Do They Follow Google’s Best Practices?
This is big! Ask if they follow white-hat SEO techniques. White-hat strategies follow the rules and won’t cause your website to face Google penalties. Penalties to any site can be devastating with a long recovery time. If they promise to get you “#1 overnight,” run! SEO is a marathon, not a magic trick. You have to be patient but once you rank, even the big sites won’t be able to dethrone you. Best of all, organic traffic is free and won’t cost a cent compared to Ads that will provide fast traffic but will eat up your budget. And if you turn them off, you will lose all of your gains.
4. What Tools They Use
Even basic SEO services should use reliable tools to track progress. Some legit tools they might mention:
Semrush: Keyword + competitor research
BrightLocal: Great for local listings
Surfer SEO: Optimizes content to rank higher
Google Analytics: Free data on your site traffic
Frase.io: Creates content that answers user questions
Ahrefs: keyword + competitor research
5. Can they Help with Voice and Mobile Search?
Today, over 60% of searches happen on mobile devices. And more people are using voice search than ever. Your SEO service should:
Optimize your site for mobile-first indexing
Use natural, conversational keywords
Help you answer common customer questions in your content
Apply AEO (Answer Engine Optimization)
Voice Example: “Where can I get same-day flower delivery near me?”
6. Are They Transparent About Pricing and Process?
You deserve to know what you’re getting and how much it costs. Ensure there are no hidden fees and no confusing contracts. A great provider will be transparent and walk you through every step.
7. Do They Educate You Along the Way?
You shouldn’t feel in the dark. The best SEO pros explain what they’re doing and give you tips so you can keep making improvements even when the service ends.
8. Do They Care?
You want to choose an SEO who cares about you and your success. You want someone who will take pride in the work they do for you and not just focus on the money to be made. With that said, be respectful of the time and effort they put into doing a good job for you. Caring goes both ways.
Common SEO Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these red flags:
“Guaranteed #1 ranking.” Ranking is not a guarantee and these types of promises are deceptive. There are many factors that go into ranking a page. Some are expert SEO tactics that follow Google’s algorithms and can lead to success but some are solely up to Google.
No clear reporting or updates. You want to gauge the changes and measure your success
Vague service descriptions. Transparency and honest communication are important so you know exactly what is being offered and can make an informed decision.
Outsourcing everything without oversight. There’s nothing wrong with outsourcing for additional help but your SEO provider must be accountable and ensure that the finished product is exactly what your site needs.
What Does a Good SEO Service Look Like?
When you work with a trusted SEO partner, expect:
Regular reports that make sense
A clear SEO strategy
Local visibility boosts (like map pack, reviews)
Voice search ready content
Mobile-friendly site design
Honest advice and no pushy sales
A Note on Voice & Mobile SEO:
Make sure your SEO service helps with these key areas:
Mobile Optimization:
Fast page speed
Tap-friendly buttons
Clear menus and UX layout
Voice Search Optimization:
Use of natural language
Include FAQs and “People Also Ask” style answers
Add location-based phrases like “near me”
LLM-Ready Content:
Answer full questions in your blog posts
Use structured data and schema markup
Focus on clarity, not keyword stuffing
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SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It helps your business show up in Google’s search results when people search for what you offer. Without it, your website is like a billboard in the desert where nobody sees it and knows it exists.
Even more importantly, SEO builds organic traffic which is free. Unlike expensive Paid Ads which will lead to quicker results, that will be lost as soon as you stop paying for the Ads, SEO/organic traffic is a more sustainable alternative for small businesses.
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Yes, if you have the time, patience and interest. You can watch videos on YouTube and explore tools that can help you do the basics yourself. SEO by Boss even offers a DIY SEO package with everything you need for implementation.
For technical SEO, local ranking and strategy, it helps to have an expert. Many business owners find that hiring an SEO saves time and gets faster results. If this option would be more helpful, check out our Build Package for small businesses and we’ll take care of it all for you.
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SEO is a long game. You may start seeing:
Small changes in 30–60 days
Bigger results in 3–6 months
Solid growth in 6–12 months
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Local SEO focuses on getting found in your town or city. It helps your business show up in “near me” searches, Google Maps, and local packs. It targets potential customers in your community who will be able to access your business
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Look for increased website traffic, better rankings on Google, more calls or visits, and growth in your Google Business Profile views.
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Beware of:
Promises of “guaranteed” rankings
Vague or confusing reports
No clear plan
Black-hat tactics like keyword stuffing or buying links
Final Tips on Choosing the Right SEO Service
Do your homework and understand your business goals
Ask the right questions
Look for clear progress
Start with a short-term contract
Stay involved in the process
Find an SEO who cares about your success, not just rankings
Whether you’re just starting your business or you’ve been around a while, good SEO helps you connect with real customers who are already searching for what you offer.
Interested in learning more useful SEO tips and strategies tailored for small businesses? Keep reading the SEO for Small Business Blog or choose a done-for-you SEO package and let’s work together.
